Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

The wiper and washer system consists of the following components:

- Wiper blades
- Front wiper relay
- Front wiper pivot arms
- Wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft
- Windshield wiper motor
- Washer pump
- Washer reservoir
- Multifunction switch

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

SJB
- Washer fluid nozzles
- Washer fluid hoses
- Rain sensor
- Rear window wiper motor
- Rear wiper pivot arm

Wipers

The wiper system is activated by the multifunction switch. The multifunction switch provides input to the wiper motors to activate wash, low, high and intermittent modes. The wiper motors contain relays that are not serviceable separately.

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.

Washers

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.

When the washer system is activated, the wipers will cycle 2 or 3 times with washer fluid. Once the wash is deactivated, one final wipe will occur a few seconds later to clear any remaining fluid that is dripping down from the top of the windshield. The washer pump can operate for 10 seconds, when the multifunction switch is in the wash position.

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 Information And Message Center.

Rain Sensitive Wipers

The multifunction switch must be positioned to 1 of the 5 intermittent settings in order to turn the rain sensitive wiper system on. The intermittent position closest to OFF is the least sensitive to moisture. The highest intermittent 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.