Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

The wiper and washer system consists of the following components:

- Wiper motor/module
- Multifunction switch
- Washer fluid pump
- Washer fluid reservoir/battery tray
- Wiper blades
- Wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft
- Wiper pivot arms
- Washer fluid nozzles
- NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) may also be identified as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).
SJB
- Rain sensor (optional)

Wipers

The wiper system is activated by the multifunction switch. The multifunction switch provides input to the wiper motor module to activate wash, low, high and intermittent modes. The wiper motor contains relays that are not serviceable separately.

Washers

The washer system consists of the washer reservoir and washer pump. The washer reservoir is integral to the battery tray. Refer to Battery. When the multifunction switch is placed into the wash mode, the wiper motor integral electronics activate the washer pump to direct washer fluid to the windshield. When the windshield washer system is activated, the wipers will cycle 2-3 times with washer fluid followed by one final courtesy wipe a few seconds later to clear any remaining fluid that is dripping down from the top of the windshield.

Rain Sensitive Wipers

The multifunction switch must be positioned to 1 of the 5 intermittent settings in order to turn the rain sensitive wiper system on. The intermittent position closest to OFF is the least sensitive to moisture. The highest intermittent position is the most sensitive to moisture. When the rain sensitive wiper system is active, the system will activate the wipers and adjust the wiper speed automatically when moisture is detected on the windshield. The rain sensor is used to detect the amount of moisture on the windshield. If moisture is present on the windshield, the rain sensor will send a signal to the wiper motor module to activate the windshield wiper motor. The rain sensor is located on the windshield to the right of the rear view mirror.