Component Tests and General Diagnostics

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIR BAGS FOR STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION.

The following is a list of general wiper motor system problems, the tests that are to be performed to locate the faulty part, and the corrective action to be taken.

Whatever the problem, disconnect motor wire harness and clean the terminals, then connect motor wire harness and test.

Motor Will Not Operate In Some Or All Switch Positions

Fuse Block:

1. Check fuse 1, in the fuse block.
a. If fuse is OK, go to Step 2.
b. If fuse is defective, replace and check motor operation in all switch positions.
c. If motor is still inoperative and the fuse does not blow, go to Step 2.
d. If replacement fuse blows, go to Step 6.
2. Disconnect motor harness connector.

Windshield Wiper Motor Connector:

3. Check motor low speed. Using two jumper wires, connect one jumper wire between the battery positive terminal and terminal 4 of the motor connector. Connect the other jumper wire to the battery negative terminal and the motor ground strap. Check motor high speed, connect the positive jumper wire to terminal 5 of the motor connector. Connect the negative jumper wire to the motor ground strap.
a. If motor does not run in high or low speed go to Step 4.
b. If motor does run, go to Step 5.
4. Using an ohmmeter, check for good ground at the motor ground strap. If OK, replace motor. If not repair the ground circuit as necessary.
5. Check terminal 2 of wiper switch connector for continuity to ground. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the ground circuit as necessary.

Windshield Wiper Switch Connector:

6. Using a voltmeter, with wiper switch connected, connect negative lead to motor ground strap. Connect the positive lead to terminal 4 of the wiper switch connector.
a. If no voltage, repair wiring as necessary. If OK, go to Step b.
b. Cheek wiper switch low speed. Connect voltmeter positive lead to terminal 6 of the wiper switch connector. Move wiper stalk to LOW position. If no voltage, replace switch.
c. Check wiper switch high speed, connect voltmeter positive lead to terminal 5 of the wiper switch connector. Move wiper stalk to HIGH position. If no voltage, replace switch.
7. Disconnect motor connector and replace fuse 1 in fuse block.
a. If fuse does not blow, replace motor.
b. If fuse blows, disconnect wiper switch and replace fuse.
c. If fuse does not blow, replace switch.
d. If fuse blows, repair wiring as necessary.

Motor Operates Slowly At All Speeds
1. Remove wiper arms and cowl screen. Disconnect motor linkage from motor. Connect an ammeter between battery positive terminal and terminal 4 of the motor connector. Turn wiper motor on and check ampere reading.
If motor runs and ammeter reading is more than 6 amps, go to Step 2. If less than 6 amps, go to Step 3. When replacing drive link nut tighten to 11 to 12 Nm (98 to 106 in. lbs.) torque.
2. Using an ohmmeter, check the high and low circuits for a short to ground.
3. Check to see if wiper linkage or pivots are binding or caught.

Wipers Run At High Speed With Switch In Low Speed Position Or Wipers Run At Low Speed With Switch In High Speed Position.
1. Check for crossed wires in the motor pigtail wire connector.
2. Check for crossed wires in harness connector from wiper switch to motor.
3. If OK, replace wiper switch.

Wipers Will Operate Continuously With The Switch In The Intermittent Position When Wiper Switch Is Turned Off, Wipers Stop Wherever They Are Without Returning To Park Position
1. Check at motor ground strap for a good ground.

Windshield Wiper Switch Harness Connector:

2. Turn ignition switch OFF. Disconnect the wiper switch harness connector. Using an ohmmeter with the motor in the park position, check for continuity between terminal 2 of the wiper switch harness connector and the ground strap. If continuity, replace wiper switch. If no continuity, repair wiring as necessary.

Wipers Do Not Operate When Washer Motor Is Engaged (pulse Wipe) Or Wipers Do Operate In Intermittent Position.
Check for a good ground at motor ground strap and at wiper switch terminal 2. If OK, replace wiper switch. If not OK, repair wiring as necessary.