Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Windshield Wiper/Washer System:

Front washer system
Rio is equipped with a variable speed (intermittent), modular wiper/washer system. Wiper system consists of a wiper motor, a wiper link assembly, and two wiper arms with blades. Washer assembly consists of a washer tank, a washer motor, two washer nozzles, and connecting hoses. Both systems are then connected to a wiper lever and a timer unit in steering column combination switch.

Hoses
Washer hoses are neoprene lines that carry washer fluid to washer nozzles. There are three hose pieces, a three-port hose joint, and a two-port hose joint. Hoses can be replaced individually. Washer hose system also has three replaceable hold-down clips.

Lever assembly
Wiper assembly is located in combination switch on steering column. For switch-related electrical problems, refer to Rio Electrical Troubleshooting. For removal procedures, refer to Steering System.

Motor
Washer motor pumps washer fluid to washer nozzles. It is a single speed 12 V DC motor to a pump mechanism. It is a replaceable item.

Nozzles
Washer nozzles deliver washer fluid directly to windshield. Nozzles are replaceable as an individual item.

Tank assembly
Washer tank assembly stores washer fluid used by washer system. It is a plastic assembly with a fill port and a connection port to washer motor. It is a replaceable item.

Timer unit
Timer unit controls intermittent operation of wiper system. It is part of wiper unit assembly in steering column combination switch. For unit-related electrical problems. For removal procedures, refer to Steering System.

Front wiper system

Arm
Wiper arms are metal arms which pull wiper blades across windshield. They are spring-loaded to firmly hold blades onto windshield during operation of wiper system. They are individual units consisting of a driver's side and a passenger side arm.

Blades
Wiper blades are metal frames with rubber inserts.
They are available as a unit, or inserts can be replaced separately.

Link assembly
Wiper link assembly connects wiper motor to wiper arms. It consists of two connecting rods and two pivot units. When in operation, assembly converts wiper motor's rotational motion into proper left/right movement needed by wiper arms. If faulty, it can be disassembled, but replacement of full assembly is recommended.

Motor and bracket
Motor is a 12 V DC, two-speed unit which provides power to wiper system. It is connected to a transmission (gear box) in mounting bracket which reduces motor rpm and increases torque. This low rpm, high torque motion is then transmitted to wiper link assembly. Motor and bracket are a single, replaceable item.






Rear washer system
Rio is equipped with a single-speed, modular, wiper/washer system. The wiper system consists of a wiper motor and transmission assembly, a wiper arm and a blade. The washer assembly consists of a washer tank, a washer motor, a washer nozzle and a multi-piece connecting hose. The control switches for these units in the front dash.

Washer hose
The washer hose carries the washer fluid to the washer nozzle. The hose consists of two neoprens lines, a grommet, and a connector. The pieces can be replaced individually.

Washer motor
The washer motor pumps washer fluid to the washer nozzles. It is a single-speed 12 V DC motor connected to a pump mechanism. It is a replaceable item.

Washer nozzle
The washer nozzle delivers washer fluid directly to the windshield. The nozzle is both adjustable and replaceable.

Washer tank assembly
The washer tank assembly stores the washer fluid used by the washer system. It is a plastic assembly with a fill port and a connection port to the washer motor, It is a replaceable item.

Rear wiper/washer switch
The rear wiper/washer switch is used to clean the rear hatch window. To solve an electrical problem with this switch, see the Rio Wiring Diagram ManuaL For removal procedures, see "Instrument Panel".

Rear wiper switch
This rear wiper switch provides continuous operation of the rear wiper. To solve an electrical problem with this switch, see the Rio Wiring Diagram Manual For removal procedures, see "Instrument Panel".

Rear wiper system

Wiper arm
The wiper arm is a spring-loaded metal unit which pulls the wiper blade across the windshield. It is a replaceable item.

Washer motor/wiper blade
The wiper blade is a metal frame with a rubber insert. It is available as a unit, or the insert can be replaced separately.

Wiper motor and bracket
The motor is a 12 V DC single-speed unit which provides power to the wiper system. It is connected to a transmission (gear box) in the bracket which reduces rpm and increases torque. This low rpm, high torque motion is then transmitted to the wiper arm. The motor and brackets are a single, replaceable item.