Wiper Motor - Inoperative/Circuit Breaker Operation

Bulletin No.: 013/97
Issued: 06/19/97
Revised:

Category
T

Applicable Model/s
All except B-Series & Navajo

Subject:
WIPER MOTOR INOPERATIVE CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTIVATION

NOTE:
This bulletin replaces previous service bulletins Cat 15-070/88 and Cat. G 003/97. Remove Cat G 003/97 from your files.

APPLICABLE MODELS:
All except B-Series and Navajo.

DESCRIPTION:





The wiper motor is equipped with a built-in circuit breaker to protect the circuit and motor from over heating due to motor overloading. Overload may occur when:

^ Motor temperature exceeds 150 degrees (C) [302 degrees (F)].
^ Wipers are frozen to the windshield.
^ Wiper motion is restricted due to heavy loads (snow or mud build-up).

NOTE:
Circuit automatically resets when motor temperature decreases below 90 degrees C (194 degrees F). The information in this bulletin is provided to answer customer questions regarding occasional wiper motor perceived problems and prevent unnecessary wiper motor replacement.

CUSTOMER NOTE:
To prevent wiper motor binding:
^ Remove ice or snow build-up from windshield with a suitable tool.
^ Confirm the wiper is free by carefully raising blades from glass.
^ NEVER operate wipers on dry windshield. If the wiper operation stops:
^ Guide the vehicle to the side of road and stop.
^ Turn wipers "OFF".
^ Wait approximately 5 minutes and turn the wiper switch "ON".
- If the wipers activate the wiper motor and circuitry are functioning properly (circuit breaker activated).
- If the wipers fail to activate, proceed to your nearest dealer when you can safely drive the vehicle.

Technician's Note:
If the wiper motor does not operate, check the wiper motor circuit (Refer to Workshop Manual for the specific model) and replace wiper motor if necessary.





3. To prevent wiper motor binding:
^ when wiper blades become stuck to the windshield due to freezing, heavy snow build-up or nonuse for long period, follow the procedures described.

CAUTION:
Never operate the wipers when the windshield is dry. Squirt washer fluid on the glass before using the wipers to clean the windshield.

Service Managers and Service Advisors should relay the following to customers with this concern.

CUSTOMER NOTE:
^ If the circuit breaker opens and stops operation of the wiper motor, operation will resume once the circuit resets itself (approx. 5 minutes).
^ If while the circuit breaker is open, the wiper switch is turned "OFF", the wiper will automatically move to the "PARK" position once the circuit breaker resets.

If the wiper motor stops while the vehicle is in motion:
^ Carefully guide the vehicle off the road and stop. Turn the wiper switch "OFF".
^ Wait approximately 5 minutes then turn the wiper switch "ON" to verify wiper operation. If the wipers operate, the wiper motor is functioning correctly (circuit breaker opened momentarily).

Technician's Note:
If the wiper motor does not operate, check the wiper motor circuit (Refer to Workshop Manual or specific model) and replace wiper motor if necessary.





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