Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

The wiper and washer system consists of the following components:

- Front windshield wiper motor
- Multifunction switch
- Rear window wiper blade
- Rear window wiper motor
- Rear window wiper pivot arm
- Rear window wiper striker and wiper pivot shaft assembly
- Windshield (2-way) washer fluid pump
- Windshield washer fluid reservoir (integral to the battery tray)
- Windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft
- Windshield wiper pivot arms

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

- SJB
- Rain sensor (optional)

Wipers

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. Intermittent settings are replaced by sensitivity settings on vehicles equipped with rain sensitive wipers. The multifunction switch also provides input to the rear wiper module to activate wash, INT 1 and INT 2 modes. The wiper motor contains relays that are not serviceable separately. If equipped with automatic headlamps, the SJB will illuminate the exterior lamps within 10 seconds, when the front wipers are active 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 front and rear washer system share the same washer reservoir and washer pump. The washer reservoir is integral to the battery tray. Refer to Battery, Mounting and Cables Battery Tray. The front and rear wiper motor integral electronics control the direction of the washer pump to direct washer fluid to the windshield or rear window. When the washer system is activated, the wipers will cycle 2-3 times with washer fluid, followed by one final wipe a few seconds later to clear any remaining fluid that is dripping down from the top of the windshield.

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 motor module to activate the windshield wiper motor. The rain sensor is located on the windshield to the right of the rear view mirror.