1998 DODGE RAM 1500 open hood

washer system plumbing (Fig. 3). The check valve is
integral to the washer nozzle plumbing wye fitting
located in the cowl plenum area beneath the cowl
plenum cover/grille panel near the base of the wind-
shield. The check valve consists of a molded plastic
body with a raised arrowhead molded into its center
section that indicates the direction of the flow
through the valve, and three barbed hose nipples
formed in a wye configuration on the outside circum-
ference of the center section of the valve body. The
check valve cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The check valve provides more than one function
in this application. It serves as a wye connector fit-
ting between the engine compartment and washer
nozzle sections of the washer supply hose. It prevents
washer fluid from draining out of the washer supply
hoses back to the washer reservoir. This drain-back
would result in a lengthy delay from when the
washer switch is actuated until washer fluid was dis-
pensed through the washer nozzles, because the
washer pump would have to refill the washer plumb-
ing from the reservoir to the nozzles. Such a drain-
back condition could also result in water, dirt, or
other outside contaminants being siphoned into the
washer system through the washer nozzle orifice.
This water could subsequently freeze and plug the
nozzle, while other contaminants could interfere with
proper nozzle operation and cause improper nozzle
spray patterns. In addition, the check valve prevents
washer fluid from siphoning through the washer noz-
zles after the washer system is turned Off.When the washer pump pressurizes and pumps
washer fluid from the reservoir through the washer
plumbing, the fluid pressure unseats a diaphragm
from over a sump well within the valve by overriding
the spring pressure applied to it by a piston (Fig. 4).
With the diaphragm unseated, washer fluid is
allowed to flow toward the two washer nozzles. When
the washer pump stops operating, the spring pres-
sure on the piston seats the diaphragm over the
sump well in the valve and fluid flow in either direc-
tion within the washer plumbing is prevented. The
check valve cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.REMOVAL
(1) Remove both wiper arms from the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - REMOVAL).
(2) Unlatch and open the hood.
(3) Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
from over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL).
(4) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, disconnect the cowl plenum and washer
nozzle hoses from the three barbed nipples of the
check valve (Fig. 5).
(5) Remove the check valve from the underside of
the cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the check valve to the underside of the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel (Fig. 5). Be certain
that the flow direction arrow molded into the check
valve body is oriented towards the washer nozzles.
Fig. 3 Check Valve
1 - INLET NIPPLE
2 - CHECK VALVE
3 - OUTLET NIPPLE (2)
4 - FLOW DIRECTION ARROW
Fig. 4 Check Valve
1 - SPRING
2 - PISTON
3 - DIAPHRAGM
4 - TO WASHER NOZZLE
5 - FROM WASHER PUMP
8R - 8 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
CHECK VALVE (Continued)

(2) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, reconnect the cowl plenum and washer
nozzle hoses to the three barbed nipples of the check
valve.
(3) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(4) Close and latch the hood.
(5) Reinstall both wiper arms onto the wiper piv-
ots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - INSTALLATION).
WASHER FLUID LEVEL
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The washer fluid level switch is a single pole, sin-
gle throw reed-type switch mounted on the outboard
side of the of the washer reservoir in the engine com-
partment (Fig. 6). Only the molded plastic switch
mounting flange and the integral connector recepta-
cle are visible when the switch is installed in the res-
ervoir. A short nipple formation extends from the
inner surface of the switch mounting flange, and a
barb on the nipple near the switch mounting flange
is pressed through a rubber grommet seal installed
in the mounting hole of the reservoir.
A small, molded plastic float has two pivot pins
near its center that are snapped into two receptacles
near the ends of two stanchions that extend toward
the float from the switch nipple formation. A small
magnet is secured within the end of the float nearestthe switch nipple formation, and a reed switch is con-
cealed within the nipple. A diagnostic resistor is con-
nected between the two switch terminals within the
switch mounting flange. The washer fluid level
switch cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
The washer fluid level switch uses a pivoting,
oblong float to monitor the level of the washer fluid
in the washer reservoir. The float contains a small
magnet. When the float pivots, the proximity of this
magnet to a stationary reed switch within the nipple
formation of the switch changes. When the fluid level
in the washer reservoir is at or above the float level,
the float moves to a vertical position, the influence of
the float magnetic field is removed from the reed
switch, and the normally open reed switch contacts
open. When the fluid level in the washer reservoir
falls below the level of the pivoting float, the float
moves to a horizontal position, the influence of the
float magnetic field is applied to the reed switch, and
the contacts of the normally open reed switch close.
The washer fluid level switch is connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take
out and connector of the right (except diesel engines)
or left (diesel engines only) headlamp and dash wire
harness. The switch is connected in series between a
clean ground output of the Front Control Module
Fig. 5 Check Valve Remove/Install
1 - WASHER NOZZLE HOSE (RIGHT)
2 - CHECK VALVE
3 - ROUTING CLIP
4 - COWL PLENUM WASHER HOSE
5 - COWL PLENUM COVER/GRILLE PANEL (UNDERSIDE)
6 - WASHER NOZZLE HOSE (LEFT)
Fig. 6 Washer Fluid Level Switch
1 - MOUNTING FLANGE
2 - BARBED NIPPLE
3 - FLOAT
4 - RESERVOIR
5 - GROMMET SEAL
6 - PIVOT
7 - MAGNET
8 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 9
CHECK VALVE (Continued)

(FCM) on a sensor return circuit and the washer
fluid switch sense input to the FCM. When the
switch closes, the FCM senses the ground on the
washer fluid switch sense circuit. The FCM is pro-
grammed to respond to this input by sending an elec-
tronic washer fluid indicator lamp-on message to the
instrument cluster over the Programmable Commu-
nications Interface (PCI) data bus. The instrument
cluster responds to this message by illuminating the
washer fluid indicator and by sounding an audible
chime tone warning.
The washer fluid level switch may be diagnosed
and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and
procedures. However, conventional diagnostic meth-
ods may not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the
instrument cluster, the FCM, or the electronic mes-
sage inputs to or outputs from the instrument cluster
and the FCM that control the operation of the
washer fluid visual and/or audible indicators. The
most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diag-
nose the washer fluid level indicator, the instrument
cluster, the FCM, or the electronic message inputs
and outputs related to the washer fluid indicator
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
The washer fluid level switch can be removed from
the washer reservoir without removing the reservoir
from the vehicle.
(1) Unlatch and open the hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Disconnect the washer hose from the barbed
outlet nipple of the washer pump/motor unit and
allow the washer fluid to drain into a clean container
for reuse.
(4) Disconnect the right (except diesel engine) or
left (diesel engine only) headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer fluid level switch from
the switch connector receptacle (Fig. 7) or (Fig. 8).
NOTE: The pivoting float of the washer fluid level
switch must be in a horizontal position within the
reservoir in order to be removed. With the reservoir
empty and in an upright position, the pivoting float
will orient itself to the horizontal position when the
switch connector receptacle is pointed straight
upwards.
(5) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the barbed nipple of the
washer fluid level switch out of the rubber grommet
seal on the reservoir sump. Care must be taken not
to damage the reservoir.
(6) Remove the washer fluid level switch from the
washer reservoir.(7) Remove the rubber grommet seal from the
washer fluid level switch mounting hole in the
washer reservoir and discard.
Fig. 7 Washer Fluid Level Switch Remove/Install -
Except Diesel Engine
1 - WASHER HOSE
2 - WASHER RESERVOIR
3 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
4 - WIRE HARNESS
5 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
Fig. 8 Washer Fluid Level Switch Remove/Install -
Diesel Engine
1 - WIRE HARNESS
2 - WASHER RESERVOIR
3 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
4 - WASHER HOSE
5 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
8R - 10 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH (Continued)

domed upper surface of the washer nozzle is visible
on the top of the plenum cover/grille panel, and the
nozzle orifice is oriented towards the windshield
glass. The washer plumbing fittings for the washer
nozzles are concealed beneath the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel. These fluidic washer nozzles are con-
structed of molded plastic. The cowl plenum cover/
grille panel must be removed from the vehicle to
access the nozzles for service. The washer nozzles
cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or damaged,
they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The two washer nozzles are designed to dispense
washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the out-
side of the windshield glass. Pressurized washer fluid
is fed to each nozzle from the washer reservoir by the
washer pump/motor unit through a single hose,
which is attached to a barbed nipple on each washer
nozzle below the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. A
fluidic matrix within the washer nozzle causes the
pressurized washer fluid to be emitted from the noz-
zle orifice as an oscillating stream to more effectively
cover a larger area of the glass to be cleaned.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove both wiper arms from the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - REMOVAL).
(2) Unlatch and open the hood.
(3) Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
from over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL).(4) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, disconnect the washer nozzle hose from
the barbed nipple of the washer nozzle (Fig. 11).
(5) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, release the integral snap features of the
washer nozzle and push the nozzle out through the
mounting hole toward the top side of the cowl ple-
num cover/grille panel.
(6) Remove the washer nozzle from the top of the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) From the top of the cowl plenum cover/grille
panel, position the nipple end of the washer nozzle
through the mounting hole and engage the anti-rota-
tion tab of the nipple into the anti-rotation notch in
the mounting hole.
(2) Using hand pressure, push firmly and evenly
on the top of the washer nozzle until the integral
snap features lock into place on the underside of the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
(3) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, reconnect the washer hose to the barbed
nipple of the washer nozzle (Fig. 11).
(4) Reinstall the washer hose for the washer noz-
zle into its routing clips on the underside of the cowl
plenum cover/grille panel.
(5) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Close and latch the hood.
Fig. 10 Washer Nozzle
1 - HOOD
2 - LATCH (2)
3 - NIPPLE
4 - ANTI-ROTATION TAB
5 - ORIFICE
Fig. 11 Washer Nozzle Remove/Install
1 - COWL PLENUM COVER/GRILLE PANEL (UNDERSIDE)
2 - ANTI-ROTATION TAB (LARGE)
3 - NIPPLE
4 - ANTI-ROTATION TAB (SMALL)
5 - PLIERS
6 - LATCH (2)
8R - 12 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
WASHER NOZZLE (Continued)

inputs and outputs related to the washer pump/mo-
tor unit operation requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
The washer pump/motor unit can be removed from
the washer reservoir without removing the reservoir
from the vehicle.
(1) Unlatch and open the hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Disconnect the washer hose from the barbed
outlet nipple of the washer pump/motor unit and
allow the washer fluid to drain into a clean container
for reuse.
(4) Disconnect the right (except diesel engine) or
left (diesel engine only) headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer pump/motor unit from
the motor connector receptacle (Fig. 13).
(5) Firmly grasp the top of the washer pump/motor
housing.
(6) Pull lightly outward on the top of the washer
pump/motor housing away from the washer reservoir
far enough to disengage the snap post on the top of
the motor from the receptacle in the reservoir.(7) Pull the washer pump/motor unit straight out
from the washer reservoir far enough to disengage
the barbed pump inlet nipple from the rubber grom-
met seal in the reservoir.
(8) Disconnect the reservoir washer hose from the
washer pump/motor unit outlet nipple.
(9) Remove washer pump/motor unit from the back
of the washer reservoir.
(10) Remove the rubber grommet seal from the
washer reservoir and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a new rubber grommet seal into the
washer pump mounting hole in the washer reservoir.
Always use a new rubber grommet seal on the reser-
voir.
(2) Position the barbed inlet nipple of the washer
pump to the rubber grommet seal in the washer res-
ervoir (Fig. 13).
(3) Using hand pressure, press on the washer
pump/motor unit firmly and evenly until the barbed
inlet nipple is fully seated in the rubber grommet
seal in the washer reservoir mounting hole.
(4) Align the washer pump/motor snap post on the
top of the motor housing with the snap post recepta-
cle in the washer reservoir.
(5) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the top of washer pump/motor unit until the snap
post snaps into the washer reservoir receptacle.
(6) Reconnect the washer reservoir hose to the
barbed outlet nipple of the washer pump.
(7) Reconnect the right (except diesel engine) or
left (diesel engine only) headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer pump/motor unit to
the motor connector receptacle.
(8) Refill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(10) Close and latch the hood.
WASHER RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION
Except on models equipped with an optional diesel
engine, the molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is
mounted on the right rearward facing surface of the
cooling module radiator shroud in the engine com-
partment (Fig. 14). On models with the diesel engine,
the molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is mounted
on the rearward facing surface of the left vertical
member of the radiator support in the engine com-
partment. The reservoir is a molded unit constructed
of a translucent plastic that allows the washer fluid
level to be inspected without removing the washer
Fig. 13 Washer Pump/Motor Remove/Install
1 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
2 - SNAP POST
3 - SNAP POST RECEPTACLE
4 - GROMMET SEAL
5 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
6 - WASHER RESERVOIR
7 - INLET NIPPLE
8 - OUTLET NIPPLE
8R - 14 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
WASHER PUMP/MOTOR (Continued)

reservoir cap. The most visible component of the
washer reservoir is the filler cap unit, which is
secured to and hinges on a hook feature that is inte-
gral to the filler neck near the top of the reservoir.
The bright yellow plastic filler cap snaps over the
filler neck opening and seals the reservoir opening
with an integral rubber gasket. The filler cap is
labeled with an International Control and Display
Symbol icon for ªWindshield Washerº and the text
ªWasher Fluid Onlyº that are molded into it and
highlighted in black against the yellow plastic cap for
visibility.
There are dedicated holes near the bottom of the
rearward facing side of the reservoir provided for the
mounting of the washer pump/motor unit and the
washer fluid level switch. A snap post receptacle
molded into the reservoir allows for mounting of the
washer pump without the use of fasteners. The res-
ervoir also features an integral hose routing trough
on its rearward facing side. Except on models with a
diesel engine, the washer reservoir is secured to the
cooling module radiator shroud with three integral
tabs, two at the bottom and one at the top. The two
bottom tabs are inserted into two slots near the bot-tom of the shroud, while the upper tab slides into an
integral channel-like slot near the top of the shroud.
A molded lock feature on the forward facing surface
of the reservoir engages a molded depression on the
rearward facing surface of the radiator shroud when
the reservoir is fully seated on the shroud, locking
the unit securely in place. On models with a diesel
engine, the washer reservoir is secured with two
screws through integral mounting tabs to the left
vertical member of the radiator support. On many
models, a molded plastic coolant recovery container
or a coolant pressure container must be detached
from the top of the cooling module and moved aside
to access the washer fluid reservoir for service. This
may be accomplished without opening or draining the
engine cooling system.
OPERATION
The washer fluid reservoir provides a secure,
on-vehicle storage location for a large reserve of
washer fluid for operation of the washer system. The
washer reservoir filler neck provides a clearly
marked and readily accessible point from which to
add washer fluid to the reservoir. The washer/pump
motor unit is located in a sump area near the bottom
of the reservoir to be certain that washer fluid will
be available to the pump as the fluid level in the res-
ervoir becomes depleted. The washer pump/motor
unit is mounted in the lowest position in the sump.
The washer fluid level switch is mounted just above
the sump area of the reservoir so that there will be
adequate warning to the vehicle operator that the
washer fluid level is low, well before the washer sys-
tem will no longer operate.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - EXCEPT DIESEL ENGINE
(1) Unlatch and open the hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the fasteners securing the coolant
recovery container or the coolant pressure container
to the top of the cooling module and move the con-
tainer aside. It is not necessary to open or drain the
engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/EN-
GINE/COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER -
REMOVAL) or (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/
COOLANT RECOVERY PRESSURE CONTAINER -
REMOVAL).
(4) Disconnect the reservoir washer hose from the
barbed nipple of the inline fitting at the engine com-
partment washer hose in the right headlamp and
dash wire harness and allow the washer fluid to
Fig. 14 Washer Reservoir - except Diesel Engine
1-TOPTAB
2 - HOOK FEATURE
3 - CAP
4 - RESERVOIR
5 - TROUGH
6 - HOSE
7 - LOCK FEATURE
8 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
9 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
10 - BOTTOM TAB (2)
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 15
WASHER RESERVOIR (Continued)

drain from the reservoir into a clean container for
reuse (Fig. 15).
(5) Disconnect the right headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer fluid level switch
from the switch connector receptacle.
(6) Disconnect the right headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer pump/motor unit
from the motor connector receptacle.
(7) Grasp the bottom of the washer reservoir
firmly with both hands and pull the unit sharply
upward to disengage the locking feature on the
washer reservoir from the depression in the radiator
shroud.
(8) Continue lifting the washer reservoir upward
far enough to disengage the three mounting tabs (one
at the top and two at the bottom) from the channel-
like slot at the top and the two slots at the bottom of
the radiator shroud.
(9) Remove the washer reservoir from the right
side of the engine compartment.REMOVAL - DIESEL ENGINE
(1) Unlatch and open the hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Disengage the reservoir washer hose from the
integral routing clips on the top of the radiator fan
shroud (Fig. 16).
(4) Disconnect the reservoir washer hose from the
barbed nipple of the inline fitting at the engine com-
partment washer hose in the right headlamp and
dash wire harness and allow the washer fluid to
drain from the reservoir into a clean container for
reuse.
(5) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer fluid level switch
from the switch connector receptacle.
(6) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer pump/motor unit
from the motor connector receptacle.
(7) Remove the two screws that secure the washer
reservoir to the left vertical member of the radiator
support (Fig. 17).
(8) Remove the washer reservoir from the left side
of the engine compartment.
Fig. 15 Washer Reservoir Remove/Install
1-TOPTAB
2 - RADIATOR SHROUD
3 - TOP SLOT
4 - RIGHT HEADLAMP & DASH WIRE HARNESS
5 - ENGINE COMPARTMENT WASHER HOSE
6 - BOTTOM SLOT (2)
7 - RESERVOIR WASHER HOSE
8 - BOTTOM TAB (2)
9 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
10 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
11 - WASHER RESERVOIR
12 - LOCK FEATURE
Fig. 16 Washer Reservoir Connections - Diesel
Engine
1 - WIRE HARNESS
2 - WASHER RESERVOIR
3 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
4 - WASHER HOSE
5 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
8R - 16 WIPERS/WASHERSDR
WASHER RESERVOIR (Continued)

OPERATION
The wiper module operation is controlled by the
battery current inputs received by the wiper motor
through the wiper on/off and wiper high/low relays.
The wiper motor speed is controlled by current flow
to either the low speed or the high speed set of
brushes. The park switch is a single pole, single
throw, momentary switch within the wiper motor
that is mechanically actuated by the wiper motor
transmission components. The park switch alter-
nately opens and closes the wiper park switch sense
circuit to ground, depending upon the position of the
wipers on the glass. This feature allows the motor to
complete its current wipe cycle after the wiper sys-
tem has been turned Off, and to park the wiper
blades in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern. The
automatic resetting circuit breaker protects the
motor from overloads. The wiper motor crank arm,
the two wiper linkage members, and the two wiper
pivots mechanically convert the rotary output of the
wiper motor to the back and forth wiping motion of
the wiper arms and blades on the glass.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove both wiper arms from the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARM - REMOVAL).
(2) Unlatch and open the hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4) Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
from over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EX-
TERIOR/COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the wiper motor from the
motor pigtail wire connector (Fig. 26).(6) Remove the two screws that secure the wiper
module to the top of the cowl plenum panel at the
pivot brackets.
(7) Remove the two screws that secure the wiper
module to the bottom of the cowl plenum panel.
(8) Remove the wiper module from the cowl ple-
num panel as a unit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wiper module into the cowl ple-
num as a unit (Fig. 26).
(2) Install the two screws that secure the wiper
module to the top of the cowl plenum panel at the
pivot brackets. Tighten the screw on the driver side,
followed by the screw on the passenger side. Tighten
the screws to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
wiper module to the bottom of the cowl plenum
panel. Tighten the screw on the passenger side, fol-
lowed by the screw on the driver side. Tighten the
screws to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the wiper motor to the motor
pigtail wire connector.
(5) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(7) Close and latch the hood.
(8) Reinstall both wiper arms onto the wiper piv-
ots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ARMS - INSTALLATION).
DRWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 23
WIPER MODULE (Continued)