
impact sensor and bracket unit (diesel engine only)
into the engine compartment (Fig. 18).
(2) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the front impact sensor to the sensor
connector receptacle.
(3) Position the right or left front impact sensor,
left impact sensor and shim (2.4L engine only), or left
impact sensor and bracket unit (diesel engine only)
onto the back of the right or left radiator support
vertical member.
(4) Loosely install the upper screw that secures
the right or left front impact sensor, left impact sen-
sor and shim (2.4L engine only), or left impact sensor
and bracket unit (diesel engine only) to the back of
the right or left radiator support vertical member.
(5)
Install and tighten the lower screw that secures
the right or left front impact sensor, left impact sensor
and shim (2.4L engine only), or left impact sensor and
bracket unit (diesel engine only) to the back of the right
or left radiator support vertical member. Tighten the
screw to 7 N´m (65 in. lbs.).
(6) Tighten the upper screw that secures the right
or left front impact sensor, left impact sensor and
shim (2.4L engine only), or left impact sensor and
bracket unit (diesel engine only) to the back of the
right or left radiator support vertical member.
Tighten the screw to 7 N´m (65 in. lbs.).
(7) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER
AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, FRONT IMPACT
SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DIS-
CONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE
PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUP-
PLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Adjust the front seat to its most forward posi-
tion for easiest access to the front seat belt lower
anchor and the B-pillar trim.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the plug that covers the
front seat belt lower anchor screw to remove it from
the rear of the outboard seat side shield (Fig. 19).
Fig. 19 Front Seat Belt Lower Anchor Remove/
Install
1 - FRONT SEAT
2 - LOWER ANCHOR
3 - SCREW
4 - PLUG
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 23
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)

(6) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster stud.
Tighten the nut to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(7) Fold and snap the trim cover back into place to
conceal the nut that secures the front seat belt turn-
ing loop to the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar.
(8) Position the front seat belt lower anchor to the
bracket on the outboard side of the front seat cushion
frame (Fig. 19).
(9) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower anchor to the bracket on the outboard side of
the front seat cushion frame. Tighten the screw to 43
N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(10) Align the plug that covers the front seat belt
lower anchor screw with the hole near the rear of the
outboard seat side shield. Using hand pressure, press
firmly and evenly on the plug until it snaps into
place.
(11) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
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.WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the front seat and seat track from the
floor panel as a unit. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT - FRONT - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire
connector from the seat wire harness connector on
the seat cushion frame bracket located under the
rear edge of the seat cushion near the inboard side of
the seat (Fig. 21).
Fig. 21 Seat Belt Switch Connector
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE
2 - SEAT WIRE HARNESS
3 - SEAT CUSHION FRAME BRACKET
4 - BODY WIRE HARNESS
5 - INBOARD SEAT TRACK
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 25
FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

(4) Remove the screw that secures the front seat
belt buckle anchor to the bracket near the rear of the
inboard seat track (Fig. 22).
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the inboard
seat cushion side shield to the seat cushion frame.
(6) Remove the two screws that secure the inboard
seat track to the rear inboard corner of the seat cush-
ion frame.
(7) Disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire
routing clip from the locating hole in the seat cushion
frame.
(8) Remove the seat belt switch pigtail wire from
between the seat cushion frame and the seat track by
gently prying the inboard seat track away from the
inboard rear corner of the seat cushion frame far
enough to slide the pigtail wire from between them.
(9) Remove the front seat belt buckle from the
inboard seat cushion side shield.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER
AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, FRONT IMPACT
SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DIS-
CONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE
PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUP-
PLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT INACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the front seat belt buckle to the
inboard seat cushion side shield (Fig. 22).
(2)
Position the seat belt switch pigtail wire between
the seat cushion frame and the seat track by gently pry-
ing the inboard seat track away from the inboard rear
corner of the seat cushion frame far enough to slide the
pigtail wire into position between them.
(3) Engage the seat belt switch pigtail wire routing
clip into the locating hole in the seat cushion frame.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inboard seat track to the rear inboard corner of
the seat cushion frame. Tighten the screws to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
(5) Position the inboard seat cushion side shield to
the seat cushion frame.
(6) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inboard seat cushion side shield to the seat cush-
ion frame. Tighten the screws to 1 N´m (9 in. lbs.).
(7) Position the front seat belt buckle anchor to
the bracket on the inboard side of the seat track.
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front seat belt buckle anchor to the bracket on the
inboard side of the seat track. Tighten the screw to
43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(9)
Reconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire connec-
tor to the seat wire harness connector on the seat cush-
ion frame bracket located under the rear edge of the seat
cushion near the inboard side of the seat (Fig. 21).
(10) Reinstall the front seat and seat track to the
floor panel as a unit. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT - FRONT - INSTALLATION).
(11) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
Fig. 22 Front Seat Belt Buckle Remove/Install
1 - FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE
2 - INBOARD SIDE SHIELD
3 - SCREW
4 - PIGTAIL WIRE
8O - 26 RESTRAINTSKJ
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

these outputs vary by the requirements of the mar-
ket for which the vehicle is manufactured. In all
cases, the visual output will be a flashing on and off
of the exterior lamps. For vehicles equipped with the
North American or the ROW base version of the
VTA, the audible output will be a pulsing of the horn.
For vehicles with the ROW premium version of the
VTA, the audible output will be a cycling of the
alarm siren. See the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for details of the alarm output require-
ments of the specific market for which the vehicle
was manufactured. The inputs that will trigger the
alarm include the door ajar switches, the tailgate
ajar switch, the flip-up glass ajar switch, and in vehi-
cles built for certain markets where they are
required, the hood ajar switch and the Intrusion
Transceiver Module (ITM).
²TAMPER ALERT- The VTA tamper alert fea-
ture will pulse the horn (or the alarm siren for the
ROW premium version of the VTA) three times upon
VTA disarming, if the alarm was triggered and has
since timed-out. This feature alerts the vehicle oper-
ator that the VTA alarm was activated while the
vehicle was unattended.
²INTRUSION ALARM- The intrusion alarm is
an exclusive feature of the ROW premium version of
the VTA, which is only available in certain markets
where it is required. When the VTA is armed, a
motion sensor in the Intrusion Transceiver Module
(ITM) monitors the interior of the vehicle for move-
ment. If motion is detected, the ITM sends an elec-
tronic message to the BCM over the PCI data bus to
invoke the visual alarm feature, and sends an elec-
tronic message to the alarm siren in the engine com-
partment over a dedicated serial bus to invoke the
audible alarm feature. The motion detect feature of
the ITM can be disabled by depressing the ªLockº
button on the RKE transmitter three times within
fifteen seconds during VTA arming, while the secu-
rity indicator is still flashing rapidly. The VTA pro-
vides a single short siren ªchirpº as an audible
confirmation that the motion detect disable request
has been received. The ITM must be electronically
enabled in order for the intrusion alarm to perform
as designed. The logic in the ITM keeps its intrusion
alarm function dormant until it is enabled using a
DRBIIItscan tool. The intrusion alarm function of
the ITM is enabled on vehicles equipped with thisoption at the factory, but a service replacement ITM
must be configured and enabled by the dealer using a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM The Sen-
try Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) is designed to
provide passive protection against unauthorized vehi-
cle use by disabling the engine after about two sec-
onds of running, whenever any method other than a
valid Sentry Key is used to start the vehicle. The
SKIS is considered a passive protection system
because it is always active when the ignition system
is energized and does not require any customer inter-
vention. The SKIS uses Radio Frequency (RF) com-
munication to obtain confirmation that the key in the
ignition switch is a valid key for operating the vehi-
cle. The microprocessor-based SKIS hardware and
software also use electronic messages to communi-
cate with other electronic modules in the vehicle over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - OPER-
ATION).
Pre-programmed Sentry Key transponders are pro-
vided with the vehicle from the factory. Each Sentry
Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) will recognize a
maximum of eight Sentry Keys. If the customer
would like additional keys other than those provided
with the vehicle, they may be purchased from any
authorized dealer. These additional keys must be pro-
grammed to the SKIM in the vehicle in order for the
system to recognize them as valid keys. This can be
done by the dealer using a DRBIIItscan tool or, if
Customer Learn programming is an available SKIS
feature in the market where the vehicle was pur-
chased, the customer can program the additional
keys, as long as at least two valid Sentry Keys are
already available. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/VEHI-
CLE THEFT SECURITY - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - TRANSPONDER PROGRAMMING).
The SKIS performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position, and will
store fault information in the form of Diagnostic
Trouble Codes (DTC's) if a system malfunction is
detected. The SKIS can be diagnosed, and any stored
DTC's can be retrieved using a DRBIIItscan tool.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
KJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 5
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY (Continued)

(2) Position the lock lever onto the pin on the back
of the door lock cylinder with the lever oriented
toward the rear.
(3) Install the retainer clip onto the pin on the
back of the door lock cylinder. Be certain that the
center tab of the retainer is engaged in the retention
hole on the lock lever.
(4) Reinstall the outside door handle unit onto the
outer door panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR -
FRONT/EXTERIOR HANDLE - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
HOOD AJAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The hood ajar switch is a normally closed, single
pole momentary switch that is used only on vehicles
equipped with the Vehicle Theft Security System
(VTSS) for sale in certain markets where it is
required equipment (Fig. 4). This switch consists of a
molded plastic body with a molded plastic mounting
bezel. The switch body has an integral molded con-nector receptacle on the lower end, while the spring-
loaded switch plunger extends from the upper end.
Two external latches integral to the mounting bezel
lock the switch into a keyed mounting hole in the
stamped steel switch mounting bracket. The mount-
ing bracket is fastened with two screws to the right
inner fender shield near the fender ledge in the
engine compartment. A molded plastic striker with
an integral retainer and mounting tab is secured to
the underside of the hood panel inner reinforcement
to actuate the switch plunger as the hood panel is
closed (Fig. 5). A single take out of the headlamp and
dash wire harness connects the switch to the vehicle
electrical system. The switch receives a path to
ground at all times through another take out of the
headlamp and dash wire harness with an eyelet ter-
minal connector that is secured by a ground screw to
the left inner fender shield in the engine compart-
ment.
The hood ajar switch cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced. The hood ajar switch striker is not intended
for reuse. If the striker is removed from the hood
inner reinforcement for any reason, it must be
replaced with a new unit.
Fig. 4 Hood Ajar Switch
1 - INNER FENDER
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - BRACKET
4 - HOOD AJAR SWITCH
5 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 5 Hood Ajar Switch Striker
1 - STRIKER
2-TAB
3 - INNER HOOD REINFORCEMENT
4 - RETAINER
KJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 11
DOOR CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH (Continued)

Each Sentry Key has a unique transponder identi-
fication code permanently programmed into it by the
manufacturer. Likewise, the SKIM has a unique
Secret Key code programmed into it by the manufac-
turer. When a Sentry Key is programmed into the
memory of the SKIM, the SKIM stores the transpon-
der identification code from the Sentry Key, and the
Sentry Key learns the Secret Key code from the
SKIM. Once the Sentry Key learns the Secret Key
code of the SKIM, it is permanently stored in the
memory of the transponder. Therefore, once a Sentry
Key has been programmed to a particular vehicle, it
cannot be used on any other vehicle. (Refer to 8 -ELECTRICAL/VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSPONDER PRO-
GRAMMING).
The SKIS performs a self-test each time the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position, and will
store key-related fault information in the form of
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) in SKIM memory if
a Sentry Key transponder problem is detected. The
Sentry Key transponder chip can be diagnosed, and
any stored DTC's can be retrieved using a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information.
KJVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 19
TRANSPONDER KEY (Continued)

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.
Remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm. Either
place a small postal scale between the blade end of
the wiper arm and the glass, or carefully lift the
blade end of the arm away from the glass using a
small fish scale. Compare the scale readings between
the right and left wiper arms. Replace a wiper arm if
it has comparatively lower spring tension, as evi-
denced by a lower scale reading.
(4) Inspect the wiper blades and squeegees for any
indications of damage, contamination, or rubber dete-
rioration (Fig. 2). If the wiper blades or squeegees
are contaminated with any foreign material, clean
them and the glass as required. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING).
After cleaning the wiper blade and the glass, if the
wiper blade still fails to clear the glass without
smearing, streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading,
replace the wiper blade. Also, if a wiper blade is
damaged or the squeegee rubber is damaged or dete-
riorated, replace the wiper blade with a new unit. Do
not attempt to repair a wiper blade that is damaged.
FRONT WASHER SYSTEM
The washer system components should be
inspected periodically, not just when washer perfor-
mance problems are experienced. This inspection
should include the following points:
(1) Check for ice or other foreign material in the
washer reservoir. If contaminated, clean and flush
the washer system. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
FRONT WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING).
(2) Inspect the washer plumbing for pinched, leak-
ing, deteriorated, or incorrectly routed hoses and
damaged or disconnected hose fittings. Replace dam-
aged or deteriorated hoses and hose fittings. Leaking
washer hoses can sometimes be repaired by cutting
the hose at the leak and splicing it back together
using an in-line connector fitting. Similarly, sections
of deteriorated hose can be cut out and replaced by
splicing in new sections of hose using in-line connec-
tor fittings. Whenever routing a washer hose or a
wire harness containing a washer hose, it must be
routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts. Also,
sharp bends that might pinch the washer hose must
be avoided.
FRONT CHECK VALVE
DESCRIPTION
A front washer system check valve (Fig. 3) is stan-
dard equipment on this model. The front check valve
is integral to the front washer nozzle plumbing wye
fitting located in the cowl plenum area beneath on
the back of the cowl plenum cover/grille panel near
the base of the windshield. The check valve consists
of a molded plastic body with a round center section.
An arrow formation molded into the center section of
the valve body indicates the direction of flow through
the valve. Three barbed hose nipples are formed in a
wye configuration on the outside circumference of the
center section of the valve body. The front check
valve cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 2 Wiper Blade Inspection
1 - WORN OR UNEVEN EDGES
2 - ROAD FILM OR FOREIGN MATERIAL DEPOSITS
3 - HARD, BRITTLE, OR CRACKED
4 - DEFORMED OR FATIGUED
5 - SPLIT
6 - DAMAGED SUPPORT COMPONENTS
8R - 8 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSKJ
FRONT WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)

WASHER FLUID LEVEL
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The washer fluid level switch is a single pole, sin-
gle throw reed-type switch mounted at the rear of
the sump area near the bottom of the washer reser-
voir (Fig. 16). Only the molded plastic switch mount-
ing flange and the integral 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 pressed
through a rubber grommet seal installed in the
mounting hole of the reservoir. A small, molded plas-
tic 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 nearest the switch nipple
formation, and a reed switch is concealed within the
nipple. A diagnostic resistor is connected 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 headlamp and dash wire
harness. The switch is connected in series between
ground and the washer fluid switch sense input to
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC).
The switch receives a path to ground at all times
through another take out of the headlamp and dash
wire harness with a single eyelet terminal connector
that is secured under a ground screw near the front
of the left front fender inner shield in the engine
compartment. When the switch closes, the EMIC
senses the ground on the washer fluid switch sense
circuit. The EMIC is programmed to respond to this
input by illuminating the washer fluid indicator and
by sounding an audible chime tone warning.
The washer fluid level switch input to the EMIC
can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRU-
MENT CLUSTER/WASHER FLUID INDICATOR -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
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) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the splash shield from the right front
fender wheel house. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/
FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD -
REMOVAL).
(4) Disconnect the front or rear washer hose from
one of the barbed outlet nipples of the washer pump/
motor unit and allow the washer fluid to drain into a
clean container for reuse.
(5) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer fluid level switch from
the switch connector receptacle (Fig. 17).
Fig. 16 Washer Fluid Level Switch
1 - MOUNTING FLANGE
2 - BARBED NIPPLE
3 - FLOAT
4 - RESERVOIR
5 - GROMMET SEAL
6 - PIVOT
7 - MAGNET
8 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
KJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 17