Home ReviewsRefund
Home/Buick/Regal/Buick Regal III (1988-1997)/Repair manual/Wiper/washer Systems/Wiper System/washer System - Front
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Wiper/washer Systems All sections

Wiper System/washer System - Front Buick Regal III

Wiper/washer Systems 12 illustrations ~2776 words

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

Note. Brougham information is not available from manufacturer.

DESCRIPTION

The permanent magnet windshield wiper/washer system uses a depressed park wiper motor with a remote windshield washer pump mounted on washer reservoir. The system is designed to deliver pulse timing and demand wash functions electronically. Depending on control switch design and whether an integral electronic printed circuit board is used in the wiper cover, the system can function as either a pulse or standard wiper/washer system.

OPERATION

Electronic logic circuits on pulse wiper system's printed circuit board create the timing and washer commands. Whenever the WASH switch is activated for less than one second, washer solvent is sprayed on the windshield for approximately 2.5 seconds and wiper cycle is activated for approximately 6 seconds.

If WASH switch is held for more than one second, a demand wash will be performed for as long as switch is held. This wash cycle is followed by the 6-second wiper cycle. When the control switch is in LO or HI position, the applicable brush circuit is completed to the power source, and the motor runs at set speed.

Switching the control to PULSE mode operates the wiper motor intermittently. The delay can be varied by adjusting the switch back and forth within the delay mode. An instant wipe is caused by positioning the switch in the MIST selection (if equipped). The wiping action continues until the switch is released.

WIPER ARM

Note. Check wiper arm wiping pattern on wet windshield.

  1. Remove right side wiper arm and blade assembly. Loosen drive link-to-crank arm adjusting nuts. (Scheme 1) Rotate left side arm and blade assembly to position slightly below blade stop. Tighten adjusting nuts to 62 INCH lbs. (7 N.m).
  2. Position right side arm and blade assembly slightly below blade stop. Install right side assembly onto drive shaft. Lift right and left assemblies over stops. Outwipe should be 11/16" (18mm) from edge of glass.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1
Scheme 1

TESTING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN article in this Section before disconnecting battery.

Before performing following tests, ensure wiper motor module-to-dash mounting hardware is secure, washer hoses are not kinked, disconnected or broken, and circuit harness wiring and circuit fuses are okay.

WIPER MOTOR TEST

  1. Check motor operation before removing wiper assembly from vehicle. Disconnect wiring harness from wiper assembly. Apply a 12-volt source to wiper connector pins. (Scheme 2)
  2. If wiper motor runs in all operating modes (LO, HI, PARK and PULSE), perform voltage and continuity wiper switch tests. (Scheme 7) If wiper motor does not run in any or all operating modes, perform appropriate tests.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2
Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 3
Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 4
Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 5
Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 6
Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 7
Scheme 7

Note. For terminal and connector reference during wiper tests (Scheme 8)or appropriate chassis wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS Section.

Scheme 8

Scheme 8
Scheme 8

Wiper/Washer Switch In OFF Position

  1. Disconnect wiper motor module connectors C1 and C2. (Scheme 8) Turn ignition switch to ACCY position. Turn wiper/washer switch to OFF position. Use a voltmeter to measure voltage between C2 terminal "A" (Purple wire) and C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire) and ground.
  2. If readings are zero volts, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test). If voltage is present, check associated wiring for short to voltage. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch. Measure voltage between C1 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire) and ground.
  3. If battery voltage is present, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test). If voltage is not present, check associated wiring to wiper/washer switch for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.

Wiper/Washer Switch In MIST Position

  1. With wiper/washer switch in MIST position, measure voltage between C2 terminal "A" (Purple wire) and ground. If reading is zero volts, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If voltage is present, check associated wiring for short to voltage. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  2. Measure voltage between ground and C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire), C1 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire). If battery voltage is present, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If battery voltage is not present, check associated wiring to wiper/washer switch for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.

Wiper/Washer Switch In PULSE Position

  1. With wiper/washer switch in PULSE position, measure voltage between C2 terminal "A" (Purple wire) and C1 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire) and ground. If reading is zero volts, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If voltage is present, check associated wiring for short to voltage. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  2. Measure voltage between C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire) and ground. If battery voltage is present, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If battery voltage is not present, check associated wiring to wiper/washer switch for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.

Wiper/Washer Switch In LO Position

  1. With wiper/washer switch in LO position, measure voltage between C2 terminal "A" (Purple wire) and ground. If reading is zero volts, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If voltage is present, check associated wiring for short to voltage. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  2. Measure voltage between ground and C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire), C1 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire). If battery voltage is present, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If battery voltage is not present, check associated wiring to wiper/washer switch for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.

Wiper/Washer Switch In HI Position

  1. With wiper/washer switch in HI position, measure voltage between C2 terminal "A" (Purple wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire) and ground. If battery voltage is present, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If battery voltage is not present, check associated wiring to wiper/washer switch for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  2. Measure voltage between C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire) and C1 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire) and ground. If reading is zero volts, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If voltage is present, check associated wiring for short to voltage. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  3. Turn wiper/washer switch to OFF position. Press and hold washer switch. Measure voltage between C2 terminal "A" (Purple wire) and ground. If reading is zero volts, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If voltage is present, check associated wiring for short to voltage. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  4. Measure voltage between ground and C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire), C1 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire). If battery voltage is present, proceed to «WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__wiper-motor-module-resistance-test) . If battery voltage is not present, check associated wiring to wiper/washer switch for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wiring is okay, replace wiper/washer switch.

WIPER MOTOR MODULE RESISTANCE TEST

  1. Disconnect wiper motor module connectors C1 and C2. Disconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to OFF position and wiper/washer switch to HI position. Use an ohmmeter to measure resistance between C1 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire) and C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire).
  2. If resistance is less than .5 ohm and washer does not operate, proceed to «WASHER MOTOR VOLTAGE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__washer-motor-voltage-test) . If resistance is less than .5 ohm and washer operates, check for binding linkage. If linkage is okay, repair wiper motor. If resistance is greater than .5 ohm, check circuits No. 95 (Dark Green wire) and 91 (Gray wire) for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wires and connection are okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  3. Turn ignition switch to OFF position and wiper/washer switch to PULSE position. Check resistance between C1 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire) and C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire).
  4. If resistance is infinite and washer does not operate, proceed to «WASHER MOTOR VOLTAGE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__washer-motor-voltage-test) . If resistance is infinite and washer operates, check for binding linkage. If linkage is okay, repair wiper motor. If reading shows measurable resistance, check circuits No. 95 (Dark Green wire) and 91 (Gray wire) for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wires and connection are okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  5. Measure resistance between C1 terminal "A" (Yellow wire) and C2 terminal "B" (Yellow wire). If resistance is less than .5 ohm and washer does not operate, proceed to «WASHER MOTOR VOLTAGE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__washer-motor-voltage-test) . If resistance is less than .5 ohm and washer operates, check for binding linkage. If linkage is okay, repair wiper motor. If resistance is greater than .5 ohm, repair open or short to ground in circuit No. 196 (Yellow wire).
  6. Measure resistance between C1 terminal "A" (Yellow wire) and ground. If resistance is infinite and washer does not operate, proceed to «WASHER MOTOR VOLTAGE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__washer-motor-voltage-test) . If resistance is infinite and washer operates, check for binding linkage. If linkage is okay, repair wiper motor. If reading is measurable resistance, repair circuit No. 196 (Yellow wire) for open or short to ground.

WIPER/WASHER PULSE CONTROL RESISTANCE TEST

  1. Disconnect wiper motor module connector C1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to OFF position and wiper/washer switch to LO position. Use an ohmmeter to measure resistance between C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire). If resistance is approximately 24 k/ohms and washer does not operate, proceed to «WASHER MOTOR VOLTAGE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__washer-motor-voltage-test) . If resistance is approximately 24 k/ohms and washer operates, check for binding linkage. If linkage is okay, repair wiper motor.
  2. If reading is not approximately 24 k/ohms, check for open or poor connection in circuits No. 94 (Pink wire) and 91 (Gray wire). If wires and connection are okay, replace wiper/washer switch. Move wiper delay switch through range to maximum delay position. Check resistance between C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire).
  3. If resistance is approximately 1.2 megohms and washer does not operate, proceed to «WASHER MOTOR VOLTAGE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__washer-motor-voltage-test) . If resistance is approximately 1.2 megohms and washer operates, check for binding linkage. If linkage is okay, repair wiper motor. If reading is not approximately 1.2 megohms, check for open or poor connection in circuits No. 94 (Pink wire) and 91 (Gray wire). If wires and connection are okay, replace wiper/washer switch.
  4. Place wiper delay switch in MAX position. Press and hold washer switch. Use an ohmmeter to measure resistance between C1 terminal "B" (Gray wire) and C1 terminal "F" (Pink wire). If resistance is less than .5 ohm and washer does not operate, proceed to «WASHER MOTOR VOLTAGE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front__washer-motor-voltage-test) . If resistance is less than .5 ohm and washer operates, check for binding linkage. If linkage is okay, repair wiper motor. If resistance is greater than .5 ohm, check circuits No. 91 (Gray wire) and 94 (Pink wire) for open, short to ground or poor connection. If wires and connection are okay, replace wiper/washer switch.

Camaro & Firebird

  1. Remove wiper fuse. Connect a 30-amp or greater ammeter between fuse terminals. Turn ignition switch to RUN position and wiper/washer switch to HI position. Ensure windshield is wet. Read ammeter and record lowest reading. If reading is less than 3.5 amps or cycles between any number and zero, check: * Motor ground * Brush/Commutator condition * Circuit Breaker (should be closed) * Armature
  2. If reading is greater than 6.5 amps, replace wiper blades and retake current measurement. If reading is less than 6.5 amps, wiper blades problem is fixed. If reading is more than 6.5 amps, disconnect linkage from motor crank, and retake current measurement.
  3. If reading is less than 6.5 amps, linkage is binding. Repair as necessary. If reading is more than 6.5 amps, remove wiper motor module, and repair as necessary.

Except Camaro & Firebird

  1. Remove wiper fuse. Connect a 10-amp or greater ammeter between fuse terminals. Ensure windshield is wet. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Turn wiper/washer switch to HI position. Note ammeter reading. If reading is greater than 6.5 amps, go to step 2). If reading is less than 6.5 amps, check wiper linkage for binding. If linkage is okay, repair wiper motor.
  2. Replace wiper blades and repeat step 1). If reading is greater than 6.5 amps, go to step 3). If reading is less than 6.5 amps, wiper blades problem is fixed.
  3. Disconnect linkage from wiper motor crank. Repeat testing procedure in step 1). If reading is greater than 6.5 amps, repair or replace wiper motor. If reading is less than 6.5 amps, repair linkage as necessary.

WASHER MOTOR VOLTAGE TEST

  1. Disconnect washer motor connector. Turn ignition switch to ACCY position. Hold washer switch in ON position. Use voltmeter to measure voltage between terminal "A" (Red wire) and terminal "B" (Dark Blue wire). If reading is battery voltage, check for poor connection. If connection is okay, replace washer motor
  2. If no voltage is present, check for short to ground or open circuits No. 228 (Red wire) and 227 (Dark Blue wire). If wires are okay, replace cover assembly. With washer switch in OFF position, measure voltage between terminal "A" (Red wire) and terminal "B" (Dark Blue wire).
  3. If reading is zero volts, check for poor connection. If connection is okay, replace washer motor. If voltage is present, check circuit No. 228 (Red wire) for short to battery. If wire is okay, replace cover assembly.

WIPER/WASHER SWITCH VOLTAGE TEST

  1. Disconnect right switch connector. Turn ignition switch to ACCY position. Use voltmeter to measure voltage between White wire terminal and ground. If battery voltage is present, check that wiper motor is grounded.
  2. If wiper motor is properly grounded, perform «WIPER MOTOR MODULE INPUT VOLTAGE TEST»(/buick/regal/iii-1988-1997/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-systemwasher-system-front) . If no voltage is present, check wiper fuse and circuit No. 93 (White wire) for open.

Removal & Installation

  1. Remove A/C pipe shroud (if equipped). Remove wiper arms. Remove top vent screen shroud. Remove wiper arm drive link from crank arm. Remove electrical connectors. Remove A/C pipe shroud bracket from wheelwell (if equipped).
  2. Remove wiper motor mounting bolts. Carefully guide crank arm through access hole in shroud and remove wiper motor. Remove crank arm from motor. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten mounting bolts to 80 INCH lbs. (9 N.m).

Remove wiper motor module from vehicle (if necessary). See WIPER MOTOR MODULE . Remove A/C pipe shroud (if equipped). Remove electrical connectors. Remove wiper motor cover/module screws. Remove cover/module. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten screws to 18 INCH lbs. (2 N.m).

Remove wiper motor cover/module. See WIPER MOTOR COVER/MODULE. If wiper motor is in PARK position, operate motor to remove lock pawl from relay slot. (Scheme 9)and (Scheme 10). Remove park switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: Removal & Installation
Scheme 9: Removal & Installation

Scheme 10

Scheme 10
Scheme 10

Removal

Remove wiper arm and blade assemblies. Remove top vent screen shroud. Loosen 2 drive link nuts and remove drive link from crank arm. (Scheme 1) Remove linkage/transmission-to-body screws. Carefully guide linkage/transmission through access hole in shroud. Unsnap and remove 2 water deflectors from linkage (if equipped).

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten linkage screws to 71 INCH lbs. (8 N.m) and drive link nuts to 62 INCH lbs. (7 N.m). Adjust wiping pattern. See WIPER ARM under ADJUSTMENTS.

Drain washer reservoir. Remove headlight access cover (if equipped). Remove radiator support-to-wheelwell brace (if equipped). Disconnect relay center and set aside (if equipped). Remove washer motor electrical connector. Remove necessary reservoir attaching hardware. Remove reservoir. Remove motor retaining screws and motor. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 11

Scheme 11: Disassembly
Scheme 11: Disassembly

Scheme 12

Scheme 12
Scheme 12
  1. With wiper motor removed from vehicle, remove crank arm retaining nut. Disconnect crank arm. Remove rubber seal cap and thrust collar or retaining ring. (Scheme 11)and (Scheme 12).
  2. Remove shim washers, shield and spacer washer. Remove park switch assembly. Remove large gear, inner spacer washer, intermediate gear retainer and intermediate gear. When removing large gear, latch arm must be out of way. (Scheme 9) Disassemble drive plate and shaft assembly.

Reassembly

  1. Install intermediate gear and NEW intermediate gear retainer. Install inner spacer washer onto large gear tube. Install large gear, spacer washer and shield. Use shim washers to obtain.001-.010" (.03-.26 mm) end play. NOTE: Move drive and lock pawls as required to fit respective pins in gear pockets. Ensure drive plate is firmly against gear.
  2. Install retaining ring (in place of thrust collar on original motor). Install rubber seal cap. Install crank arm (check crank arm for proper position in PARK position). (Scheme 10) Tighten crank arm nut to 31 ft. lbs. (42 N.m).

WIRING DIAGRAMS

See appropriate chassis wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS Section.