General Description

INTRODUCTION
Windshield wiper and washer systems are standard factory-installed equipment on this model.

Windshield Wiper System
An intermittent windshield wiper system is standard equipment on this model. The intermittent wiper system lets the driver select from either of two wiper speeds, low or high, or the intermittent wipe delay mode. A knob on the end of the multi-function switch stalk is rotated to select the desired wiper speed, or the intermittent wipe delay mode and interval.

On models equipped with a base version of the Central Timer Module (CTM), the intermittent wipe mode delay times are driver adjustable from about one-half second to about eighteen seconds. On models equipped with a high-line version of the CTM, the intermittent wipe mode delay times are speed sensitive. Above about sixteen kilometers-per-hour (ten miles-per-hour) the delay is driver adjustable from about one-half second to about eighteen seconds. Below about sixteen kilometers-per-hour (ten miles-per-hour) the high-line CTM doubles the delay time, or provides delays of about one second to about thirty-six second. The intermittent wipe mode is provided by delay logic and relay control circuitry contained within the Central Timer Module (CTM), and an intermittent wipe relay.

The windshield wipers will operate only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On positions. A fuse located in the junction block protects the circuitry of the windshield wiper system.

Following are general descriptions of the major components in the windshield wiper system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the windshield wiper system.

Windshield Washer System
An electrically operated windshield washer system is standard equipment. A knob on the end of the multi-function switch stalk is depressed toward the steering column to activate the washer system. A washer reservoir in the engine compartment holds the washer fluid, which is pressurized by a pump when the windshield washer switch is actuated. The windshield washer pump feeds the pressurized washer fluid through the washer system plumbing to the windshield washer nozzles.

An optional equipment low washer fluid warning lamp in the instrument cluster will warn the driver when the washer fluid level needs to be checked. Refer to Low Washer Fluid Warning Lamp in Instrument Panel Systems for more information on this feature.

The washers will operate only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On positions. A fuse located in the junction block protects the circuitry of the washer system.

Following are general descriptions of the major components in the windshield washer system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the windshield washer system.

SYSTEM OPERATION
Wiper Arm And Blade
All Ram truck models have two 50.8-centimeter (20-inch) windshield wiper blades with non-replaceable rubber elements (squeegees). These wiper blades include an anti-lift feature. The wiper blades and squeegees must be oriented correctly when installed on the wiper arms for the anti-lift feature to be effective. See Wiper Blade in the Replacement for more information.

Caution should be exercised to protect the rubber squeegees from any petroleum-based cleaners or contaminants, which will rapidly deteriorate the rubber. If the squeegees are damaged, worn, or contaminated, the entire wiper blade assembly must be replaced.

Wiper squeegees exposed to the elements for a long time tend to lose their wiping effectiveness. Periodic cleaning of the squeegees is suggested to remove deposits of salt and road film. The wiper blades, arms, and windshield should be cleaned with a sponge or cloth and windshield washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. If the squeegees continue to streak or smear, the wiper blades should be replaced.

The blades are mounted to spring-loaded wiper arms. The spring tension of the wiper arms controls the pressure applied to the blades on the glass. The windshield wiper arms are secured by an integral latch to the two wiper pivots on the cowl plenum cover/grille panel at the base of the windshield.

The wiper arms and blades cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.

Wiper Linkage And Pivot
The wiper linkage and pivot module is secured with four screws through four rubber grommet-type insulators to the cowl plenum panel beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. The wiper motor is secured with screws to the center of the linkage and pivot module bracket, and the wiper pivots are secured to the ends of the module bracket.

The two wiper pivot crank arms and the wiper motor crank arm each have ball studs on their ends. The motor crank arm ball stud is the longer of the three. Two drive links connect the motor crank arm to the pivot crank arms.

The passenger side drive link has a plastic socket-type bushing on each end. The driver side drive link has a plastic socket-type bushing on one end, and a plastic sleeve-type bushing on the other end. The socket-type bushing on one end of each drive link is snap-fit over the ball stud on the crank arm of its respective pivot. The driver side drive link sleeve-type bushing end is then fit over the motor crank arm ball stud, and the second socket-type bushing of the passenger side drive link is snap-fit over the exposed end of the motor crank arm ball stud.

The wiper linkage, pivots, bushings, mounting bracket, and motor are only serviced as a complete unit. If any part of this assembly is faulty or damaged, the entire wiper module must be replaced.

Wiper Motor
The two-speed permanent magnet wiper motor has an integral transmission and park switch. The motor also contains an internal automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the motor from overloads.

The motor is secured to the wiper linkage and pivot module bracket with three screws. The wiper motor output shaft passes through a hole in the module bracket, where a nut secures the wiper motor crank arm to the motor output shaft.

Wiper speed is controlled by current flow to the proper set of brushes. The wiper motor completes its wipe cycle when the windshield wiper switch on the end of the multi-function switch stalk is turned to the Off position, and parks the blades in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern.

The windshield wiper linkage, pivots, bushings, mounting bracket, and motor are only serviced as a complete unit. If any part of this unit is faulty or damaged, the entire wiper module must be replaced.

Wiper Switch And Washer Switch
The windshield wiper and washer switches are contained in the multi-function switch assembly. The multi-function switch assembly is secured to the left side of the steering column. A knob on the end of the multi-function switch stalk is rotated to select the desired wiper speed or intermittent wipe delay, or depressed toward the steering column to activate the washer system.

The multi-function switch contains circuitry for the following functions:
- Turn signals
- Hazard warning
- Headlamp beam selection
- Headlamp optical horn
- Windshield wipers
- Windshield washers.

The information contained addresses only the switch functions for the windshield wiper and washer systems. However, the multi-function switch cannot be repaired. If any function of the multi-function switch is faulty, or if the switch is damaged, the entire switch assembly must be replaced.

Central Timer Module
Two versions of the Central Timer Module (CTM) are available on this vehicle, a base version and a high-line version. The base version of the CTM is used on base models of the vehicle. It is also sometimes referred to as the Integrated Electronic Module (IEM). The base version of the CTM combines the functions of a chime/buzzer module, an intermittent wipe module, and an ignition lamp time delay relay in a single unit.

The high-line version of the CTM is used on high-line vehicles. The high-line CTM provides all of the functions of the base version CTM, but also is used to control and integrate many of the additional electronic functions and features included on the high- line models. The high-line version of the CTM contains a central processing unit and interfaces with other modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.

The CCD data bus network allows the sharing of sensor information. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity, reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce component sensor current loads. At the same time, this system provides increased reliability, enhanced diagnostics, and allows the addition of many new feature capabilities.

Both the base and the high-line versions of the CTM support the intermittent wipe and wipe-after- wash features, but only the high-line CTM supports the speed sensitive intermittent wipe. The intermittent wipe relay is one of the outputs that both the base and the high-line versions of the CTM can control. Each CTM is programmed to energize or de-energize the intermittent wipe relay in response to certain inputs from the windshield wiper and washer switches and from the windshield wiper motor park switch.

For the speed sensitive intermittent wipe feature, the high-line CTM also uses vehicle speed messages, which are received on the CCD data bus from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Both versions of the CTM are mounted under the driver side end of the instrument panel, inboard of the instrument panel steering column opening. Refer to Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators/Audible Warning Device/Central Timer Module Replacement for the service procedures.

See Wiper System in the Diagnosis and Testing for diagnosis of the base version of the CTM. For diagnosis of the high-line version of the CTM or the CCD data bus, a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended. The CTM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

Intermittent Wipe Relay
The intermittent wipe relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay The terminal designations and functions are the same as a conventional ISO relay However, the micro-relay terminal orientation (or footprint) is different, current capacity is lower, and the relay case dimensions are smaller than those of the conventional ISO relay.

The intermittent wipe relay is a electromechanical device that switches battery current to the windshield wiper motor or wiper motor park switch when the relay coil is grounded by the Central Timer Module (CTM) in response to inputs from the windshield wiper (multi-function) switch. See Intermittent Wipe Relay in the Diagnosis and Testing for more information.

The intermittent wipe relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in the engine compartment. Refer to the PDC label for relay identification and location.

The intermittent wipe relay cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

Washer Reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is secured to the left side of the radiator fan shroud in the engine compartment. The washer pump and motor unit has a barbed nipple, which is installed through a rubber grommet seal inserted in a hole near the bottom of the reservoir. The washer pump is retained by an interference fit between the barbed nipple and the grommet seal, which is a light press fit.

A snap-fit filler cap with a rubber seal and an integral bail strap is fit to the reservoir filler neck. On models so equipped, the reservoir also has a hole provided for a washer fluid level sensor. Refer to Low Washer Fluid Warning Lamp in the Diagnosis and Testing of Instrument Panel Systems for diagnosis of the sensor.

The washer reservoir, grommet seals and filler cap are each available for service.

Washer Pump
The washer pump and motor are mounted near the bottom of the washer reservoir. A barbed nipple on the pump housing passes through a rubber grommet seal installed in a hole near the bottom of the reservoir. The washer pump is retained by an interference fit between the barbed pump nipple and the grommet seal, which is a light press fit.

A permanently lubricated and sealed motor is coupled to a rotor-type pump. Washer fluid is gravity-fed from the reservoir to the pump. When the motor is energized, the pump pressurizes the washer fluid and forces it through the plumbing to the nozzles.

The washer pump and motor unit cannot be repaired. If faulty, the entire washer pump and motor unit must be replaced.

Washer Fluid Level Sensor
The washer fluid level sensor is mounted on the inboard side of the reservoir above the washer pump. A barbed nipple on the sensor is press-fit into a rubber grommet seal installed in a hole in the side of the reservoir.

When the fluid level in the reservoir falls below the pivoting float on the sensor, the float changes position and closes the internal switch contacts of the sensor. Refer to Low Washer Fluid Warning Lamp in the Diagnosis and Testing of Instrument Panel Systems for diagnosis of the low washer fluid warning lamp and circuit, including the sensor.
The washer fluid level sensor cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the sensor unit must be replaced.

Washer Nozzle And Plumbing
Pressurized washer fluid is fed through a single hose, attached to a barbed nipple on the washer pump. The hose is routed along the left inner fender shield to an in-line fitting near the dash panel.

A second hose is routed from the in-line fitting through a grommet inserted in a hole in the cowl plenum panel to a wye fitting located in the cowl plenum area, beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. Hoses from the wye fitting in the cowl plenum are routed through clips molded to the underside of the cowl plenum cover/grille panel to the two washer nozzles. The washer nozzles are snap-fit into openings in the cowl plenum cover/grille panel.

The two fluidic washer nozzles are not adjustable. The nozzles and hose fittings cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.