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

- SJB (Smart Junction Box)

- Washer fluid nozzles

- Washer fluid hoses

- Rain sensor (if equipped)

- Rain sensor bracket (if equipped)

- 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 (Smart Junction Box) 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 Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators.

Rain Sensitive Wipers (if equipped)

When equipped, the rain sensitive wipers feature replaces the standard intermittent wiper feature. The multifunction switch must be positioned to any of the 5 auto/intermittent settings to activate the rain sensitive wipers. The lowest setting (closest to OFF) is the least sensitive to moisture. The highest setting is the most sensitive to moisture. The windshield wipers cycle when the multifunction switch is placed into or changing between the auto/intermittent settings. When the rain sensitive wiper feature is active, the system adjusts the wiper speed automatically when moisture is detected on the windshield.

A lens/bracket service kit is available to repair/replace a detached bracket or a damaged/contaminated gel-type lens. The rain sensor gel-type lens cannot be reused on a rain sensor of this type. When reinstalling a rain sensor, a new lens from the lens/bracket service kit must be installed to the rain sensor. Refer to Rain Sensor .