Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation


The windshield wipers can be operated with the windshield wiper switch only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or Ignition position. A fuse located in the fuse block protects the circuitry of the wiper system. The same motor is used for standard and intermittent wipe systems.
The wiper motor has a permanent magnetic field. Speed is controlled by current flow to the appropriate set of brushes.
The intermittent wipe system, in addition to high and low speed, has a delay mode. The delay mode has a range of 2 to 15 seconds. This is accomplished by a variable resister in wiper switch and is controlled electrically by a relay.
The wiper system completes the wipe cycle when the switch is turned "Off." The blades park in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern.