Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

Wipers and Washers

NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) may also be identified as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).

The windshield wiper and washer system consists of the following:

- Windshield wiper pivot arm

- Windshield wiper mounting arm and pivot shaft

- Windshield wiper motor

- Windshield washer reservoir

- Windshield washer pump

- Multifunction switch

- Wiper/washer module

- SJB (Smart Junction Box)

- Rain sensor (if equipped)

- Rain sensor bracket (if equipped)

Wipers

The wiper system is activated by the multifunction switch. The multifunction switch provides input to the wiper/washer module to activate wash, low, high and intermittent modes.

Washer

The washer system consists of the washer reservoir and washer pump. When the multifunction switch is placed into the wash mode, the wiper/washer module integral electronics activate the washer pump to direct washer fluid to the windshield.

Wiper Activated Headlamps (If Equipped with Autolamp System)

When the headlamp control switch is in the AUTOLAMP position and the wipers are on for greater than 3 seconds, the SJB (Smart Junction Box) will activate the headlamps. When the SJB (Smart Junction Box) detects that the wipers have been turned off, the SJB (Smart Junction Box) will turn off the headlamps after 30 seconds.

Speed Sensitive Wipers

When the wiper control is set on any intermittent setting except INT 1, the speed dependant wipers will automatically adjust with the vehicle speed. This feature decreases the time between wipes when the vehicle speed increases.

Rain Sensitive Wipers (if equipped)

When equipped, the rain sensitive wipers feature replaces the standard intermittent wiper feature. The multifunction switch must be positioned to any of the 5 auto/intermittent settings to activate the rain sensitive wipers. The lowest setting (closest to OFF) is the least sensitive to moisture. The highest setting is the most sensitive to moisture. The windshield wipers cycle when the multifunction switch is placed into or changing between the auto/intermittent settings. When the rain sensitive wiper feature is active, the system adjusts the wiper speed automatically when moisture is detected on the windshield.

A lens/bracket service kit is available to repair/replace a detached bracket or a damaged/contaminated gel-type lens. The rain sensor gel-type lens cannot be reused on a rain sensor of this type. When reinstalling a rain sensor, a new lens from the lens/bracket service kit must be installed to the rain sensor. Refer to Rain Sensor .