Windshield Washer Switch: Description and Operation

GENERAL INFORMATION
Multi-Function Switch

WARNING: VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN AIRBAG, REFER TO RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR STEERING WHEEL OR COLUMN SERVICE PROCEDURES.

Multi-Function Switch:

The multi-function switch contains:
- Turn signals
- Hazard warning
- Headlamps
- Headlamp beam select
- Parking lamps
- Panel dimmer
- Fog Lamp
- Headlamp optical horn
- Windshield wiper
- Pulse wipe
- Mist wipe
- Windshield washer switches.

The multi-function switch is mounted center of the steering column. There are two levers, one on each side of the steering column. The left side controls the signaling and lighting. The right side controls the windshield wiper and washer system. To use the washers pull lever toward the driver. The mist is a single wipe operation by pushing lever down and releasing the lever. Intermittent wiper operation is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM). The lever has a selection of delay intervals and by turning the lever the wiper will cycle every half second to 36 seconds depending ON the vehicle's speed. The wiper has two cycle two speeds.

The windshield wipers will only operate when the ignition switch is in the ACCESSORY or IGNITION RUN position. Fuse 15, located in the Junction Block, fuses 8 and 14 in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) block, protects the wiper/washer system circuitry. The wiper motor also has an internal non-serviceable circuit breaker to provide protection against motor stall conditions.

The wiper and washer motors have magnetic fields created by internal permanent magnet. Electric power applied to the motor armature, located in the magnetic field, causes the motor to turn.

The wiper system internal operation uses the low speed motor circuit in combination with intermittent wipe relay. The washer pump motor has one internal circuit and therefore operates at one speed.

The wiper and washer system switch located on the steering column selects the mode of operation of the motors. The switch provides input to the BCM, which in turn operates the two relays. The intermittent wipe relay turns the wiper ON and OFF. The other changes the HIGH/LOW speeds. The switch also provides power to the washer pump motor.

The intermittent wiper system, in addition to low and high speed, has a delay mode. The delay mode has a range of 1/2 to 18 seconds when the vehicle speed is over 10 m.p.h.. The wiper delay times will automatically double to a range of 1 to 36 seconds when the vehicle speed is less than 10 m.p.h.. The delay is controlled by a variable resistor in the wiper switch and BCM.

The wiper motor and washer motor are designed to reduce radio frequency interference and provide electro-magnetic compatibility (RFI/EMC) in the vehicle environment. This is done with suppression circuits designed into the motors.

The wiper system completes the wipe cycle when the switch is turned OFF. The blades park in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern.

When using a scan tool (DRB) refer to the Body Diagnostics for the procedures.