Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation
INTRODUCTIONWindshield wiper and washer systems are standard factory-installed equipment on this model.
WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM
An intermittent windshield wiper system is standard equipment on this model. The intermittent wiper system lets the driver select from either of two wiper speeds, low or high, or the intermittent wipe delay mode. A knob on the end of the multi-function switch stalk is rotated to select the desired wiper speed, or the intermittent wipe delay mode and interval.
Two different versions of the intermittent wipe system are used on this model. On models that are not equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), a conventional electronic intermittent wipe module is used that provides intermittent wipe mode delay times that are driver adjustable from about 1/2 second to about 14 seconds.
On models equipped with the optional VTSS, a Central Timer Module (CTM) that contains intermittent wipe delay logic and relay control circuitry, and an external intermittent wipe relay are used to provide intermittent wipe mode delay times that are speed sensitive. Above about 16 km/h (10 mph) the delay is driver adjustable from about 1/2 second to about 18 seconds. Below about 16 km/h (10 mph) the CTM doubles the delay time, or provides delays of about 1 second to about 36 seconds.
The windshield wipers will operate only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or ON positions. A fuse located in the fuseblock module protects the circuitry of the windshield wiper system.
Following are general descriptions of the major components in the windshield wiper system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the windshield wiper system.
WINDSHIELD WASHER SYSTEM
An electrically operated windshield washer system is standard equipment. A paddle near the end of the multi-function switch stalk is rotated toward the instrument panel to activate the washer system. A washer reservoir in the engine compartment holds the washer fluid, which is pressurized by a pump when the windshield washer switch is actuated. The windshield washer pump feeds the pressurized washer fluid through the washer system plumbing to the windshield washer nozzles.
A standard equipment low washer fluid warning lamp in the instrument cluster will warn the driver when the washer fluid level needs to be checked.
The windshield washers will operate only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or ON positions. A fuse located in the fuseblock module protects the circuitry of the washer system.
Following are general descriptions of the major components in the windshield washer system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the windshield washer system.
WIPER ARM AND BLADE
All Ram van/wagon models have two 47.5 cm (19 inch) windshield wiper blades with non-replaceable rubber elements (squeegees). These wiper blades include an anti-lift feature. The wiper blades and squeegees must be oriented correctly when installed on the wiper arms for the anti-lift feature to be effective.
Caution should be exercised to protect the rubber squeegees from any petroleum-based cleaners or contaminants, which will rapidly deteriorate the rubber. If the squeegees are damaged, worn, or contaminated, the entire wiper blade assembly must be replaced.
Wiper squeegees exposed to the elements for a long time tend to lose their wiping effectiveness. Periodic cleaning of the squeegees is suggested to remove deposits of salt and road film. The wiper blades, arms, and windshield should be cleaned with a sponge or cloth and windshield washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. If the squeegees continue to streak or smear, the wiper blades should be replaced.
The blades are mounted to two spring-loaded wiper arms. The spring tension of the wiper arms controls the pressure applied to the blades on the glass. The windshield wiper arms are secured by an integral latch to the two wiper pivots on the cowl plenum cover/grille panel at the base of the windshield.
The wiper arms and blades cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WIPER LINKAGE AND PIVOT
The wiper linkage and pivot module is secured with screws to the cowl top panel beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. The wiper motor is secured with screws on the engine compartment side of the cowl plenum panel. The wiper motor output shaft and crank arm are installed through a hole in the cowl plenum panel into the cowl plenum area, where they are connected to the wiper linkage.
The two wiper pivot crank arms and the wiper motor crank arm each have ball studs on their ends. The ball stud on the driver side pivot crank arm is longer than the other two ball studs. A connecting link with a plastic socket-type bushing in the passenger side end, and a plastic sleeve-type bushing in the driver side end, is fit over the pivot crank arm ball studs to join the two pivots.
The wiper drive link has a plastic socket-type bushing on each end. One end of the drive link is snap-fit over the exposed end of the longer driver side pivot ball stud, while the other end is snap-fit over the ball stud on the wiper motor crank arm.
The wiper linkage, pivots, and bushings are only serviced as a complete unit. If any part of this assembly is faulty, the entire wiper linkage unit must be replaced. The wiper motor is serviced separately.
WIPER MOTOR
The two-speed permanent magnet wiper motor has an integral transmission and park switch. The motor has a rubber-isolated mounting bracket that is secured with screws to a reinforcement with weld nuts on the engine side of the cowl plenum panel. The wiper motor output shaft and crank arm passes through a hole in the cowl plenum panel into the cowl plenum area.
Wiper speed is controlled by current flow to the proper set of brushes. The wiper motor completes its wipe cycle when the windshield wiper switch on the end of the multi-function switch stalk is turned to the OFF position, and parks the blades in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern.
The windshield wiper motor cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire wiper motor assembly must be replaced. The wiper linkage and pivots, and the reinforcement are available for service.
WIPER SWITCH AND WASHER SWITCH
Multi-Function Switch:
The windshield wiper and washer switches are integral to the multi-function switch assembly, which is secured to the left side of the steering column. A knob on the end of the multi-function switch stalk is rotated to select the desired wiper speed or intermittent wipe delay interval. A paddle near the end of the switch stalk is rotated toward the instrument panel to activate the washer system.
The multi-function switch also contains circuitry for the following functions:
- Turn signals
- Hazard warning
- Headlamp beam selection
- Headlamp optical horn
- Horn contact and circuit.
The information contained addresses only the multi-function switch windshield wiper and washer switches. However, the windshield wiper and washer switches cannot be repaired. If these switches or any other circuit of the multi-function switch is faulty or damaged, the entire multi-function switch assembly must be replaced.
INTERMITTENT WIPE MODULE
An intermittent wipe module is used on vehicles that are not equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). In addition to low and high speed, the intermittent wipe system has a delay mode. Electronic circuitry within the intermittent wipe module is used to accomplish the wiper delay mode. The delay time selected by the driver has a range of from about 1/2 second to about 18 seconds.
The driver selects the length of the delay by placing the wiper (multi-function) switch knob in one of five different intermittent wipe detent positions. One of the detent positions sends a battery voltage signal to the intermittent wipe module, while the other four positions use resistors to provide progressively lower voltage signals to the module. If the washer knob is depressed while the wiper switch is in the OFF position, the intermittent wipe module will operate the wiper motor for approximately three wipes and automatically turn off the motor.
The intermittent wipe module is snap-fit onto a single blade-type mounting bracket located on the instrument panel reinforcement above the glove box opening. The intermittent wipe module cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
CENTRAL TIMER MODULE
A Central Timer Module (CTM) is used on this vehicle when it is equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). In addition to serving as the security system module, the CTM combines the functions of a chime/buzzer module, an intermittent wipe module, an illuminated entry module, and a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) module in a single unit.
The CTM is also able to control and integrate many of the additional electronic functions and features included on models with this option. The CTM contains a central processing unit and interfaces with other modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.
The CCD data bus network allows the sharing of sensor information. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity, reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce component sensor current loads. At the same time, this system provides increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of many new feature capabilities.
Intermittent wipe, wipe-after-wash, and speed sensitive intermittent wipe are some of the features that the CTM supports. The intermittent wipe relay is one of the outputs that the CTM can control. The CTM is programmed to energize or de-energize the intermittent wipe relay in response to certain inputs from the windshield wiper and washer switches and from the windshield wiper motor park switch.
For the speed sensitive intermittent wipe feature, the CTM also uses vehicle speed messages, which are received on the CCD data bus from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The CTM is mounted under the instrument panel, to the inboard side of the left center instrument panel support.
For diagnosis of the CTM or the CCD data bus, a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended. The CTM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
INTERMITTENT WIPE RELAY
An intermittent wipe relay is used on models that are equipped with the optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS). The intermittent wipe relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay. The terminal designations and functions are the same as a conventional ISO relay. However, the micro-relay terminal orientation (or footprint) is different, current capacity is lower; and the relay case dimensions are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.
The intermittent wipe relay is a electromechanical device that switches battery current to the windshield wiper motor when the relay coil is grounded by the Central Timer Module (CTM) in response to inputs from the windshield wiper (multi-function) switch.
The intermittent wipe relay is located in a connector that is taped back to the instrument panel wire harness above the inboard side of the glove box opening. The intermittent wipe relay cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
WASHER RESERVOIR
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is secured to the left radiator closure panel between the battery and the coolant reserve bottle in the engine compartment. The washer pump and motor unit has a barbed nipple, which is installed through a rubber grommet seal inserted in a hole near the bottom of the reservoir. The washer pump is retained by an interference fit between the barbed nipple and the grommet seal, which is a light press fit.
The washer reservoir has a snap-fit filler cap with a rubber gasket. The cap hinges on and is secured to a molded-in hook formation on the reservoir body, behind the filler neck. The reservoir also has a provision for a washer fluid level sensor.
The washer reservoir, grommet seals and filler cap are each available for service.
WASHER PUMP
The washer pump and motor are mounted near the bottom of the washer reservoir. A barbed nipple on the pump housing passes through a rubber grommet seal installed in a hole near the bottom of the reservoir. The washer pump is retained by an interference fit between the barbed pump nipple and the grommet seal, which is a light press fit.
A permanently lubricated and sealed motor is coupled to a rotor-type pump. Washer fluid is gravity-fed from the reservoir to the pump. When the motor is energized, the pump pressurizes the washer fluid and forces it through the plumbing to the nozzles.
The washer pump and motor unit cannot be repaired. If faulty, the entire washer pump and motor unit must be replaced.
WASHER FLUID LEVEL SENSOR
The washer fluid level sensor is mounted near the bottom of the rearward facing side of the washer reservoir. A barbed nipple on the sensor is press-fit into a rubber grommet seal installed in the mounting hole on the reservoir.
When the fluid level in the washer reservoir falls below the travel limit of the float, the internal switch contacts of the sensor close.
The washer fluid level sensor cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the sensor unit must be replaced.
WASHER NOZZLE AND PLUMBING
Pressurized washer fluid is fed through a single hose, attached to a barbed nipple on the washer pump. The hose is routed to an in-line fitting located near the left front wheelhouse inner panel, where it connects to another single hose routed to the left side of the cowl plenum panel. Push-in retainers secure the washer hose to the underside of the cowl plenum panel and to the hood panel inner reinforcement.
The single washer hose is then connected to a combination wye fitting/check valve located at the hood panel inner reinforcement near the left washer nozzle. Hoses from the wye fitting/check valve are routed to the lower nipple of the two washer nozzles, which are snapped into two holes in the hood panel from the top.
When the washer system is activated, each washer nozzle will emit streams of washer fluid onto the windshield. The wye fitting/check valve unit helps to prevent washer fluid from draining back to the washer reservoir or from weeping out of the washer nozzles while the washer system is not in use. The washer nozzles and hose fittings cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.