Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

The wiper and washer system consists of the following components:

- Wiper blades
- Wiper pivot arms - front
- Wiper pivot arm - rear
- Front wiper relay
- Rear wiper relay
- Wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft
- Windshield wiper motor/module
- Rear window wiper motor/module
- Windshield washer pump
- Windshield washer reservoir
- Multifunction switch

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

SJB
- Washer fluid hoses
- Washer fluid nozzles

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. 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.

The front and rear washer system share the same washer reservoir and washer pump. When the multifunction switch is placed into the wash mode, the windshield wiper motor and rear wiper motor integral electronics control the direction of the washer pump to direct washer fluid to the windshield or rear window.

The washer fluid hose for the rear washer fluid nozzle is routed along the roof and is accessible by lowering the headliner.

If equipped with automatic headlamps, the SJB will illuminate the exterior lamps, including the parking lamps within 10 seconds, when the front wipers are on 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.

The Instrument Cluster (IC) uses a washer fluid level switch to monitor the level of the washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir. For information on the washer fluid level system, refer to Instrumentation, Message Center, and Warning Chimes Description and Operation.