Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

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

The windshield wiper and washer system consists of the following:

- Windshield wiper pivot arm
- Windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft
- Windshield wiper motor
- Windshield washer reservoir
- Windshield washer pump
- Multifunction switch
- Wiper/washer module
- SJB
- Rain sensor module (if equipped)

Wipers

The wiper system is activated by the multifunction switch. The multifunction switch provides input to the wiper/washer module to activate wash, low, high and intermittent modes.

Washer

The washer system consists of the washer reservoir and washer pump. When the multifunction switch is placed into the wash mode, the wiper/washer module integral electronics activate the washer pump to direct washer fluid to the windshield.

Wiper Activated Headlamps (If Equipped with Autolamp System)

When the headlamp control switch is in the AUTOLAMP position and the wipers are on for greater than 3 seconds, the SJB will activate the headlamps. When the SJB detects that the wipers have been turned off, the SJB will turn off the headlamps after 30 seconds.

Speed Sensitive Wipers

When the wiper control is set on any intermittent setting except INT 1, the speed dependant wipers will automatically adjust with the vehicle speed. This feature decreases the time between wipes when the vehicle speed increases.

Rain Sensitive Wipers

The multifunction switch must be positioned to 1 of the 5 sensitivity settings in order to turn the rain sensitive wiper system on. The sensitivity position closest to OFF is the least sensitive to moisture. The highest sensitivity 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/washer module to activate the windshield wiper motor. The rain sensor is located on the windshield to the right of the rear view mirror.