Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Wiper/washer Systems All sections

Wiper System & Washer System: Maintenance Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Low Washer Fluid Indicator Malfunction

StepActionYesNo
Schematic Reference: Wiper/Washer System Schematics Connector End View Reference: Wiper/Washer System Connector End Views DEFINITION: The low washer fluid indicator always indicates low washer fluid or does not turn on with low washer fluid.
1Did you review the Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Wiper/Washer Systems
2Verify the fault is present. Does the system operate normally?Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor ConnectionsGo to Step 3
3Turn the ignition OFF. Disconnect the washer fluid level switch connector. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF. Wait for about 15 seconds. Does the low washer fluid indicator illuminate?Go to Step 6Go to Step 4
4Turn the ignition OFF. Connect a fused jumper wire from the low washer fluid indicator signal circuit terminal in the washer fluid level switch connector to a good ground. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF. Wait for about 15 seconds. Does the low washer fluid indicator illuminate?Go to Step 5Go to Step 7
5Turn the ignition OFF. Connect a fused jumper wire across the washer fluid level switch harness connector terminals. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF. Wait for about 15 seconds. Does the low washer fluid indicator illuminate?Go to Step 9Go to Step 8
6Test the low washer fluid indicator signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 11
7Test the low washer fluid indicator signal circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 11
8Repair the washer fluid level switch ground circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 13
9Inspect for poor connections at the washer fluid level switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 10
10Replace the washer fluid level switch. Refer to Washer Pump/Reservoir Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 13
11Inspect for poor connections at the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 12
12Replace the IPC. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 13
13Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Low Washer Fluid Indicator Malfunction

Check Washer Fluid Message

The Check Washer Fluid message is controlled by the instrument panel cluster using an input from the washer fluid level switch. The washer fluid level signal circuit is supplied ignition voltage through a resistor then monitored within the instrument cluster. The washer fluid level switch is normally open so the instrument cluster detects ignition voltage on the washer fluid level signal circuit whenever the washer fluid level is not low. When the washer fluid reaches the point where the driver should be informed that the washer fluid is low, the washer fluid level switch closes. When the washer fluid level switch is closed the washer fluid level signal circuit voltage is pulled low, and the instrument panel displays the Check Washer Fluid message on the driver information center. In order to prevent the Check Washer Fluid message from being displayed while sloshing is occurring in the washer fluid container, the instrument cluster is programed with a 1 minute delay before changing states of the Check Washer Fluid message during an ignition cycle.