Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

The windshield wiper/washer system consists of the following components:

- Windshield wiper blades
- Windshield wiper pivot arm
- Windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft assembly
- Windshield wiper motor
- Windshield washer nozzle
- Windshield washer reservoir
- Windshield washer pump

The wiper system is activated by the multifunction switch. The multifunction switch provides input to the front wiper motor module to activate wash, low, high and intermittent modes. When the multifunction switch is momentarily placed into wash mode and then released, there will be a single swipe of the wipers without washer fluid.

The washer system consists of the washer reservoir and washer pump. When the multifunction switch is placed into the wash mode, the windshield wiper motor integral electronics activate the washer pump to direct washer fluid to the windshield. When the windshield washer system is deactivated, an additional 2-3 clearing wipes will be carried out 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.

If equipped with automatic headlamps, the Lighting Control Module (LCM) will illuminate the exterior lamps, including the parking lamps, when the front wipers are on for more than 3 seconds and the headlamp control is in the AUTOLAMP position. When the wipers are turned off, the exterior lamps will remain on for 30 seconds before turning off.