Washer Fluid Level Indicator: Testing and Inspection

The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative washer fluid indicator condition. If the problem being diagnosed is related to indicator accuracy, be certain to confirm that the problem is with the indicator or washer fluid level switch input and not with a damaged or empty washer fluid reservoir, or inoperative instrument cluster indicator control circuitry. Inspect the washer fluid reservoir for proper fluid level and signs of damage or distortion that could affect washer fluid level switch performance and perform the instrument cluster actuator test before you proceed with the following diagnosis. If no washer fluid reservoir or instrument cluster control circuitry problem is found, the following procedure will help to locate a short or open in the washer fluid switch sense circuit. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WITH WASHER RESERVOIR EMPTY
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness connector for the washer fluid level switch from the washer fluid level switch connector receptacle. Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the headlamp and dash wire harness connector for the washer fluid level switch and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground (G112) as required.
2. Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument panel. Check for continuity between the washer fluid switch sense circuit cavities of the headlamp and dash wire harness connector for the washer fluid level switch and the instrument panel wire harness connector (Connector C2) for the instrument cluster. If OK, replace the faulty washer fluid level switch. If not OK, repair the open washer fluid switch sense circuit between the washer fluid level switch and the instrument cluster as required.

INDICATOR STAYS ILLUMINATED WITH WASHER RESERVOIR FULL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness connector for the washer fluid level switch from the washer fluid level switch connector receptacle. Check for continuity between the ground circuit terminal and the washer fluid switch sense terminal in the washer fluid level switch connector receptacle. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty washer fluid level switch.
2. Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument panel. Check for continuity between the washer fluid switch sense circuit cavity of the headlamp and dash wire harness connector for the washer fluid level switch and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If not OK, repair the shorted washer fluid switch sense circuit between the washer fluid level switch and the instrument cluster as required.