CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
WIPERS INOPERATIVE IN
HIGH POSITION1. Faulty high speed circuit. 1. Test and repair the open high speed
circuit between the multi-function switch
and the wiper motor as required.
2. Faulty multi-function switch. 2. Test and replace the multi-function
switch as required.
3. Faulty wiper high speed brush. 3. Test and replace the wiper motor as
required.
WIPERS DO NOT PARK
AFTER OPERATING1. Faulty motor feed circuit. 1. Test and repair the open fused ignition
switch output circuit to the wiper motor as
required.
2. Faulty park switch output circuit. 2. Test and repair the open or shorted cir-
cuit between the wiper park switch and
the wiper relay as required.
3. Faulty wiper relay. 3. Test and replace the wiper relay as re-
quired.
4. Faulty park switch. 4. Test and replace the wiper motor as
required.
WASHERS INOPERATIVE 1. Faulty washer pump ground cir-
cuit.1. Test and repair the open ground circuit
as required.
2. Faulty washer pump feed circuit. 2. Test and repair the open circuit be-
tween the multi-function switch and the
washer pump as required.
3. Faulty washer pump motor. 3. Test and replace the washer pump as
required.
4. Faulty muli-function switch. 4. Test and replace the multi-function
switch as required.
AUTOMATIC WIPER SYSTEM
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
WIPERS INOPERATIVE IN
ALL SWITCH POSITIONS1. Faulty or missing fuse. 1. Test and replace the fuse as required.
2. Faulty wiper motor ground circuit. 2. Test and repair the open ground circuit
as required.
3. Faulty wiper motor. 3. Test and replace the wiper motor as
required.
4. Faulty multi-function switch feed
circuit.4. Test and repair the open fused ignition
switch output circuit between the fuse and
the multi-function switch as required.
5. Faulty multi-function switch. 5. Test and replace the multi-function
switch as required.
6. Faulty rain sensor control module
ground circuit.6. Test and repair the open ground circuit
as required.
7. Faulty rain sensor control module
feed circuit.7. Test and repair the open fused ignition
switch output circuit between the fuse and
the rain sensor control module as re-
quired.
8. Faulty rain sensor control mod-
ule.8. Test and replace the rain sensor control
module as required.
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 7
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
cover are available for individual service replace-
ment.
OPERATION
The wiper arms are designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the wiper pivots to the
wiper blades. The wiper arm must be properly
indexed to the wiper pivot in order to maintain the
proper wiper blade travel on the glass. The tapered
mounting hole in the wiper arm pivot end interlocks
with the serrations on the outer circumference of the
wiper pivot shaft, allowing positive engagement and
finite adjustment of this connection. The mounting
nut locks the wiper arm to the threaded end of the
wiper pivot shaft. 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 cra-
dle for securing and latching the wiper blade pivot
block to the wiper arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the washer nozzle hose from the
elbow fitting on the cowl top panel near the pivot end
of the wiper arm (Fig. 24).
CAUTION: The use of a screwdriver or other prying
tool to remove a wiper arm may distort it. This dis-
tortion could allow the arm to come off of the wiper
pivot during wiper operation, regardless of how
carefully it is reinstalled.
(2) Unsnap the end of the pivot cover from the
wiper blade pivot end, then pull the cover away from
the wiper arm hinge pin to remove the cover from
the wiper blade.(3) Remove the nut that secures the wiper arm to
the wiper pivot shaft.
(4) If necessary, use a suitable battery terminal
puller to disengage the wiper arm from the wiper
pivot shaft (Fig. 25).
(5) Remove the wiper arm pivot end from the
wiper pivot shaft.
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 (wiper) control stalk of the multi-
function switch to its Off position. If the wiper piv-
ots move, wait until they stop moving, then turn the
ignition switch back to the Off position. The wiper
motor is now in its park position.
NOTE: The wiper arms and wiper blades for this
model are both unequal in length, with the longer
arm and blade being installed on the left (driver)
side of the windshield.
(1) The wiper arms must be indexed to the wiper
pivot shafts with the wiper motor in the park posi-
tion to be properly installed. Position the wiper arm
pivot ends onto the wiper pivots so that the lower
edge of the wiper arm tip is aligned with the black
wiper alignment line located near the lower edge of
the windshield glass (Fig. 24).
(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 in the pivot end of the arm down firmly and
evenly over the wiper pivot shaft. Gently lower the
wiper arm until the wiper blade rests on the glass.
Fig. 24 Wiper Arm Remove/Install
1 - PIVOT COVER
2 - NUT
3 - PIVOT SHAFT
4 - WASHER NOZZLE HOSE
5 - ELBOW FITTING
6 - WIPER ARM
Fig. 25 Wiper Arm Puller - Typical
1 - WIPER ARM
2 - WIPER PIVOT SHAFT
3 - BATTERY TERMINAL PULLER
8R - 24 WIPERS/WASHERSVA
WIPER BLADE
DESCRIPTION
Each wiper blade is secured by an integral latching
pivot block to the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm, and rests on the glass near the base of
the windshield when the wipers are not in operation
(Fig. 26). The wiper blade consists of the following
components:
²Superstructure- The superstructure includes
several stamped steel bridges and links with claw
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 the wiper element on
each side, where it is gripped by the claws of the
superstructure.
All Sprinter models have unequal length wiper
blades with non-replaceable rubber elements (squee-
gees). The left (driver) side wiper blade is 60.0 centi-
meters (23.5 inches), and the right (passenger) side
wiper blade is 55.0 centimeter (21.5 inches). These
wiper blades also include an anti-lift feature. 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 isthe 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 that
may be encountered 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 ele-
ment 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 cleaning edge to the other each
time the wiper blade changes directions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The wiper arms and wiper blades for this
model are both unequal in length, with the longer
arm and blade being installed on the left (driver)
side of the windshield.
(1) Turn the wiper control knob on the end of the
multi-function switch control stalk to the On posi-
tion. Cycle the wiper blades to a convenient working
location on the windshield by turning the ignition
switch to the On and Off positions.
(2) Lift the wiper arm to raise the wiper blade and
element off of the glass, until the wiper arm hinge is
in its over-center position.
(3) To remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm,
depress the pivot block latch release tab under the
tip of the arm and slide the blade away from the tip
Fig. 26 Wiper Blade
1 - PIVOT BLOCK 4 - FLEXOR
2 - SUPERSTRUCTURE 5 - ELEMENT
3 - CLAWS 6 - PIVOT PIN
8R - 26 WIPERS/WASHERSVA
WIPER RELAY
DESCRIPTION
A wiper relay is standard equipment on all models.
The wiper relay (or intermittent wipe relay) is
located in a dedicated receptacle on the bottom left of
the fuse block on the underside of the steering col-
umn (Fig. 33). The wiper relay is a conventional
International Standards Organization (ISO) micro
relay. Relays conforming to the ISO specifications
have common physical dimensions, current capaci-
ties, terminal patterns, and terminal functions. The
relay is contained within a small, rectangular,
molded plastic housing. The relay is connected to all
of the required inputs and outputs through the
instrument panel wire harness connector by five
male spade-type terminals that extend from the bot-
tom of the relay base. The ISO designation for each
terminal is molded into the base adjacent to the ter-
minal. The ISO terminal designations are as follows:
²30 (Common Feed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the movable contact point of the relay.
²85 (Coil Ground)- This terminal is connected
to the ground feed side of the relay control coil.
²86 (Coil Battery)- This terminal is connected
to the battery feed side of the relay control coil.
²87 (Normally Open)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally open fixed contact point of the
relay.
²87A (Normally Closed)- This terminal is con-
nected to the normally closed fixed contact point of
the relay.
The wiper relay cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
the relay is damaged or faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper relay (or intermittent wipe relay) is an
electromechanical switch that uses a low current
input from the intermittent wipe logic circuitry
within the fuse block underneath the steering column
to control a high current output to the low speed
brush of the wiper motor. The movable common feed
contact point is held against the fixed normally
closed contact point by spring pressure. When the
relay coil is energized, an electromagnetic field is
produced by the coil windings. This electromagnetic
field draws the movable relay contact point away
from the fixed normally closed contact point, and
holds it against the fixed normally open contact
point. When the relay coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns the movable contact point back
against the fixed normally closed contact point. A
resistor or diode is connected in parallel with the
relay coil in the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage
spikes and electromagnetic interference that can be
generated as the electromagnetic field of the relay
coil collapses.
The wiper relay terminals are connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a connector recepta-
cle in the fuse block. The inputs and outputs of the
wiper relay include:
²The common feed terminal (30) provides an out-
put to the wiper motor low speed brush through the
wiper control circuitry of the multi-function switch on
the steering column. When the wiper relay is de-en-
ergized, the common feed terminal is connected to
the input of the relay normally closed terminal (87).
When the wiper relay is energized, the common feed
terminal is connected to the input of the relay nor-
mally open terminal (87A).
²The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
battery current through a fused ignition switch out-
put circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the On
position.
²The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to the
relay control output of the wiper, turn signals and
engine start control module within the fuse block
through the wiper relay control circuit. This elec-
tronic circuitry controls the ground path for this cir-
cuit internally to energize or de-energize the wiper
relay control coil based upon its programming and
inputs from the wiper and washer control circuitry of
the multi-function switch, the wiper motor park
switch, and the ignition switch.
²The normally open terminal (87) is connected to
the output of the wiper motor park switch through
the wiper motor park switch sense circuit. This cir-
cuit can carry either battery current (wipers are not
in park position) or ground (wipers are in park posi-
tion), depending upon the status of the wiper park
switch.
Fig. 33 Wiper Relay
1 - HOUSING
2 - TERMINAL (5)
3 - BASE
8R - 34 WIPERS/WASHERSVA
²The normally closed terminal (87A) is connected
to battery current through a fused ignition switch
output circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the
On position.
The wiper relay can be diagnosed using conven-
tional diagnostic tools and methods.
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) Remove the fuse access panel from the steering
column opening cover below the steering column on
the instrument panel.
(3) Reach through and below the outboard side of
the fuse access opening to access the wiper relay
(Fig. 34).
(4) Remove the wiper relay by grasping it firmly,
releasing the latches and pulling it straight down
from the receptacle on the bottom of the fuse block.
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 wiper relay to the receptacle on
the bottom of the fuse block (Fig. 34).
(2) Align the wiper relay terminals with the termi-
nal cavities in the fuse block receptacle.
(3) Push firmly and evenly on the top of the wiper
relay until the terminals are fully seated in the ter-
minal cavities in the receptacle of the fuse block and
both latches are fully engaged.
(4) Reinstall the fuse access panel onto the steer-
ing column opening cover below the steering column
on the instrument panel.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 34 Wiper Relay Remove/Install
1 - FUSE BLOCK
2 - LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - STEERING COLUMN COVER
4 - LATCH (2)
5 - WIPER RELAY
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 35
WIRING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION....... 8W-01-1
COMPONENT INDEX.................. 8W-02-1
POWER DISTRIBUTION............... 8W-10-1
FUSE BLOCK........................ 8W-11-1
GROUND DISTRIBUTION.............. 8W-15-1
BUS COMMUNICATIONS.............. 8W-18-1
CHARGING SYSTEM.................. 8W-20-1
STARTING SYSTEM.................. 8W-21-1
FUEL/IGNITION SYSTEM.............. 8W-30-1
TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM..... 8W-31-1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL............ 8W-33-1
ANTILOCK BRAKES................... 8W-35-1
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM..... 8W-39-1
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER............... 8W-40-1
HORN/CIGAR LIGHTER................ 8W-41-1
AIR CONDITIONING-HEATER........... 8W-42-1
AIRBAG SYSTEM.................... 8W-43-1
INTERIOR LIGHTING.................. 8W-44-1CENTRAL TIMER MODULE............. 8W-45-1
AUDIO SYSTEM..................... 8W-47-1
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER............ 8W-48-1
FRONT LIGHTING.................... 8W-50-1
REAR LIGHTING..................... 8W-51-1
TURN SIGNALS...................... 8W-52-1
WIPERS............................ 8W-53-1
TRAILER TOW....................... 8W-54-1
NAVIGATION/TELECOMMUNICATIONS.... 8W-55-1
POWER WINDOWS................... 8W-60-1
POWER DOOR LOCKS................ 8W-61-1
POWER MIRRORS................... 8W-62-1
POWER SEATS...................... 8W-63-1
SPLICE INFORMATION................ 8W-70-1
CONNECTOR PIN-OUTS............... 8W-80-1
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE
LOCATION........................ 8W-91-1
POWER DISTRIBUTION............... 8W-97-1 VAWIRING 8W - 1
8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO USE WIRING DIAGRAMS.........1
CIRCUIT INFORMATION.................5
SECTION IDENTIFICATION AND
INFORMATION........................5
CONNECTOR, GROUND, AND SPLICE
INFORMATION........................5
WARNINGS - GENERAL...................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
WIRING HARNESS.....................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD)
SENSITIVE DEVICES...................7
TESTING FOR VOLTAGE POTENTIAL.......7
TESTING FOR CONTINUITY..............7
TESTING FOR A SHORT TO GROUND......8TESTING COMPONENTS FOR A SHORT TO
GROUND ON A FUSE POWERING
SEVERAL LOADS......................8
TESTING FOR A VOLTAGE DROP.........8
CONNECTOR
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
DIODE
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
TERMINAL
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
WIRE
STANDARD PROCEDURE
WIRE SPLICING......................10
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMA-
TION
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO USE WIRING DIAGRAMS
DaimlerChrysler Corporation wiring diagrams are
designed to provide information regarding the vehi-
cles wiring content. In order to effectively use the
wiring diagrams to diagnose and repair
DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicles, it is important
to understand all of their features and characteris-
tics.
Diagrams are arranged such that the power (B+)
side of the circuit is placed near the top of the page,
and the ground (B-) side of the circuit is placed near
the bottom of the page (Fig. 1).
All switches, components, and modules are shown
in the at rest position with the doors closed and the
key removed from the ignition (Fig. 2).Components are shown two ways. A solid line
around a component indicates that the component is
complete. A dashed line around the component indi-
cates that the component is being shown is not com-
plete. Incomplete components have a reference
number to indicate the page where the component is
shown complete.
It is important to realize that no attempt is made
on the diagrams to represent components and wiring
as they appear on the vehicle. For example, a short
piece of wire is treated the same as a long one. In
addition, switches and other components are shown
as simply as possible, with regard to function only.
SYMBOLS
International symbols are used throughout the wir-
ing diagrams. These symbols are consistent with
those being used around the world (Fig. 3).
VA8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION 8W - 01 - 1