Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

The wiper and washer system(s) consists of the following components:

- Body Control Module (BCM)

- Wiper/washer switch

- Rain sensor (if equipped)

- Rain sensor bracket (if equipped)

- Rear window wiper blade

- Rear window wiper pivot arm

- Rear window wiper motor

- Rear washer relay

- Steering Column Control Module (SCCM)

- Washer pump

- Washer reservoir

- Windshield wiper blades

- Windshield wiper motor

- Windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft

- Windshield wiper pivot arms

- Wiper relay

Wipers

The wiper system is activated by the wiper/washer switch. The wiper/washer switch is mounted to the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module). The SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) commands the windshield wiper motor to activate the appropriate low, high and intermittent modes. When commanded by the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module), the windshield wiper motor activates the rear window wiper motor INT 1 and INT 2 modes.

Washers

The washer system is activated by the wiper/washer switch. The wiper/washer switch is mounted to the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module). The SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) commands the windshield wiper motor to activate the appropriate front or rear wash modes. The front and rear washer system share the same washer reservoir and a bi-directional washer pump. The windshield wiper motor controls the direction of the washer pump to direct washer fluid to the windshield or rear window.

Courtesy Wipe Feature

When the windshield washer system is activated, the wipers cycle 3 times with washer fluid, followed by one final wipe a few seconds later to clear any remaining fluid that is dripping from the top of the windshield. This feature can be enabled/disabled through the message center. For additional information on enabling/disabling this feature, refer to the Owner's Literature.

Rain Sensitive Wipers (if equipped)

When equipped, the rain sensitive wiper feature replaces the intermittent wiper feature. The rain sensitive feature is active when the wiper/washer switch is in any of the 5 auto/intermittent sensitivity settings. The setting closest to OFF is the least sensitive to moisture, the highest setting being the most sensitive to moisture.

The rain sensitive wiper feature can be turned enabled/disabled through the message center.

When the rain sensitive wipers are disabled from the message center, or the windshield wiper motor detects a fault with the rain sensor input, the windshield wiper motor changes to a default intermittent mode. The timing of the wipers correspond to a standard intermittent setting based on the auto/intermittent sensitivity setting on the wiper/washer switch.

The rain sensor is located on the windshield next to the rear view mirror. A gel-type lens is used as the interface between the rain sensor and the windshield. The rain sensor gel-type lens is part of the rain sensor and cannot be replaced separately on a rain sensor of this type.

Wiper Activated Headlamps (if equipped)

If equipped with automatic headlamps, the BCM (Body Control Module) illuminates the exterior lamps within 10 seconds of the windshield wipers being activated by the wiper/washer switch when the headlamp control switch is in the AUTOLAMP position. The BCM (Body Control Module) continues to illuminate the exterior lamps for approximately 30 seconds after the windshield wipers have been turned off.

If equipped with rain sensitive wipers (feature must be enabled through the message center) and the wiper/washer switch is in one of the 5 auto/intermittent settings, the BCM (Body Control Module) illuminates the exterior lamps within 30 seconds of the windshield wipers being activated by moisture detected on the windshield when the headlamp control switch is in the AUTOLAMP position. The BCM (Body Control Module) continues to illuminate the exterior lamps for approximately 60 seconds after the windshield wipers have been deactivated (moisture no longer detected on the windshield).

Reverse Gear Wipe Feature

When the windshield wiper system is activated by the wiper/washer switch (or moisture is detected on the windshield if equipped with rain sensitive wipers) and the selector lever is placed in the REVERSE position, the rear wiper activates automatically. This feature can be enabled/disabled through the message center. For additional information on enabling/disabling this feature, refer to the Owner's Literature.

Speed Dependent Wipers (if equipped)

The speed dependent feature increases the frequency of wiping to compensate for the extra moisture that accumulates on the windshield as the vehicle speed increases. This feature activates when the wiper/washer switch is in any intermittent setting except the INT 1 position. As vehicle speed increases, the speed dependent feature gradually shortens the delay between wipes.