Washer Malfunction
Washer Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The body control module (BCM) controls the windshield washer fluid pump based on an input from the turn signal/multifunction switch. The BCM monitors the washer switch through the windshield washer switch signal circuit. When the washer switch is closed, ground is supplied to the windshield washer switch signal circuit. When this is the case, the BCM will command the windshield washer fluid pump and the low speed wipers on.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Wiper/Washer Schematics Electrical Diagrams
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Sunshade - Left Front
Description and Operation
Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON.
2. Verify the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Active when the windshield washer switch is pressed.
• If the parameter is not Active
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch Circuit Test.
• If the parameter is Active
3. Verify the washer activates when the Windshield Washer Relay is commanded On with a scan tool.
• If the washers do not activate
Refer to Circuit/System Testing - Washer Pump Circuit Test.
• If the washers activate
4. All OK.
Circuit/System Testing
Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch Circuit Test
1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S78 turn signal/multifunction switch. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If 10 ohms or greater
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the K9 body contol module.
2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the low reference circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.
• If less than 10 ohms
3. Ignition ON.
4. Verify the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not Inactive
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 5 and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance, replace the K9 body control module.
• If Inactive
5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 5 and the low reference circuit terminal 1.
6. Verify the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Active.
• If not Active
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K9 body control module.
2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit and ground.
• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
• If less than 1 V
3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the signal circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.
• If Active
7. Test or replace the S78 turn signal/multifunction switch.
Washer Pump Circuit Test
1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the X50A underhood fuse block. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal C8 and ground.
• If 10 ohms or greater
1. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.
• If less than 10 ohms
3. Reconnect the X2 harness connector at the X50A underhood fuse block and disconnect the X3 harness connector at the X50A underhood fuse block.
4. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal G1 and ground.
• If 10 ohms or greater
1. Test for less than 2 ohms in the low reference circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.
• If less than 10 ohms
5. Reconnect the X3 harness connector at the X50A underhood fuse block and disconnect the harness connector at the G24.
6. Connect a test lamp between the control circuits terminal 2 and terminal 1, ignition ON.
7. Verify the test lamp turns ON and OFF when commanding the Windshield Washer Relay On and Off with a scan tool.
• If the test lamp is always OFF
1. Ignition OFF.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the control circuits and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance
3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the control circuits end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, test or replace the X50A underhood fuse block.
• If the test lamp is always ON
1. Test for less than 1 V between the control circuits and ground.
• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
• If less than 1 V, test or replace the X50A underhood fuse block.
• If the test lamp turns ON and OFF
8. Test or replace the G24 windshield washer pump.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the repair.
* Windshield Washer Pump Replacement (Terrain) Windshield Washer Pump Replacement (Terrain)Windshield Washer Pump Replacement (Equinox) Windshield Washer Pump Replacement (Equinox)
* Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness)
* Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement Service and Repair
* Control Module References Control Module References for BCM replacement, programming, and setup.