²Front Check Valve- The front washer system
check valve is integral to the wye fitting located in
the washer plumbing between the cowl plenum
washer hose and the front washer nozzles, and is
concealed beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
at the base of the windshield.
²Front Washer Nozzle- Two fluidic front
washer nozzles are secured with integral snap fea-
tures to dedicated openings in the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel located near the base of the windshield.
²Front Washer Plumbing- The plumbing for
the front washer system consists of rubber hoses and
molded plastic fittings. The plumbing is routed along
the left side of the engine compartment from the
washer reservoir, and through the dash panel into
the cowl plenum to the front washer nozzle fittings
beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
²Front Washer Pump/Motor- The front washer
pump/motor unit is located in a dedicated hole on the
lower outboard side of the washer reservoir, behind
the inner fender liner ahead of the left front wheel.
The front washer pump is located ahead of and below
the rear washer pump.
²Front Wiper Arm- The two front wiper arms
are secured with nuts to the threaded studs on the
ends of the two wiper pivot shafts, which extend
through the cowl plenum cover/grille panel located
near the base of the windshield.
²Front Wiper Blade- The two front wiper
blades are secured to the two front wiper arms with
an integral latch, and are parked on the glass near
the bottom of the windshield when the front wiper
system is not in operation.
²Front Wiper Module- The front wiper pivot
shafts are the only visible components of the front
wiper module. The remainder of the module is con-
cealed within the cowl plenum beneath the cowl ple-
num cover/grille panel. The front wiper module
includes the module bracket, four rubber-isolated
wiper module mounts, the front wiper motor, the
wiper motor crank arm, the two wiper drive links,
and the two front wiper pivots.
²Rain Sensor Module- Models equipped with
the optional automatic wiper feature have a Rain
Sensor Module (RSM) located behind a trim cover on
a bracket bonded to the inside surface of the wind-
shield glass, just above the inside rear view mirror
mounting button.
²Right Multi-Function Switch- The right
(wiper) multi-function switch is secured to the right
side of the multi-function switch mounting housing
near the top of the steering column, just below the
steering wheel. Only the control stalk for the right
multi-function switch is visible, while the remainder
of the switch is concealed beneath the steering col-
umn shrouds. The right multi-function switch con-tains all of the switches and control circuitry for both
the front and rear wiper and washer systems.
²Washer Fluid Level Switch- The washer fluid
level switch is located in a dedicated hole near the
center of the forward surface of the washer reservoir,
behind the left front wheel house splash shield.
²Washer Reservoir- The washer reservoir is
concealed between the left inner fender shield and
the left outer fender panel, behind the inner fender
liner and ahead of the left front wheel. The washer
reservoir filler neck is the only visible portion of the
reservoir, and it is accessed from the left front corner
of the engine compartment.
²Wiper High-Low Relay- The wiper high-low
relay is an International Standards Organization
(ISO) micro relay located in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) in the engine compartment near the
battery.
²Wiper On-Off Relay- The wiper on-off relay is
an International Standards Organization (ISO) micro
relay located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
in the engine compartment near the battery.
Hard wired circuitry connects the front wiper and
washer system components to the electrical system of
the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to
several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout
the vehicle and retained by many different methods.
These circuits may be connected to each other, to the
vehicle electrical system and to the front wiper and
washer system components through the use of a com-
bination of soldered splices, splice block connectors,
and many different types of wire harness terminal
connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
procedures, further details on wire harness routing
and retention, as well as pin-out and location views
for the various wire harness connectors, splices and
grounds.
OPERATING MODES
The components of the front wiper and washer sys-
tem are designed to work in concert to provide the
following operating modes:
²Automatic Wiper- In models equipped with
the optional automatic wiper feature, the internal
circuitry of both the right (wiper) multi-function
switch, the rain sensor module, and the BCM work
in concert to provide an automatic wiper mode with
five sensitivity selections. The BCM tells the Rain
Sensor Module (RSM) when the automatic wiper
mode is selected and the manually selected sensitiv-
ity level, then the rain sensor module tells the BCM
each time enough water droplets have accumulated
within the wipe pattern on the windshield to require
front wiper operation. The BCM then automatically
WJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 3
FRONT WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)
ods may not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the
Body Control Module (BCM), the Rain Sensor Mod-
ule (RSM), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or
the inputs to or outputs from these modules that con-
trol the various front wiper and washer system oper-
ating modes. The most reliable, efficient, and
accurate means to diagnose the BCM, the RSM, the
PCM or the BCM inputs and outputs related to the
various front wiper and washer system operating
modes requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE IMPACT SENSOR,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
FRONT WASHER SYSTEM
The diagnosis found here addresses an electrically
inoperative washer system. If the washer pump/mo-
tor operates, but no washer fluid is emitted from the
front washer nozzles, be certain to check the fluid
level in the reservoir. Also inspect the front washer
system components as required. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/WASHERS - INSPEC-
TION). 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.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE IMPACT SENSOR,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Turn the control knob on the control stalk of the
right (wiper) multi-function switch to the Low or
High wiper position. Check whether the front wiper
system is operating. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK,
test and repair the front wiper system before con-
tinuing with these tests. Refer to FRONT WIPER
SYSTEM
(2) Turn the control knob on the control stalk of
the right (wiper) multi-function switch to the Off
position. Pull the control stalk of the right (wiper)
multi-function switch toward the steering wheel to
close the front washer switch. The front washer
pump should operate and the front wipers should
operate for about three sweep cycles after the switch
is released before they park. If the front wipers are
OK, but the front washers are not, go to Step 3. If
the front washers are OK, but the front wipers are
not, go to Step 5.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the front washer pump/motor from the
pump/motor connector receptacle. Check for continu-
ity between the ground circuit cavity of the left head-
lamp and dash wire harness connector for the front
washer pump/motor and a good ground. There should
be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair
the open ground circuit to ground (G106) as required.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. While pulling the
control stalk of the right (wiper) multi-function
switch toward the steering wheel to close the front
washer switch, check for battery voltage at the
washer pump switch sense circuit cavity of the left
headlamp and dash wire harness connector for the
front washer pump/motor unit. If OK, replace the
faulty front washer pump/motor. If not OK, repair
the open washer pump switch sense circuit between
the right (wiper) multi-function switch and the front
washer pump/motor unit as required.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector (Connector C2) for the Body Control Module
(BCM) from the BCM connector receptacle. Recon-
nect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition
switch to the On position. While pulling the control
stalk of the right (wiper) multi-function switch
toward the steering wheel to close the front washer
WJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 7
FRONT WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)
(4) Remove the six plastic nuts (2 short and 4
long) that secure the cowl grille cover to the studs on
the cowl top panel near the base of the windshield
(Fig. 3).
(5) Lift the left end of the cowl grille cover off of
the cowl plenum panel far enough to access the front
washer plumbing.
(6) Disconnect the engine compartment washer
hose from the cowl grille cover washer hose at the
plastic elbow connector.
(7) Remove the cowl grille cover from the cowl ple-
num and cowl top panels through the opening
between the hood and the base of the windshield.
(8) From the underside of the cowl grille cover, dis-
connect the washer hoses from the three barbed nip-
ples of the wye fitting/check valve unit.
(9) Remove the wye fitting/check valve unit from
the underside of the cowl grille cover.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wye fitting/check valve unit to the
underside of the cowl grille cover.
(2) From the underside of the cowl grille cover,
reconnect the three washer hoses to the barbed nip-
ples of the wye fitting/check valve unit.
(3) Reinstall the washer hoses for the front washer
nozzles into their routing clips on the underside of
the cowl grille cover.
(4) Position the cowl grille cover onto the cowl ple-
num and cowl top panels through the opening
between the hood and the base of the windshield
(Fig. 3).(5) Lift the left end of the cowl grille cover off of
the cowl plenum panel far enough to access the front
washer plumbing.
(6) Reconnect the cowl grille cover washer hose to
the engine compartment washer hose at the elbow
connector.
(7) Install the six plastic nuts that secure the cowl
grille cover to the studs on the cowl top panel near
the base of the windshield. These nuts are to be
installed by pushing them onto the studs in the fol-
lowing sequence:
(a) First, install the short nuts to the third stud
from the right, then the second stud from the left.
(b) Next, install the long nuts to the right out-
board stud, then the left outboard stud.
(c) Finally, install the two remaining long nuts
to the third stud from the left, then the second
stud from the right.
(8) Starting at the ends and working toward the
center, push the hood to plenum seal onto the for-
ward flanges of the cowl grille cover and the plenum
panel.
(9) Reinstall the wiper arms onto the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/WASH-
ERS/FRONT WIPER ARMS - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
FRONT WASHER HOSES/
TUBES
DESCRIPTION
The front washer plumbing consists of a small
diameter rubber hose that is routed from the barbed
outlet nipple of the front washer pump/motor on the
washer reservoir along the filler neck into the engine
compartment. In the engine compartment, a molded
plastic in-line fitting with barbed nipples joins the
washer hose to another section of hose that is routed
near the left headlamp and dash wire harness to the
cowl plenum area. The engine compartment washer
hose passes from the engine compartment into the
cowl plenum area through a dedicated hole with a
rubber grommet near the left end of the cowl plenum
panel. A molded plastic elbow fitting with barbed nip-
ples joins the engine compartment hose to the cowl
grille cover hose. The cowl grille cover washer hose is
routed through routing clips on the underside of the
cowl grille cover to a molded plastic wye fitting with
barbed nipples and an integral check valve. The cowl
grille cover hose is connected to one nipple on the
wye fitting and the two washer nozzle hoses are con-
nected to the other two wye fitting nipples. The
washer nozzle hoses are routed along the underside
of the cowl grille cover to the two washer nozzles.
Fig. 3 Cowl Grille Cover Remove/Install
1 - WASHER HOSE CONNECTION
2 - STUDS (6)
3 - COWL GRILLE COVER
4 - PLASTIC NUT (6)
8R - 10 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSWJ
FRONT CHECK VALVE (Continued)
(4) Reinstall the washer hoses for the front washer
nozzle(s) into their routing clips on the underside of
the cowl grille cover.
(5) Position the cowl grille cover onto the cowl ple-
num and cowl top panels through the opening
between the hood and the base of the windshield
(Fig. 4).
(6) Lift the left end of the cowl grille cover off of
the cowl plenum panel far enough to access the front
washer plumbing.
(7) Reconnect the cowl grille cover washer hose to
the engine compartment washer hose at the elbow
connector.
(8) Install the six plastic nuts that secure the cowl
grille cover to the studs on the cowl top panel near
the base of the windshield. These nuts are to be
installed by pushing them onto the studs in the fol-
lowing sequence:
(a) First, install the short nuts to the third stud
from the right, then the second stud from the left.
(b) Next, install the long nuts to the right out-
board stud, then the left outboard stud.
(c) Finally, install the two remaining long nuts
to the third stud from the left, then the second
stud from the right.
(9) Starting at the ends and working toward the
center, push the hood to plenum seal onto the for-
ward flanges of the cowl grille cover and the plenum
panel.
(10) Close and latch the hood.
(11) Reinstall the wiper arms onto the wiper piv-
ots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/
WASHERS/FRONT WIPER ARMS -
INSTALLATION).
(12) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
FRONT WASHER PUMP/
MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The front washer pump/motor unit is located on
the outboard side and near the front of the washer
reservoir, between the left front inner and outer
fender panels (Fig. 5). A small permanently lubri-
cated and sealed electric motor is coupled to the
rotor-type washer pump. A seal flange with a large
barbed inlet nipple on the pump housing passes
through a rubber grommet seal installed in one of
two dedicated mounting holes near the bottom of the
washer reservoir. The front washer pump/motor unit
is always mounted in the lower pump mounting hole
of the reservoir. A smaller barbed outlet nipple on the
pump housing connects the unit to the front washer
hose. The washer pump/motor unit is retained on the
reservoir by the interference fit between the barbedpump inlet nipple and the grommet seal, which is a
light press fit. An integral electrical connector recep-
tacle is located on the top of the motor housing. The
front washer pump/motor unit cannot be repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the entire washer pump/motor
unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The front washer pump/motor unit is connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a single take
out and two-cavity connector of the left headlamp
and dash wire harness. The washer pump/motor is
grounded at all times through a take out of the left
headlamp and dash wire harness with a single eyelet
terminal connector that is secured under a ground
screw to the top of the left inner fender shield in the
engine compartment. The front washer pump/motor
receives battery current on a fused ignition switch
output (run-acc) circuit through the closed contacts of
the momentary front washer switch within the right
multi-function switch only when the switch control
stalk is pulled towards the steering wheel. Washer
fluid is gravity-fed from the washer reservoir to the
inlet side of the washer pump. When the pump motor
is energized, the rotor-type pump pressurizes the
washer fluid and forces it through the pump outlet
nipple, the front washer plumbing, and the front
washer nozzles onto the windshield glass.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
Fig. 5 Washer Pumps (Viewed from Bottom of
Reservoir)
1 - REAR WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
2 - FRONT WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
3 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
8R - 12 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSWJ
FRONT WASHER NOZZLE (Continued)
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the liner from the left front fender
wheel house.
(4) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the front washer pump/motor
from the motor connector receptacle (Fig. 6).
(5) Disconnect the washer hose from the barbed
outlet nipple of the front washer pump/motor and
allow the washer fluid to drain into a clean container
for reuse.
(6) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the barbed inlet nipple of
the washer pump out of the rubber grommet seal in
the reservoir. Care must be taken not to damage the
reservoir.
(7) Remove the rubber grommet seal from the
washer pump mounting hole in 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 reservoir
(Fig. 6).
(3) Press firmly and evenly on the washer pump
until the barbed inlet nipple is fully seated in the
rubber grommet seal in the washer reservoir mount-
ing hole.(4) Reconnect the washer hose to the barbed outlet
nipple of the washer pump.
(5) Reconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the front washer pump/motor
unit to the motor connector receptacle.
(6) Reinstall the liner into the left front fender
wheel house.
(7) Lower the vehicle.
(8) Refill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
FRONT WIPER ARM
DESCRIPTION
The front wiper arms are the rigid members
located between the wiper pivots that protrude from
the cowl plenum cover/grille panel near the base of
the windshield and the wiper blades on the wind-
shield glass. These wiper arms feature an over-center
hinge that allows easy access to the windshield glass
for cleaning. The wiper arm has a die cast metal
pivot end with a large mounting hole with internal
serrations at one end. A molded black plastic cap fits
over the wiper arm retaining nut to conceal the nut
and this mounting hole following wiper arm installa-
tion. The wide end of a tapered, stamped steel chan-
nel hinges on and is secured with a hinge pin to the
blade end of the wiper arm pivot end. One end of a
long, rigid, stamped steel strap, with a small hole
near its pivot end, is riveted and crimped within the
narrow end of the stamped steel channel. The tip of
the wiper blade end of this strap is bent back under
itself to form a small hook. Concealed within the
stamped steel channel, one end of a long spring is
engaged with a wire hook on the underside of the die
cast pivot end, while the other end of the spring is
hooked through the small hole in the steel strap. The
entire wiper arm has a satin black finish applied to
all of its visible surfaces.
A wiper arm cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
damaged or faulty, the entire wiper arm unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The front wiper arms are designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the wiper pivots to the
wiper blades. The wiper arm must be properly
indexed to the wiper pivot in order to maintain the
proper wiper blade travel on the glass. The mounting
hole formation with internal serrations in the wiper
arm pivot end interlocks with the serrations on the
outer circumference of the wiper pivot driver, allow-
ing positive engagement and finite adjustment of this
Fig. 6 Washer Pumps (Viewed from Bottom of
Reservoir)
1 - REAR WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
2 - FRONT WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
3 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
WJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 13
FRONT WASHER PUMP/MOTOR (Continued)
crank arm, the two wiper linkage members, and the
two wiper pivots mechanically convert the rotary out-
put of the wiper motor to the back and forth wiping
motion of the wiper arms and blades on the glass.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the front wiper arms from the wiper
pivots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/
WASHERS/FRONT WIPER ARMS - REMOVAL).
(3) Unlatch and open the hood.
(4) Remove the hood to plenum seal from the for-
ward flanges of the cowl grille cover and the plenum
panel.
(5) Remove the six plastic nuts (2 short and 4
long) that secure the cowl grille cover to the studs on
the cowl top panel near the base of the windshield
(Fig. 12).
(6) Lift the left end of the cowl grille cover off of
the cowl plenum panel far enough to access the front
washer plumbing.
(7) Disconnect the front washer engine compart-
ment hose from the cowl grille cover hose at the
elbow connector.
(8) Remove the cowl grille cover from the cowl ple-
num and cowl top panels through the opening
between the hood and the base of the windshield.
(9) Remove the four screws that secure the front
wiper module to the cowl plenum panel (Fig. 13).
(10) Lift the left end of the front wiper module far
enough to access the front wiper motor wire harness
connector.(11) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the front wiper motor from the
front wiper motor pigtail wire connector.
(12) Remove the front wiper module from the cowl
plenum as a unit.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the front wiper module into the cowl
plenum as a unit (Fig. 13).
(2) Lift the left end of the front wiper module far
enough to access the front wiper motor wire harness
connector.
(3) Reconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the front wiper motor to the
front wiper motor pigtail wire connector.
(4) Loosely install one of the front wiper module
mounting screws to the mounting hole near the pivot
on the right end of the module to locate the module
in the plenum.
(5) Working from left to right, install and tighten
the four screws that secure the front wiper module to
the cowl plenum panel. Tighten the screws to 8 N´m
(72 in. lbs.).
(6) Position the cowl grille cover onto the cowl ple-
num and cowl top panels through the opening
between the hood and the base of the windshield
(Fig. 12).
(7) Lift the left end of the cowl grille cover off of
the cowl plenum panel far enough to access the front
washer plumbing.
(8) Reconnect the front washer system engine com-
partment hose to the cowl grille cover hose at the
elbow connector.
Fig. 12 Cowl Grille Cover Remove/Install
1 - WASHER HOSE CONNECTION
2 - STUDS (6)
3 - COWL GRILLE COVER
4 - PLASTIC NUT (6)
Fig. 13 Front Wiper Module Remove/Install
1 - FRONT WIPER MODULE
2 - SCREW (4)
3 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - LOWER COWL PLENUM PANEL
WJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 17
FRONT WIPER MODULE (Continued)
switch mounting housing. Tighten the screws to 2.5
N´m (22 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the right multi-function switch to the
switch connector receptacle.
(4) Position the lower tilting steering column
shroud to the underside of the steering column (Fig.
18).
(5) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower tilting steering column shroud to the multi-
function switch mounting housing. Tighten the screw
to 1.9 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(6) Position the upper tilting column shroud over
the steering column with the hazard warning switch
button inserted through the hole in the upper surface
of the shroud. Align the upper tilting steering column
shroud to the lower shroud and snap the two shroud
halves together.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
WASHER FLUID LEVEL
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The washer fluid level switch is a single pole, sin-
gle throw reed-type switch mounted near the front of
the washer reservoir, forward of the two washer
pump/motors (Fig. 20). Only the molded plastic
switch mounting flange and connector receptacle are
visible when the switch is installed in the reservoir.A short nipple formation extends from the inner sur-
face of the switch mounting flange, and a barb on the
nipple near the switch mounting flange is press-fit
into a rubber grommet seal installed in the mounting
hole of the reservoir. A small plastic float pivots on
the end of a bracket that extends from the switch
nipple formation. Within the float is a small magnet,
which actuates the reed switch. 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 changing proxim-
ity of its magnetic field will cause the contacts of the
small, stationary reed switch to open or close. When
the fluid level in the washer reservoir is at or above
the float level, the float moves to a vertical position
and the switch contacts open. When the fluid level in
the washer reservoir falls below the pivoting float,
the float moves to a horizontal position and the
switch contacts close. The switch is connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take
out and connector of the left headlamp and dash wire
harness. The switch receives a five volt reference sig-
nal from the Body Control Module (BCM) through
the washer fluid switch output circuit. The switch is
grounded at all times through another take out of
the left headlamp and dash wire harness with a sin-
gle eyelet terminal connector that is secured under a
ground screw near the top of the left front fender
inner shield in the engine compartment.
When the switch closes, the BCM senses the volt-
age change on the circuit. The BCM is programmed
to send low washer fluid messages to the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) over the Program-
mable Communications Interface (PCI) data bus. The
EVIC is programmed to respond to this message by
displaying the Washer Fluid Low warning and send-
ing a chime request message back to the BCM over
the PCI data bus. Then the BCM generates an audi-
ble chime tone warning. A resistor within the washer
fluid level switch allows the BCM to monitor and
diagnose this circuit. The BCM will store a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that it detects.
For retrieval of this fault information and further
diagnosis of the washer fluid level switch, the BCM,
the EVIC, the PCI data bus, the BCM message out-
puts to the EVIC that control the Low Washer Fluid
indicator, or the EVIC message outputs to the BCM
that control chime service, a DRBIIItscan tool and
the appropriate diagnostic information are required.
Fig. 20 Washer Fluid Level Switch (Viewed from
Bottom of Reservoir)
1 - REAR WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
2 - FRONT WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
3 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
WJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 25
RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (Continued)
REMOVAL
The washer fluid level switch can be removed from
the washer reservoir without removing the reservoir
from the vehicle.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the one screw that secures the washer
reservoir filler neck to the left inner fender shield.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle.
(4) Remove the liner from the left front fender
wheel house.
(5) Disconnect the washer hose from the barbed
outlet nipple of the rearmost (front) washer pump/
motor unit and allow the washer fluid to drain into a
clean container for reuse.
(6) Remove the two screws that secure the inboard
mounting flange of the washer reservoir to the left
inner wheel house.
(7) Pull the bottom of the washer reservoir rear-
ward far enough to access the left headlamp and
dash wire harness connector for the washer fluid
level switch on the front of the reservoir.
(8) Disconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer fluid level switch
from the switch connector receptacle.
(9) 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 front of the reservoir (Fig. 21). Care must
be taken not to damage the reservoir.
(10) Remove the washer fluid level switch and
float from the washer reservoir.
(11) Remove the rubber grommet seal from the
washer fluid level switch mounting hole in the
washer reservoir and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a new rubber grommet seal into the
washer fluid level switch mounting hole in the front
of the washer reservoir. Always use a new rubber
grommet seal on the reservoir.
(2) Position the float of the washer fluid level
switch through the rubber grommet seal in the
washer reservoir (Fig. 21). The connector receptacle
of the washer fluid level switch should be pointed
downward.
(3) Press firmly and evenly on the washer fluid
level switch using hand pressure until the barbed
nipple is fully seated in the rubber grommet seal in
the washer reservoir mounting hole.(4) Reconnect the left headlamp and dash wire
harness connector for the washer fluid level switch to
the switch connector receptacle.
(5) Reconnect the washer hose to the barbed outlet
nipple of the front washer pump/motor unit.
(6) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inboard mounting flange of the washer reservoir
to the left inner wheel house. Tighten the screws to
7.4 N´m (66 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall the liner into the left front fender
wheel house.
(8) Lower the vehicle.
(9) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the washer reservoir filler neck to the left inner
fender shield. Tighten the screw to 7.4 N´m (66 in.
lbs.).
(10) Fill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
(11) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 21 Washer Fluid Level Switch Remove/Install
1 - WASHER RESERVOIR
2 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
3 - GROMMET SEAL
8R - 26 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSWJ
WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH (Continued)