operates the front wipers at the programmed speed
and intervals requested by the RSM to maintain vis-
ibility through the windshield.
²Continuous Wipe Mode- The control knob on
the control stalk of the right (wiper) multi-function
switch has two continuous wipe positions, Low and
High. When selected, these switch positions will
cause the two-speed front wiper motor to operate in a
continuous low or high speed cycle.
²Headlamps On With Wipers- The BCM pro-
vides an automatic headlamps on with wipers feature
for models equipped with the optional automatic
headlamps. This is a customer programmable fea-
ture. If this feature is enabled, the headlamps will
turn on automatically when the windshield wipers
are turned on; and, if the headlamps were turned on
automatically when the wipers were turned on, they
will turn off automatically when the wipers are
turned off. In models equipped with the optional
automatic wiper feature, when the automatic wiper
mode is selected the headlamps will turn on auto-
matically only after the wipers complete three auto-
matic wipe cycles within about thirty seconds, and
they will turn off automatically after three minutes
elapse without any automatic wipe cycles. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - ELECTRONIC VEHICLE
INFORMATION CENTER PROGRAMMING).
²Mist Wipe Mode- The control stalk of the right
(wiper) multi-function switch has a momentary Mist
position. When selected, this switch position will
operate the front wipers in a low speed continuous
cycle for as long as the switch is held closed, then
will complete the current wipe cycle and park the
front wiper blades near the base of the windshield
when the switch is released.
²Speed Sensitive Intermittent Wipe Mode-
Except on models equipped with the optional auto-
matic wiper system, the internal circuitry of both the
right (wiper) multi-function switch and the BCM
work in concert to provide an intermittent wipe mode
with five delay interval selections. The BCM auto-
matically adjusts each manually selected delay inter-
val to compensate for vehicle speed.
²Washer Mode- When the momentary front
wash position of the control stalk for the right
(wiper) multi-function switch is selected with the
front wiper system operating in a continuous wipe
mode, washer fluid will be dispensed onto the wind-
shield glass through the washer nozzles for as long
as the washer switch is held closed. When the front
washer switch is actuated with the front wiper sys-
tem operating in an intermittent wipe mode, washer
fluid is still dispensed until the switch is released;
however, the front wipers will operate in a low speed
continuous cycle from the time the washer switch isclosed until several wipe cycles after the switch is
released, before returning to the selected intermit-
tent wipe mode.
²Wipe-After-Wash Mode- When the momentary
front wash position of the control stalk for the right
(wiper) multi-function switch is selected with the
front wiper system turned Off, the internal circuitry
of the BCM provides a wipe-after-wash feature.
When selected, this feature will operate the front
washer pump/motor and the front wipers for as long
as the front washer switch is held closed, then pro-
vide several additional wipe cycles after the switch is
released before parking the front wiper blades near
the base of the windshield.
OPERATION
The front wiper and washer system is designed to
provide the vehicle operator with a convenient, safe,
and reliable means of maintaining visibility through
the windshield glass. The various components of this
system are designed to convert electrical energy pro-
duced by the vehicle electrical system into the
mechanical action of the wiper blades to wipe the
outside surface of the glass, as well as into the
hydraulic action of the washer system to apply
washer fluid stored in an on-board reservoir to the
area of the glass to be wiped. When combined, these
components provide the means to effectively main-
tain clear visibility for the vehicle operator by remov-
ing excess accumulations of rain, snow, bugs, mud, or
other minor debris that might be encountered while
driving the vehicle under numerous types of inclem-
ent operating conditions from the outside windshield
glass surface.
The vehicle operator initiates all front wiper and
washer system functions with the control stalk of the
right (wiper) multi-function switch that extends from
the right side of the steering column, just below the
steering wheel. Rotating the control knob on the end
of the right (wiper) multi-function switch control
stalk selects the Off, Delay (on models not equipped
with the optional automatic wiper system), Auto (on
models equipped with the optional automatic wiper
system), Low, or High front wiper system operating
modes. In the Delay mode, the control knob also
allows the vehicle operator to select from one of five
intermittent wipe Delay intervals. In the Auto mode,
the control knob also allows the vehicle operator to
select from one of five automatic wiper sensitivity
levels. Pulling the right control stalk downwards
actuates the momentary front wiper system Mist
mode switch, while pulling the right control stalk
towards the steering wheel actuates the front washer
system switch. The multi-function switch provides
hard wired resistor multiplexed inputs to the Body
Control Module (BCM) for all of the front wiper sys-
8R - 4 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSWJ
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)
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 is standard
equipment on this model. The front check valve is
integral to the front washer nozzle plumbing wye fit-
ting located in the cowl plenum beneath the cowl ple-
num cover/grille panel near the base of the
windshield. The check valve consists of a molded
plastic body with a round center section. Three
barbed hose nipples are formed in a wye configura-
tion on the outside circumference of the center sec-
tion of the valve body. Within the check valve body, a
small check valve operated by a small coiled spring
restricts flow through the unit until the valve is
unseated by a predetermined inlet fluid pressure.
The front check valve cannot be adjusted or repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The front check valve provides more than one func-
tion in this application. It serves as a wye connector
fitting between the cowl grille panel and washer noz-
zle sections of the front washer supply hose. It also
prevents washer fluid from draining out of the front
washer supply hoses back to the washer reservoir.
This drain-back would result in a lengthy delay from
when the front washer switch is actuated until
washer fluid was dispensed through the front washer
nozzles, because the front washer pump would have
to refill the front washer plumbing from the reservoir
to the nozzles. Finally, the front check valve prevents
washer fluid from siphoning through the front
washer nozzles after the front washer system is
turned Off. When the front washer pump pressurizes
and pumps washer fluid from the reservoir through
the front washer plumbing, the fluid pressure over-
rides the spring pressure applied to the check valve
and unseats the valve, allowing washer fluid to flow
toward the front washer nozzles. When the front
washer pump stops operating, spring pressure seats
the check valve and fluid flow in either direction
within the front washer plumbing is prevented.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the wiper arms from the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/WASH-
ERS/FRONT WIPER ARMS - REMOVAL).
(3) Open the hood and pull the hood to plenum
seal off of the forward flanges of the cowl grille cover
and the plenum panel.
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
WJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 9
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)
Washer hose is available for service only as roll
stock, which must then be cut to length. The molded
plastic washer hose fittings cannot be repaired. If
these fittings are faulty or damaged, they must be
replaced.
OPERATION
Washer fluid in the washer reservoir is pressurized
and fed by the front washer pump/motor through the
front washer system plumbing and fittings to the two
front washer nozzles. Whenever routing the washer
hose or a wire harness containing a washer hose, it
must be routed away from hot, sharp, or moving
parts; and, sharp bends that might pinch the hose
must be avoided.
FRONT WASHER NOZZLE
DESCRIPTION
The two front washer nozzles have integral snap
features that secure them in dedicated holes in the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel located near the base
of the windshield. The domed upper surface of the
washer nozzle is visible on the top of the plenum cov-
er/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 constructed 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 front washer nozzles are designed to dis-
pense washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the
outside of the windshield glass. Pressurized washer
fluid is fed to each nozzle from the washer reservoir
by the front washer pump/motor through a single
hose, which is attached to a barbed nipple on each
front washer nozzle below the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel. The washer nozzles incorporate a fluidic
design, which causes the nozzle to emit the pressur-
ized washer fluid as an oscillating stream to more
effectively cover a larger area of the glass area to be
cleaned.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the wiper arms from the wiper pivots.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/WASH-
ERS/FRONT WIPER ARMS - REMOVAL).
(3) Unlatch and open the hood.(4) Pull the hood to plenum seal off of the forward
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. 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) Disconnect the engine compartment washer
hose from the cowl grille cover washer hose at the
plastic 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) From the underside of the cowl grille cover, dis-
connect the washer hose(s) from the barbed nipple(s)
of the front washer nozzle(s).
(10) From the underside of the cowl grille cover,
release the integral snap features of the front washer
nozzle(s) and push the nozzle(s) out through the
mounting hole toward the top side of the cowl grille
cover.
INSTALLATION
(1) From the top side of the cowl grille cover,
insert the nipple end of the front washer nozzle(s)
through the mounting hole in the cowl grille cover.
(2) Push firmly and evenly on the top of the front
washer nozzle until the integral snap features lock
into place on the underside of the cowl grille cover.
(3) From the underside of the cowl grille cover,
reconnect the washer hose(s) to the barbed nipple(s)
of the front washer nozzle(s).
Fig. 4 Cowl Grille Cover Remove/Install
1 - WASHER HOSE CONNECTION
2 - STUDS (6)
3 - COWL GRILLE COVER
4 - PLASTIC NUT (6)
WJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 11
FRONT WASHER HOSES/TUBES (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)
formations that grip the wiper blade element. Also
included in this unit is the latching, molded plastic
pivot block that secures the superstructure to the
wiper arm. All of the metal components of the wiper
blade have a satin black finish applied.
²Element- The wiper element or squeegee is the
resilient rubber member of the wiper blade that con-
tacts the glass.
²Flexor- The flexor is a rigid metal component
running along the length of each side of the wiper
element where it is gripped by the claws of the
superstructure.
All Grand Cherokee models have two 52.50 centi-
meter (20.67 inch) long windshield wiper blades with
non-replaceable rubber elements (squeegees). The
wiper blades cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty,
worn, or damaged the entire wiper blade unit must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper blades are moved back and forth across
the glass by the wiper arms when the wipers are
being operated. The wiper blade superstructure is
the flexible frame that grips the wiper blade element
and evenly distributes the force of the spring-loaded
wiper arm along the length of the element. The com-
bination of the wiper arm force and the flexibility of
the superstructure makes the element conform to
and maintain proper contact with the glass, even as
the blade is moved over the varied curvature found
across the glass surface. The wiper element flexor
provides the claws of the blade superstructure with a
rigid, yet flexible component on the element which
can be gripped. The rubber element is designed to be
stiff enough to maintain an even cleaning edge as it
is drawn across the glass, but resilient enough to
conform to the glass surface and flip from one clean-
ing edge to the other each time the wiper blade
changes directions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The notched retainer end of the wiper ele-
ment should always be oriented towards the end of
the wiper blade that is nearest to the wiper pivot.
(1) Lift the front wiper arm to raise the wiper
blade and element off of the glass, until the wiper
arm hinge is in its over-center position.
(2) To remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm,
push the pivot block latch release tab under the tip
of the arm and slide the blade away from the tip
towards the pivot end of the arm far enough to dis-
engage the pivot block from the hook (Fig. 10).
(3) Extract the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm from the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure ahead of the wiper blade pivot block/
latch unit.
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.
(4) Gently lower the wiper arm tip onto the glass.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The notched retainer end of the wiper ele-
ment should always be oriented towards the end of
the wiper blade that is nearest to the wiper pivot.
(1) Lift the front wiper arm off of the windshield
glass, until the wiper arm hinge is in its over-center
position.
(2) Position the front wiper blade near the hook
formation on the tip of the arm with the notched
retainer for the wiper element oriented towards the
end of the wiper arm that is nearest to the wiper
pivot.
Fig. 9 Wiper Blade - Typical
1 - RELEASE TAB
Fig. 10 Wiper Blade Remove/Install - Typical
1 - RELEASE TAB
WJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 15
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)