Wiper and Washer Systems: Testing and Inspection
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGWIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM
WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
If the wiper motor operates, but the wipers do not move on the windshield, replace the ineffective wiper module. If the washer pump/motor operates, but no washer fluid is dispensed on the glass; or, if the wipers operate, but chatter, lift, or do not clear the glass, clean and inspect the wiper and washer system components as required.
The hard wired wiper and washer system circuits and components may be diagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the wiper and washer system or the electronic controls or communication between other modules and devices that provide some features of the wiper and washer system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the wiper and washer system or the electronic controls and communication related to wiper and washer system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
CLEANING - WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegees of the wiper blades from any petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, or contaminants. These products can rapidly deteriorate the rubber squeegees.
The squeegees of wiper blades exposed to the elements for a long time tend to lose their wiping effectiveness. Periodic cleaning of the squeegees is suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film. The wiper blades, arms, and windshield glass should only be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth and windshield washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. If the wiper blades continue to leave streaks, smears, hazing, or beading on the glass after thorough cleaning of the squeegees and the glass, the entire wiper blade assembly must be replaced.
WASHER SYSTEM
CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, or contaminants into the washer system. These products can rapidly deteriorate the rubber seals and hoses of the washer system, as well as the rubber squeegees of the wiper blades.
CAUTION: Never use compressed air to flush the washer system plumbing. Compressed air pressures are too great for the washer system plumbing components and will result in further system damage. Never use sharp instruments to clear a plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle orifice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.
If the washer system is contaminated with foreign material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the washer pump/motor from the reservoir. Clean foreign material from the inside of the washer pump/motor inlet filter screen and the washer reservoir using clean washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. Flush foreign material from the washer system plumbing by first disconnecting the washer hoses from the washer nozzles, then running the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or water through the system. Plugged or restricted washer nozzles should be carefully back-flushed using compressed air. If the washer nozzle obstruction cannot be cleared, replace the washer nozzle.
INSPECTION - WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be inspected periodically, not just when wiper performance problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points:
1. Carefully inspect the wiper blades for any indications of worn or uneven edges (1), foreign material deposits (2), hardening or cracking (3), deformation or fatigue (4), or splitting (5). Inspect the wiper blade support components and the wiper arms for damage (6) or corrosion. If the wiper arms and blades are contaminated with any foreign material, clean them and the glass as required. If a wiper blade or arm is damaged, or if corrosion is evident, replace the affected wiper arm or blade with a new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm or blade that is damaged or corroded.
2. Carefully lift the wiper blade off of the glass. Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no lateral looseness evident. If there is any binding evident in the wiper arm hinge, or there is evident lateral play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring back against the glass without the wiper blade in place or the glass may be damaged.
3. Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension. The spring tension of the wiper arm should be sufficient to cause the rubber squeegee to conform to the curvature of the glass. Replace a wiper arm if it has low or no spring tension.
4. After cleaning and inspecting the wiper components and the glass, if the wiper blade still fails to clear the glass without smearing, streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading, replace the wiper blade.
WASHER SYSTEM
The washer system components should be inspected periodically, not just when washer performance problems are experienced. This inspection should include the following points:
1. Check for ice or other foreign material in the washer reservoir. If contaminated, clean and flush the washer system.
2. Inspect the washer plumbing for pinched, leaking, deteriorated, or incorrectly routed hoses and damaged or disconnected hose fittings. Replace damaged or deteriorated hoses and hose fittings. Leaking washer hoses can sometimes be repaired by cutting the hose at the leak and splicing it back together using an in-line connector fitting. Similarly, sections of deteriorated hose can be cut out and replaced by splicing in new sections of hose using in-line connector fittings. Whenever routing a washer hose or a wire harness containing a washer hose, it must be routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts. Also, sharp bends that might pinch the washer hose must be avoided.