Washer Fluid Level Indicator: Testing and Inspection

HARD WIRED LAMP DIAGNOSIS
Each of the lamps found in this depends upon a hard wired circuit input to the instrument cluster for proper operation. The following procedures will help to diagnose conditions that may cause an inoperative hard wired lamp circuit condition.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIRBAGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Low Washer Fluid Warning Lamp
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative low washer fluid warning lamp condition. If the problem being diagnosed is related to lamp accuracy, be certain to confirm that the problem is with the lamp or washer fluid level sensor and not with a damaged or empty washer fluid reservoir. Inspect the reservoir for proper fluid level and signs of damage or distortion that could affect sensor performance before you proceed with lamp diagnosis. Refer to Washer System in the Diagnosis and Testing of Wiper and Washer Systems for more information.
1. Check the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run/start) fuse in the junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output (run/start) circuit to the ignition switch as required.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the washer fluid level sensor. Install a jumper wire between the two cavities of the washer fluid level sensor wire harness connector. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. About thirty seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the low washer fluid warning lamp should light. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Remove the jumper wire from the washer fluid level sensor connector. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and, following the cluster bulb check sequence, the lamp should go off. If OK, replace the faulty washer fluid level sensor. If not OK, go to Step 4.

NOTE: If the ignition switch is in the ON position when the washer fluid level sensor circuit is grounded, the instrument cluster programming will double the low washer fluid warning lamp illumination delay time from thirty seconds to about sixty seconds. This feature is intended to compensate for the effects of washer fluid sloshing within the washer fluid reservoir while the vehicle is being driven.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the washer fluid level sensor wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as required.
5. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the instrument cluster. The washer fluid level sensor wire harness connector is still disconnected. Check for continuity between the low washer fluid level sense circuit cavity of the instrument cluster wire harness connector B and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the shorted low washer fluid level sense circuit as required.
6. Check for continuity between the low washer fluid level sense circuit cavities of the instrument cluster wire harness connector B and the washer fluid level sensor wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster. If not OK, repair the open low washer fluid level sense circuit as required.