Windshield Washer Switch: Description and Operation

Fig. 22 Accessory Switch Bezel:

Fig. 23 Rear Wiper/Washer Switch:

The rear wiper and washer switch is located in the accessory switch bezel near the bottom of the instrument panel center stack area on the instrument panel. Only the single switch toggle button is visible through the opening of the accessory switch bezel. The remainder of the switch is concealed behind the accessory switch bezel within the instrument panel. The single two-function switch housing and switch toggle button are molded from black plastic. The switch toggle button is clearly identified by a white graphic of the International Control and Display Symbol icon for "Rear Wiper and Washer," making it clearly visible in daylight. When illuminated from behind by an integral panel lamps dimmer controlled illumination lamp with the exterior lamps turned On, the white graphic appears blue-green.

The rear wiper and washer switch is secured by a snap fit within a dedicated receptacle molded into the back of the accessory switch bezel. A single six pin connector receptacle is molded into the back of the switch housing. A dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness connects the switch to the vehicle electrical system. The rear wiper and washer switch contains switches and circuitry to control both the rear wiper and the rear washer functions. The rear wiper and washer switch cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire switch unit must be replaced. The incandescent switch illumination bulb and bulb holder unit is available for individual service replacement.

The rear wiper and washer switch uses conventionally switched outputs to control the functions and features of the rear wiper and washer system. The switch receives battery current on a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit from a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) through the rear wiper and washer system fuse in the fuse block whenever the ignition switch is in the On position. The switch receives a path to ground at all times through a through a take out of the instrument panel wire harness with an eyelet terminal connector that is secured by a ground screw to the support structure near the driver side end of the instrument panel.

The rear wiper and washer switch features detents in the Off and Wipe positions, and a momentary Wash position. When the switch toggle button is in the Off position it provides a ground path to the park switch within the rear wiper motor. The park switch uses this ground path to operate the rear wiper motor until the wiper blade is in its parked position, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first. When the switch toggle button is depressed downward to its Wipe detent position, the switch provides ignition switched battery current to the rear wiper motor and the rear wiper system operates. When the switch toggle button is depressed downward to the momentary Wash position, the switch provides ignition switched battery current to both the rear wiper motor and the rear washer pump motor for as long as the switch is held depressed. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the rear wiper and washer switch.

The incandescent switch illumination lamp is controlled by a lamp driver output from the instrument cluster based upon the panel lamps dimmer input to the cluster from the left multi-function switch. The rear wiper and washer switch can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods.