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)
(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)
connection. The mounting nut locks the wiper arm to
the threaded stud on the wiper pivot. The spring-
loaded wiper arm hinge controls the down-force
applied through the tip of the wiper arm to the wiper
blade on the glass. The hook formation on the tip of
the wiper arm provides a cradle for securing and
latching the wiper blade pivot block to the wiper
arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Lift the front wiper arm to its over-center posi-
tion to hold the wiper blade off of the glass and
relieve the spring tension on the wiper arm to wiper
pivot connection.
(2) Carefully pry the plastic nut cap off of the
pivot end of the wiper arm (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove the nut that secures the wiper arm to
the wiper pivot shaft.
(4) Use a suitable battery terminal puller to disen-
gage the wiper arm from the wiper pivot shaft
splines (Fig. 8).
(5) Remove the front wiper arm pivot end from the
wiper pivot.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Be certain that the wiper motor is in the park
position before attempting to install the wiper arms.
Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
move the right multi-function switch control knob to
its Off position. If the wiper pivots move, wait until
they stop moving, then turn the ignition switchback to the Off position. The wiper motor is now in
its park position.
(1) The front wiper arms must be indexed to the
wiper pivots with the wiper motor in the park posi-
tion to be properly installed. Position the front wiper
arm pivot ends onto the wiper pivots so that the
lower edge of the blade is aligned with the wiper
alignment lines located in the lower edge of the
windshield glass (Fig. 7).
(2) Once the wiper blade is aligned, lift the wiper
arm away from the windshield slightly to relieve the
spring tension on the pivot end and push the pivot
hole on the end of the wiper arm down over the
wiper pivot shaft.
(3) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
wiper arm to the wiper pivot shaft. Tighten the nut
to 23.7 N´m (210 in. lbs.).
(4) Wet the windshield glass, then operate the
front wipers. Turn the wiper switch to the Off posi-
tion, then check for the correct wiper arm position
and readjust as required.
(5) Reinstall the plastic nut cap onto the wiper
arm pivot nut.
FRONT WIPER BLADE
DESCRIPTION
Each front wiper blade is secured by an integral
latching pivot block to the hook formation on the tip
of the front wiper arms, and rests on the glass near
the base of the windshield when the wipers are not
in operation (Fig. 9). The wiper blade consists of the
following components:
²Superstructure- The superstructure includes
several stamped steel bridges and links with claw
Fig. 7 Wiper Arm Remove/Install
1 - ARM AND BLADE
2 - CAP
3 - NUT
4 - PIVOT SHAFT
5 - ALIGNMENT LINE
Fig. 8 Wiper Arm Puller - Typical
1 - WIPER ARM
2 - WIPER PIVOT
3 - BATTERY TERMINAL PULLER
8R - 14 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSWJ
FRONT WIPER ARM (Continued)
(3) Insert the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm through the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure ahead of the wiper blade pivot block/
latch unit far enough to engage the pivot block with
the hook (Fig. 10).
(4) Slide the wiper blade pivot block/latch up into
the hook formation on the tip of the wiper arm until
the latch release tab snaps into its locked position.
Latch engagement will be accompanied by an audible
click.
(5) Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.
FRONT WIPER MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The front wiper module is secured with four screws
through rubber isolators to the cowl plenum panel
beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel (Fig. 11).
The ends of the wiper pivot shafts that protrude
through dedicated openings in the cowl plenum cov-
er/grille panel to drive the wiper arms and blades are
the only visible components of the front wiper mod-
ule. The front wiper module consists of the following
major components:
²Bracket- The front wiper module bracket con-
sists of a long tubular steel main member that has a
stamped pivot bracket formation near each end
where the two wiper pivots are secured. A stamped
steel mounting plate for the wiper motor is secured
with welds near the center of the main member.
²Crank Arm- The front wiper motor crank arm
is a stamped steel unit with a slotted hole on the
driven end that is secured to the wiper motor outputshaft with a nut, and a ball stud secured to the drive
end.
²Linkage- Two stamped steel drive links con-
nect the wiper motor crank arm to the pivot lever
arms. The passenger side drive link has a plastic
socket-type bushing on each end. The driver side
drive link has a plastic socket-type bushing on one
end, and a plastic sleeve-type bushing on the other
end. The socket-type bushing on one end of each
drive link is snap-fit over the ball stud on the lever
arm of its respective pivot. The driver side drive link
sleeve-type bushing end is then fit over the motor
crank arm ball stud, and the other socket-type bush-
ing of the passenger side drive link is snap-fit over
the exposed end of the wiper motor crank arm ball
stud.
²Motor- The front wiper motor is secured with
three screws to the motor mounting plate near the
center of the wiper module bracket. The wiper motor
output shaft passes through a hole in the module
bracket, where a nut secures the wiper motor crank
arm to the motor output shaft. The two-speed perma-
nent magnet wiper motor features an integral trans-
mission, an internal park switch, and an internal
automatic resetting circuit breaker.
²Pivots- The two front wiper pivots are secured
to the ends of the wiper module bracket. The crank
arms that extend from the bottom of the pivot shafts
each have a ball stud on their end. The upper end of
each pivot shaft where the wiper arms will be fas-
tened each has an externally serrated drum with a
threaded stud secured to it.
The front wiper module cannot be adjusted or
repaired. If any component of the module is faulty or
damaged, the entire front wiper module unit must be
replaced. The reinforcement bracket and stud plate
are available for service replacement.OPERATION
The front wiper module operation is controlled by
the battery current inputs received by the wiper
motor from the wiper on/off and wiper high/low
relays. The wiper motor speed is controlled by cur-
rent flow to either the low speed or the high speed
set of brushes. The park switch is a single pole, sin-
gle throw, momentary switch within the wiper motor
that is mechanically actuated by the wiper motor
transmission components. The park switch alter-
nately closes the wiper park switch sense circuit to
ground or to battery current, depending upon the
position of the wipers on the glass. This feature
allows the motor to complete its current wipe cycle
after the wiper system 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
Fig. 11 Front Wiper Module
1 - FRONT WIPER MODULE
2 - SCREW (4)
3 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
4 - LOWER COWL PLENUM PANEL
8R - 16 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSWJ
FRONT WIPER BLADE (Continued)
(9) 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 long nuts to the right outboard
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.
(10) 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.
(11) Close and latch the hood.
(12) Reinstall the wiper arms onto the wiper piv-
ots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/
WASHERS/FRONT WIPER ARMS -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
RAIN SENSOR MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Rain Sensor Module (RSM) is the primary
component of the automatic wiper system (Fig. 14).
The RSM is located on the inside of the windshield,
between the rear view mirror mounting button and
the windshield header and is concealed behind a
molded plastic trim cover that snaps over the modulehousing. The triangular-shaped molded black plastic
housing of the RSM has a rectangular opening
located on the upper end of the housing for the mod-
ule connector receptacle, which contains four termi-
nal pins. These terminal pins connect the rain sensor
to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated
take out and connector of the overhead wire harness
that extends from above the headliner. Five openings
on the windshield side of the RSM housing are fitted
with eight convex clear plastic lenses. A metal spring
clip on each side of the housing near the bottom
secures the RSM to a plastic mounting bracket that
is bonded to the windshield glass. Concealed within
the RSM housing is the electronic circuitry of the
module, which includes four InfraRed (IR) diodes,
two photocells, and a microprocessor.
The RSM software is Flash compatible, which
means it can be reprogrammed using Flash repro-
gramming procedures. However, if any of the hard-
ware of the RSM is damaged or faulty, the entire
module must be replaced. The RSM bracket is ser-
viced as a unit with the windshield glass. If the
bracket is faulty, damaged, or separated from the
windshield glass, the windshield unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor-based Rain Sensor Module
(RSM) senses moisture in the wipe pattern on the
outside of the windshield glass and sends wipe com-
mands to the Body Control Module (BCM). Four
InfraRed (IR) diodes within the RSM generate IR
light beams that are aimed by four of the convex
optical lenses near the base of the module through
the windshield glass. Four additional convex optical
lenses near the top of the RSM are focused on the IR
light beams on the outside of the windshield glass
and allow the two photocells within the module to
sense changes in the intensity of these IR light
beams. When sufficient moisture accumulates within
the wipe pattern of the windshield glass, the RSM
detects a change in the monitored IR light beam
intensity.
The internal programming of the RSM then sends
the appropriate electronic wipe command messages
to the BCM over the Programmable Communications
Interface (PCI) data bus. The BCM responds by acti-
vating or deactivating the front wiper system. The
BCM also sends electronic sensitivity level messages
to the RSM over the PCI data bus based upon the
driver-selected sensitivity setting of the control knob
on the control stalk of the right (wiper) multi-func-
tion switch. The higher the selected sensitivity set-
ting the more sensitive the RSM is to the
accumulated moisture on the windshield glass, and
Fig. 14 Rain Sensor Module
1 - SPRING CLIP (2)
2 - INFRARED LENS (4)
3 - HOUSING
4 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
5 - PHOTOCELL LENS (4)
8R - 18 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSWJ
FRONT WIPER MODULE (Continued)
REAR WIPERS/WASHERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR WIPERS/WASHERS
DESCRIPTION.........................33
OPERATION...........................34
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WIPER &
WASHER SYSTEM....................35
CLEANING - REAR WIPER & WASHER
SYSTEM............................37
INSPECTION - REAR WIPER & WASHER
SYSTEM............................37
REAR WASHER HOSES/TUBES
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................39
REAR WASHER NOZZLE
DESCRIPTION.........................39
OPERATION...........................39
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
REAR WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................40
OPERATION...........................40REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
REAR WIPER ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................41
OPERATION...........................42
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................42
REAR WIPER BLADE
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
REMOVAL.............................44
INSTALLATION.........................44
REAR WIPER MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................44
OPERATION...........................45
REMOVAL.............................45
INSTALLATION.........................45
WIPER ARM PARK RAMP
REMOVAL.............................46
INSTALLATION.........................46
REAR WIPERS/WASHERS
DESCRIPTION
An electrically operated fixed interval intermittent
rear wiper and washer system is standard factory-in-
stalled equipment on this model. The rear wiper and
washer system includes the following major compo-
nents, which are described in further detail else-
where in this service information:
²Rear Washer Nozzle- The rear washer nozzle
is secured by a snap fit onto the top of the liftgate
outer panel above the liftgate glass. The rear washer
nozzle includes an integral check valve. The rear
washer system plumbing is concealed within and
routed through the interior of the vehicle.
²Rear Washer Pump/Motor- The rear washer
pump/motor unit is located in a dedicated hole on the
lower outboard side of the washer reservoir, ahead of
the left front wheel housing. The rear washer pump
mounting hole is located higher on the reservoir than
the front washer pump mounting hole.
²Rear Wiper Arm- The single rear wiper arm is
secured by a nut directly to the rear wiper module
output shaft, which extends through the liftgate
outer panel near the base of the liftgate glass.²Rear Wiper Arm Park Ramp- The molded
rubber rear wiper arm park ramp is secured with a
screw to the liftgate outer panel, just below the right
side of the liftgate glass. When the rear wiper system
is not in operation, the rear wiper arm is parked on
this ramp so that it will not interfere with or be
damaged by liftgate flip-up glass operation.
²Rear Wiper Blade- The single rear wiper
blade is secured to the rear wiper arm, and is moved
off of the liftgate glass when the rear wiper system is
not in operation.
²Rear Wiper Module- The rear wiper module
output shaft is the only visible component of the rear
wiper module. The remainder of the module is con-
cealed within the liftgate beneath the liftgate glass
opening. The rear wiper module includes the module
bracket, the rear wiper motor, and the rear wiper
module electronic control circuitry.
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. Only the control
stalk for the right multi-function switch is visible,
the remainder of the switch is concealed beneath the
steering column shrouds. The right multi-function
switch contains all of the switches and control cir-
cuitry for both the front and rear wiper and washer
systems.
WJREAR WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 33
(2) 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 rear washer pump/motor unit from
the pump/motor unit connector receptacle. Check for
continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the
left headlamp and dash wire harness connector for
the rear washer pump/motor unit and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground (G106)
as required.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Push the right
multi-function switch control stalk toward the instru-
ment panel to actuate the rear washer switch. With
the rear washer switch actuated, check for battery
voltage at the rear washer switch output circuit cav-
ity of the left headlamp and dash wire harness con-
nector for the rear washer pump/motor unit. If OK,
replace the faulty rear washer pump/motor unit. If
not OK, repair the open rear washer switch output
circuit between the rear washer pump/motor unit
and the right multi-function switch as required.
CLEANING - REAR WIPER & WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The squeegee of a wiper blade exposed to the ele-
ments for a long time tends to lose its wiping effec-
tiveness. Periodic cleaning of the squeegee is
suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film.
The wiper blade, arm, and liftgate glass should only
be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth and wind-
shield washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abra-
sive cleaner. If the wiper blade continues to leave
streaks, smears, hazing, or beading on the glass after
thorough cleaning of the squeegees and the glass, the
entire wiper blade assembly must be replaced.
CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegee of the wiper
blade from any petroleum-based cleaners, solvents,
or contaminants. These products can rapidly deteri-
orate the rubber squeegee.
WASHER SYSTEM
If the washer system is contaminated with foreign
material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the
front washer pump/motor from the reservoir. Clean
foreign material from the inside of the washer reser-
voir using clean washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a
non-abrasive cleaner. Flush foreign material from the
washer system plumbing by first disconnecting the
washer hose from the washer nozzle, then running
the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or
water through the system. A plugged or restricted
washer nozzle should be carefully back-flushed usingcompressed air. If the washer nozzle obstruction can-
not be cleared, replace the washer nozzle.
CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based clean-
ers, solvents, or contaminants into the washer sys-
tem. These products can rapidly deteriorate the
rubber seals and hoses of the washer system, as
well as the rubber squeegee of the wiper blade.
CAUTION: Never use compressed air to flush the
washer system plumbing. Compressed air pres-
sures are too great for the washer system plumbing
components and will result in further system dam-
age. Never use sharp instruments to clear a
plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle ori-
fice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.
INSPECTION - REAR WIPER & WASHER
SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The rear wiper blade and wiper arm should be
inspected periodically, not just when wiper perfor-
mance problems are experienced. This inspection
should include the following points:
(1) Inspect the wiper arm for any indications of
damage, or contamination. If the wiper arm is con-
taminated with any foreign material, clean as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/REAR WIPERS/
WASHERS - CLEANING). If a wiper arm is damaged
or corrosion is evident, replace the wiper arm with a
new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm that
is damaged or corroded.
(2) Carefully lift the wiper arm off of the ramp.
Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper
arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no lat-
eral looseness evident. If there is any binding evident
in the wiper arm hinge, or there is evident lateral
play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(3) Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is
confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension.
The spring tension of the wiper arm should be suffi-
cient to cause the rubber squeegee to conform to the
curvature of the glass. Replace a wiper arm if it has
low or no spring tension.
(4) Inspect the wiper blade and squeegee for any
indications of damage, contamination, or rubber dete-
rioration (Fig. 1). If the wiper blade or squeegee is
contaminated with any foreign material, clean them
and the glass as required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
WJREAR WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 37
REAR WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)
secured loosely to and pivots on the wiper arm hinge
pin to conceal the wiper arm retaining nut. The wide
end of a tapered, stamped steel channel is secured
with a hinge pin to the pivot end of the wiper arm.
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. A molded plastic wiper arm support is snapped
onto the wiper arm strap where it exits the channel.
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 rear wiper arm is designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the rear wiper motor out-
put shaft to the rear wiper blade. The wiper arm
must be properly indexed to the motor output shaft
in order to maintain the proper wiper blade travel on
the glass. The wiper arm support is designed to lift
and support the rear wiper arm and blade off of the
glass when the rear wiper blade is parked. This sup-
port and the park ramp on the liftgate outer panel
below the glass also provide an alignment reference
to ensure accurate rear wiper arm and blade instal-
lation. The hole with internal serrations in the wiper
arm pivot end interlocks with the serrations on the
outer circumference of the motor output shaft, allow-
ing positive engagement and finite adjustment of this
connection. A hex nut secures the wiper arm pivot
end to the threads on the motor output shaft and the
pivot cover hinges and snaps over this connection for
a neat appearance. The spring-loaded wiper arm
hinge controls the down-force applied through the tip
of the wiper arm to the wiper blade on the glass. The
hook formation on the tip of the wiper arm provides
a cradle for securing and latching the wiper blade
pivot block to the wiper arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Lift the rear wiper arm pivot cover by lifting it
at the rear wiper motor output shaft end of the arm
(Fig. 8).
(2) Remove the nut that secures the rear wiper
arm to the rear wiper motor output shaft.
(3) Lift the rear wiper arm far enough to engage
the over-center arm hinge in its upright position to
hold the wiper blade off of the liftgate.(4) Use a battery terminal puller to disengage the
wiper arm from the rear wiper motor output shaft
splines (Fig. 9).
(5) Remove the rear wiper arm pivot end from the
motor output shaft.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Always install the wiper arm and blade with
the wiper motor in the Park position.
Fig. 8 Rear Wiper Arm Remove/Install
1 - LIFTGATE
2 - REAR WIPER MOTOR OUTPUT SHAFT
3 - PARK RAMP
4 - PIVOT COVER
5 - REAR WIPER ARM
6 - NUT
Fig. 9 Wiper Arm Puller - Typical
1 - WIPER ARM
2 - WIPER PIVOT
3 - BATTERY TERMINAL PULLER
8R - 42 REAR WIPERS/WASHERSWJ
REAR WIPER ARM (Continued)