Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

The wiper and washer system consists of the following components:

- Windshield wiper blades
- Windshield wiper pivot arms
- Windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft
- Windshield wiper motor
- Windshield washer fluid reservoir/battery tray
- Windshield washer fluid pump
- Windshield wiper/washer switch (part of multifunction switch)
- NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) may also be identified as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).

SJB

Wipers

The wiper system is activated by the multifunction switch. The multifunction switch provides input to the wiper motor module to activate wash, low, high and intermittent 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 within 10 seconds, when the front wipers are activated and the headlamp control switch is in the AUTOLAMP position. When the wipers are turned off, the exterior lamps will remain on for 30 seconds before turning off.

Washers

The washer system consists of the washer reservoir and washer pump. The washer reservoir is integral to the battery tray. Refer to Battery. 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.

Speed Dependent Wipers

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