Page 1057 of 2305

(8) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Unsnap the base covers from each other and
remove them from the rear view mirror arm at the
windshield (Fig. 10).
(3) Using a small thin-bladed screwdriver, gently
pry the retaining collar slightly upward while press-
ing the mirror arm downward parallel to the wind-
shield until the mirror arm unsnaps from the
bracket.
(4) Separate and remove the two halves of the
wire cover from the rain sensor pigtail wires.(5) Loosen the screws securing both inner sun
visor hinges to the windshield header.
(6) Pull the headliner down from the windshield
header far enough to pull the rain sensor pigtail wire
connector out from under the headliner.
(7) Remove the anti-rattle felt from the wire con-
nector insulators.
(8) Disconnect the sensor pigtail wire connector
from the roof wire harness connector.
CAUTION: Do not touch the gel-like surface of the
rain sensor or the sensor function may be impaired
and the sensor rendered unusable.
(9) Remove the rain sensor from the center of the
bracket.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
CAUTION: Do not touch the gel-like surface of the
rain sensor or the sensor function may be impaired
and the sensor rendered unusable.
(1) Position the rain sensor into the center of the
bracket on the windshield (Fig. 10).
(2) Reconnect the sensor pigtail wire connector to
the roof wire harness connector.
(3) Reinstall the anti-rattle felt over the wire con-
nector insulators.
(4) Pull the headliner down from the windshield
header far enough to tuck the rain sensor pigtail
wire connector under the headliner.
(5) Tighten the screws securing both inner sun
visor hinges to the windshield header.
(6) Align and install the two halves of the wire
cover over the rain sensor pigtail wires.
(7) Press the rear view mirror arm upward paral-
lel to the windshield until the mirror arm snaps onto
the bracket.
(8) Align and position the base covers to each
other and snap them over the rear view mirror arm
at the windshield.
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 10 Rain Sensor Remove/Install
1 - FELT
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - INNER VISOR HINGE (2)
4 - WIRE COVER
5 - BRACKET
6 - SENSOR
7 - RETAINING COLLAR
8 - BASE COVER
9 - MIRROR
10 - ARM
8R - 14 WIPERS/WASHERSVA
Page 1058 of 2305

RAIN SENSOR CONTROL MOD-
ULE
DESCRIPTION
The Rain Sensor Control Module (RSCM) is the
primary component of the automatic wiper system
(Fig. 11). The RSCM is secured with two screws and
nuts to a bracket located under the instrument panel
above the throttle pedal within the passenger com-
partment. The rectangular molded plastic housing of
the RSCM has an integral mounting tab on each side
and an integral connector receptacle on one end,
which contains the module terminal pins. These ter-
minal pins connect the RSCM to the vehicle electrical
system through a dedicated take out and connector of
the instrument panel wiring. Concealed and pro-
tected within the RSCM housing is the electronic cir-
cuitry of the module.
The RSCM cannot be repaired and, if damaged or
faulty, the entire module must be replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor-based Rain Sensor Control
Module (RSCM) is only used in vehicles equipped
with an optional automatic wiper system. The RSCM
monitors inputs from the ignition switch, the wiper
and washer switch circuitry of the multi-function
switch on the steering column, the park switch
within the wiper motor, and the rain sensor on the
inside of the windshield glass. Based upon these
inputs the RSCM sends the proper control outputs to
the wiper motor and the washer pump motor to pro-
vide all of the requested wiper and washer system
functions.The RSCM operates on battery current received
from a fuse in the fuse block on a fused ignition
switch output (run-start) circuit so that the RSCM
will operate whenever the ignition switch is in the
On or Start positions. The RSCM receives ground at
all times through its connection to the instrument
panel wire harness. It is important to note that the
default condition for the wiper system is automatic
wipers Off; therefore, if no input is received from the
rain sensor by the RSCM, the automatic wipers will
be disabled and the RSCM will default the wiper and
washer system to normal manual operation for con-
tinuous low or high speed wiper or washer mode.
The hard wired RSCM circuits may be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic tools and methods.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the internal cir-
cuitry of the RSCM. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information.
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Locate the rain sensor control module on a
bracket under the instrument panel above the throt-
tle pedal (Fig. 12).
Fig. 11 Rain Sensor Control Module
1 - RAIN SENSOR CONTROL MODULE
2 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
3 - MOUNTING TAB (2)
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 15
Page 1059 of 2305

(3) Cut the tie wrap on the control module (Fig.
13).
(4) Unlock and disconnect the wire harness con-
nector from the module connector receptacle.
(5) Remove the two screws and nuts that secure
the module to the bracket.
(6) Remove the module from the bracket.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Position the rain sensor control module to the
bracket under the instrument panel above the throt-
tle pedal (Fig. 12).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws and nuts
that secure the module to the bracket (Fig. 13).
(3) Reconnect and lock the wire harness connector
to the module connector receptacle.
(4) Install a new tie wrap to secure the wire har-
ness to the control module.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
WASHER FLUID LEVEL
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The optional washer fluid level switch is a single
pole, single throw switch that is integral to a unique
version of the washer pump/motor unit, located rear-
ward facing side of the washer reservoir, which is
located in a dedicated hole on the top of the sump
area near the back of the windshield washer reser-
voir on the right front fender wheel house in the
engine compartment. Only a molded plastic nipple
with a clear vent tube are visible near the top of the
washer pump/motor unit that is equipped with the
optional fluid level switch when it is installed in the
reservoir. The vent tube is routed to and retained in
an integral clip located behind the reservoir filler cap
near the top of the reservoir. This version of the
washer pump/motor unit also has a third terminal
pin in its integral connector receptacle. The washer
fluid level switch cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the entire washer pump/motor
unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The washer fluid level switch monitors the level of
the washer fluid in the washer reservoir. When the
fluid level in the washer reservoir is at or above the
predetermined minimum, the switch contacts are
open. When the fluid level in the washer reservoir
Fig. 12 Rain Sensor Control Module Location
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 - RAIN SENSOR CONTROL MODULE
3 - THROTTLE PEDAL
Fig. 13 Rain Sensor Control Module Remove/Install
1 - SCREW (2)
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - NUT (2)
4 - TIE WRAP
5 - MODULE
8R - 16 WIPERS/WASHERSVA
Page 1060 of 2305
falls below the predetermined minimum, the switch
contacts of the normally open switch close. The
washer fluid level switch is connected to the vehicle
electrical system through the washer pump/motor
unit take out and connector of the vehicle wire har-
ness. The switch receives a path to ground at all
times through another take out of the vehicle wire
harness with a single eyelet terminal connector that
is secured under a ground screw located near the
right headlamp in the engine compartment.
The switch is connected in series between ground
and the washer fluid switch sense input to the Elec-
troMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC). When the
switch closes, the EMIC senses the ground on the
washer fluid switch sense circuit. The EMIC is pro-
grammed to respond to this input by illuminating the
washer fluid indicator. The washer fluid level switch
input to the EMIC may be diagnosed using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and methods.
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 17
Page 1061 of 2305

WASHER HOSES / TUBES
DESCRIPTION
The washer plumbing consists of a small diameter
rubber hose that is routed from the barbed outlet
nipple of the washer pump/motor on the washer res-
ervoir to the check valve just below the cowl top
panel behind the rear of the hood opening in the
engine compartment (Fig. 14). The other two barbed
nipples of the check valve are connected to two short
lengths of hose that each terminate at a molded plas-
tic elbow that passes through a rubber grommet from
the engine compartment to the outside of the cowl
top panel near each wiper pivot. The two washer noz-
zle hoses are then connected from the elbow fittings
on the outside of the cowl top panel along the under-
side of the wiper arms to the two washer nozzles.
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 washer pump/motor through the
washer system plumbing and fittings to the two
washer nozzles. Whenever routing the washer hoseor 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.
WASHER NOZZLE
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 14 Washer Plumbing
1 - WASHER SUPPLY HOSE 4 - ELBOW FITTING (2)
2 - CHECK VALVE 5 - WIPER ARM WASHER HOSE (2)
3 - WASHER NOZZLE HOSE (2) 6 - WASHER RESERVOIR
Fig. 15 Washer Nozzle
1 - WASHER NOZZLE
2 - NIPPLE
3 - ORIFICE (3)
8R - 18 WIPERS/WASHERSVA
Page 1062 of 2305

The two washer nozzles have integral mounts with
snap features that secure them near the tops of the
two wiper arms on the windshield. The lower surface
of the washer nozzle has an integral barbed nipple
that connects to the washer hose, and three nozzle
orifices are oriented to dispense the washer fluid on
the windshield glass throughout the wiped area of
the glass (Fig. 15). The washer nozzles are con-
structed entirely of molded plastic. The washer noz-
zles cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The two washer nozzles are designed to dispense
washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the out-
side of the windshield glass. Pressurized washer fluid
is fed to each nozzle from the washer reservoir by the
washer pump/motor through rubber hoses, which are
attached to a barbed nipple on the underside of each
washer nozzle below the wiper arm. The three ori-
fices of each nozzle causes the pressurized washer
fluid to be emitted generously in several streams
throughout the travel of the wiper arm to more effec-
tively cover a larger area of the glass to be cleaned.
REMOVAL
(1) Using hand pressure, unsnap the washer noz-
zle from the wiper arm (Fig. 16).
(2) Disconnect the hose from the barbed nipple of
the washer nozzle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Reconnect the hose to the barbed nipple of the
washer nozzle (Fig. 16).
(2) Using hand pressure, slide the washer nozzle
onto the wiper arm until it snaps into place. Be cer-tain the nozzle snap feature is engaged in the locator
hole on the wiper arm.
WASHER PUMP / MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The washer pump/motor unit is located in a dedi-
cated hole on the top of the sump area near the back
of the windshield washer reservoir on the right front
fender wheel house in the engine compartment (Fig.
17). A small permanently lubricated and sealed elec-
tric motor is coupled to the rotor-type washer pump.
An inlet nipple on the bottom of the pump housing
passes through a rubber grommet seal installed in
the dedicated mounting hole in the washer reservoir.
A small barbed outlet nipple near the bottom of the
pump housing connects the unit to the washer hose.
The washer pump/motor unit is retained on the res-
ervoir by the interference fit between the inlet nipple
and the grommet seal, which is a light press fit. An
integral electrical connector receptacle is located on
the top of the motor housing.
An optional version of the washer pump/motor unit
incorporates an integral washer fluid level switch.
This version can be distinguished from models with-
out the switch by a vent nipple at the top of the
switch housing that is connected to a vent hose that
is retained in an integral clip behind the filler cap
near the top of the reservoir, and by a third terminal
pin in the washer pump/motor connector receptacle.
The washer pump/motor unit cannot be repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the entire washer pump/motor
unit must be replaced.
Fig. 16 Washer Nozzle Remove/Install
1 - WIPER ARM
2 - WASHER NOZZLE
3 - HOSE GUARD
4 - WASHER HOSE
5 - WIPER BLADE
Fig. 17 Washer Pump/Motor
1 - INLET NIPPLE
2 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
3 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
4 - VENT NIPPLE (W/FLUID LEVEL SWITCH ONLY)
5 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH HOUSING
6 - OUTLET NIPPLE
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 19
Page 1063 of 2305

OPERATION
The washer pump/motor unit is connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a single take out
and connector of the vehicle wire harness. The
washer pump/motor is grounded at all times through
a take out of the vehicle wire harness with a single
eyelet terminal connector that is secured under a
ground screw located near the right headlamp in the
engine compartment. The washer pump/motor
receives battery current on a washer switch sense
circuit through the closed contacts of the momentary
washer switch circuitry within the multi-function
switch. When the pump motor is energized, the rotor-
type pump pressurizes the washer fluid and forces it
through the pump outlet nipple, the washer plumb-
ing, and the washer nozzles onto the windshield
glass. The washer pump/motor unit can be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic tools and methods.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the vehicle wire harness connector
for the washer pump/motor from the motor connector
receptacle (Fig. 18).
(2) Disconnect the washer supply hose from the
barbed outlet nipple of the washer pump/motor and
allow the washer fluid to drain into a clean container
for reuse.(3) If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the
washer fluid level switch vent hose from the barbed
vent nipple near the top of the washer pump/motor
unit.
(4) Using hand pressure, firmly grasp and pull the
washer pump out of the rubber grommet seal in the
reservoir. Care must be taken not to damage the res-
ervoir.
(5) 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 inlet nipple of the washer pump to
the rubber grommet seal in the reservoir.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the washer pump until the inlet nipple is fully
seated in the rubber grommet seal in the washer res-
ervoir mounting hole (Fig. 18).
(4) If the vehicle is so equipped, reconnect the
washer fluid level switch vent hose to the barbed
vent nipple at the top of the washer pump/motor
housing.
(5) Reconnect the washer hose to the barbed outlet
nipple of the washer pump.
(6) Reconnect the vehicle wire harness connector
for the washer pump/motor unit to the motor connec-
tor receptacle.
(7) Refill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
Fig. 18 Washer Pump/Motor Remove/Install
1 - WASHER RESERVOIR
2 - WASHER SUPPLY HOSE
3 - VENT HOSE (W/FLUID LEVEL SWITCH ONLY)
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
8R - 20 WIPERS/WASHERSVA
Page 1064 of 2305

WASHER RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION
The molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is
located in the right rear corner of the engine com-
partment (Fig. 19). Two integral mounting posts, one
on the bottom and one at the rear of the reservoir,
each are engaged in rubber mounting grommets, one
in the dash panel and one in the top of the right
front wheel house. A single nut and washer secures
an integral mounting hole near the top of the reser-
voir to a stud nut on the right inner fender shield.
Also near the upper inboard side of the reservoir are
two integral hose routing troughs, one for the stan-
dard washer supply hose and the second for the
optional vent hose used when the washer pump/mo-
tor is equipped with an integral washer fluid level
switch.
A molded blue plastic filler cap with an integral
retainer ring and tether strap snaps over the open
end of the filler neck, and hangs from the tether
when it is removed for inspecting or adjusting the
fluid level in the reservoir. There is a sump area near
the bottom inboard side of the reservoir with a dedi-
cated hole provided for the mounting of the washer/
pump motor unit and rubber grommet seal.
The washer reservoir cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. The washer
reservoir, the mounting grommets, the grommet seal
for the washer pump/motor unit, and the filler cap
are each available for service replacement.
OPERATION
The washer fluid reservoir provides a secure,
on-vehicle storage location for a large reserve ofwasher fluid for operation of the washer system. The
washer reservoir filler neck provides a clearly
marked and readily accessible point from which to
add washer fluid to the reservoir. The washer/pump
motor unit is located in a sump area near the bottom
of the reservoir to be certain that washer fluid will
be available to the pump as the fluid level in the res-
ervoir becomes depleted. The optional washer fluid
level switch is designed to provide adequate warning
to the vehicle operator that the washer fluid level is
low, before the washer system will no longer operate.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the upper turbocharger heat shield
and the upper air cleaner housing from the engine
compartment (Fig. 20).
(3) Disconnect the vehicle wire harness connector
for the washer pump/motor unit from the motor con-
nector receptacle.
(4) Disengage the vehicle wire harness from the
routing clip integral to the front of the washer reser-
voir (Fig. 21).
Fig. 19 Washer Reservoir
1 - CAP
2 - TROUGH (2)
3 - MOUNTING POST (2)
4 - WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
5 - RESERVOIR
6 - MOUNTING HOLE
Fig. 20 Heat Shield & Air Cleaner Housing
1 - UPPER AIR CLEANER HOUSING
2 - VEHICLE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - CLAMP
4 - UPPER TURBO HEAT SHIELD
5 - SCREW
6 - NUT (2)
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 21