Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

The wiper and washer system consists of the following components:

- Wiper pivot arms - front
- Wiper pivot arm - rear (Taurus X)
- Wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft
- Windshield wiper motor
- Rear window wiper motor (Taurus X)
- Windshield washer pump
- Windshield washer reservoir

- NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) may also be identified as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).

SJB
- Multifunction switch

Wiper System

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. The multifunction switch also provides input to the rear wiper module (Taurus X) to activate wash, INT 1 and INT 2 modes. The relays are all integral to the wiper motor module assemblies and are not serviceable separately.

If equipped with automatic headlamps, the SJB will illuminate the exterior lamps, including the parking lamps, when the front wipers are on for more than 10 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.

Washer System

For Taurus and Sable, 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.

For Taurus X, the front and rear washer system share the same washer reservoir and washer pump. The front and rear wiper motor module integral electronics control the direction of the washer pump to direct washer fluid to the windshield or rear window.

Windshield Washer Courtesy Wipe

When the front windshield washer system is activated, the wipers will cycle with washer fluid. When the front windshield washer system is deactivated, an additional 2-3 clearing wipes will be carried out followed by one final wipe a few seconds later to clear any remaining fluid that is dripping down from the top of the windshield.