Wiper System & Washer System - Service Information: Overview Dodge Dart PF

DESCRIPTION

An electrically operated intermittent wiper and washer system is standard factory-installed safety equipment on this vehicle. The wiper and washer system includes the following major components, which are described in further detail elsewhere within this service information

1. Body Control Module - The Body Control Module (BCM) is located within the instrument panel on the driver side of the vehicle. Refer to «MODULE, BODY CONTROL, DESCRIPTION»(ref-646224-S31141207742014072800000) .
2. Light Rain Sensor Module - A Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) (also known as the Rain Light Sensor Module/RLSM, the Light Sensor Module/LSM or the Rain Sensor Module/RSM) is used on vehicles equipped with the optional automatic wiper feature. The LRSM is located on a bracket bonded to the inside surface of the windshield glass, near the inside rear view mirror mount.
3. Multifunction Switch - The multifunction switch is integral to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) mounting housing along with the clockspring on the top of the steering column just below the steering wheel. The multifunction switch is connected to the Steering Control Module (SCM), which is also internal and integral to the SCCM mounting housing. Only the switch control stalk extending from the left side of the steering column is visible, while the remainder of the switch is concealed beneath the steering column shrouds. The multifunction switch provides all of the driver controls for the wiper and washer systems.
4. Steering Control Module - The Steering Control Module (SCM) is internal and integral to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) mounting housing which, along with the multifunction switch and clockspring, is located on the top of the steering column just below the steering wheel. The SCM is completely concealed within the SCCM mounting housing beneath the steering column shrouds. Refer to «MODULE, STEERING COLUMN, DESCRIPTION»(ref-646224-S15426219732014072800000) .
5. Washer Fluid Level Switch - The washer fluid level switch is located in a dedicated hole on the lower, outboard side of the washer reservoir, ahead of the left front wheel house splash shield.
6. Washer Nozzle - Two fluidic washer nozzles with integral check valves are secured by latch features to dedicated openings in the outer hood panel near the base of the windshield.
7. Washer Plumbing - The plumbing for the washer system consists of rubber hoses, hard plastic tubing and molded rubber or plastic fittings. The plumbing is routed to the dash panel from the washer reservoir along the outboard side of the left front upper load beam. From the dash panel the washer plumbing is routed along the left hood hinge to the hood, then across the underside of the hood panel to the washer nozzles.
8. Washer Pump/Motor - The electric washer pump/motor unit is located in a dedicated hole in a sump area on the lower, outboard side of the washer reservoir, ahead of the left front wheel house splash shield.
9. Washer Reservoir - The washer reservoir is secured to the left outboard end of the Front End Module (FEM) where it is concealed between the left inner fender shield and the left outer fender panel, ahead of the left front wheel house splash shield. The filler neck and cap are the only visible components of the reservoir and, can be easily accessed from the left front corner of the engine compartment.
10. Wiper Arms And Blades - The two wiper arms are secured with nuts to the threaded ends of the two wiper pivot shafts, which extend through the cowl plenum cover/grille panel located near the base of the windshield. The two wiper blades are each secured to their wiper arm with an integral latch, and are parked on the glass near the bottom of the windshield when the wiper system is not in operation. The left and right wiper arms and wiper blades are unique and are not interchangeable.
11. Wiper Module - The wiper pivot shafts are the only visible components of the wiper module. The remainder of the module is concealed beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. The wiper module includes the wiper module bracket, three rubber-isolated wiper module mounts, the wiper motor, the wiper motor crank arm, the wiper drive link, the wiper connector link and the two wiper pivots.

Hard wired circuitry connects the wiper and washer system components to the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by many different methods. These circuits may be connected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system and to the wiper and washer system components through the use of a combination of soldered splices, splice block connectors and many different types of wire harness terminal connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, further details on wire harness routing and retention as well as pin out and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

Scheme 3

The wiper and washer system is designed to provide the vehicle operator with a convenient, safe and reliable means of maintaining visibility through the windshield glass. The various components of this system are designed to convert electrical energy produced and stored by the vehicle electrical system into the mechanical action of the wiper blades to wipe the outside surface of the glass, as well as into the hydraulic action of the washer system to apply washer fluid stored in an on-board reservoir to the area of the glass to be wiped. When combined, these components provide the means to effectively maintain clear visibility for the vehicle operator by removing excess accumulations of rain, snow, bugs, mud or other minor debris from the outer surface of the windshield glass that might be encountered while driving the vehicle under numerous types of inclement operating conditions.

The vehicle operator initiates all wiper and washer system functions with the control knob (1) on the control stalk (2) of the multifunction switch that extends from the left side of the steering column, just below the steering wheel. Rotating the control knob on the end of the control stalk, selects the OFF, DELAY (except with the optional automatic wiper system), AUTO (with the optional automatic wiper system only), LOW or HIGH wiper system operating modes. In the DELAY mode, the control knob also allows the vehicle operator to select from one of four intermittent wipe DELAY intervals. In the AUTO mode, the control knob allows the vehicle operator to select from one of four automatic wiper sensitivity levels.

Depressing the control knob towards the steering column actuates the momentary washer system switch, which selects the WASH and WIPE-AFTER-WASH modes depending upon when and how long the switch is held closed. Rotating the control knob downward actuates another momentary switch and selects the MIST mode, which cycles the wiper blades for as long as the switch is held closed then completes the current cycle and parks the blades at the base of the windshield after the control knob is released.

The multifunction switch provides hard wired digital inputs to the Steering Control Module (SCM) internal to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) mounting housing for all of the wiper and washer system functions. The SCM then sends electronic wiper switch and washer switch status messages to the Body Control Module (BCM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus requesting the appropriate wiper and washer system operating modes.

Wiper and washer system operation is completely controlled by the SCM and BCM logic circuits, and that logic will only allow these systems to operate when the ignition switch is in the ACCESSORY or ON positions. The BCM uses intelligent, high current, self-protected high side switches to control integrated wiper relays that control wiper system operation by energizing or de-energizing the wiper motor low and high speed brushes. The multifunction switch circuitry receives battery current and a clean ground output from the SCM, then provides digital inputs to the SCM to indicate the selected wiper and washer system mode.

The hard wired circuits and components of the wiper and washer system may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide some features of the wiper and washer system. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the wiper and washer system or the electronic controls and communication related to wiper and washer system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

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 tapered outer circumference of the wiper pivot shaft, allowing positive engagement and finite adjustment of this connection.

The mounting nuts lock the wiper arms to the threaded studs of the wiper pivot shafts. 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 cradle for securing and latching the wiper blade pivot block to the wiper arm.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

1. Lift the wiper arm and blade (1) to its over-center position to hold the wiper blade off of the glass and relieve the spring tension on the wiper arm to pivot shaft connection.
2. Carefully pry the plastic nut cap (2) off of the nut (3) on the pivot end of the wiper arm.
3. Remove the nut that secures the wiper arm to the wiper pivot shaft.
4. If necessary, use a suitable battery terminal puller (3) to disengage the wiper arm (1) from the wiper pivot shaft (2).
5. Remove the wiper arm pivot end from the wiper pivot shaft.

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 is the 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 combination 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 element is designed to be stiff enough to maintain an even cleaning edge as it is drawn across the glass, yet be resilient enough to conform to the glass surface and flip from one cleaning edge to the other each time the wiper blade changes directions.

Washer fluid in the washer reservoir is pressurized and fed by the washer pump/motor unit through the washer system plumbing and fittings to the two washer nozzles. Whenever routing the washer plumbing or a wire harness containing washer plumbing, it must be routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts; and, sharp bends that might pinch the plumbing must be avoided.

Scheme 6

Molded plastic quick-connect fittings join sections of the washer plumbing. To disconnect this fitting

1. Squeeze the two solid sides (not the open sides) of the female half of the quick-connect fitting at the outer edge.
2. While still squeezing the female half of the fitting, pull the two sections of the washer plumbing away from each other.

Scheme 7

The wiper linkage module is secured within the cowl plenum panel beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. The ends of the wiper pivot shafts protrude through dedicated openings in the cowl plenum cover/grille panel to drive the wiper arms and blades and are the only visible components of the wiper linkage module.

The wiper linkage module consists of the following major components

1. Bracket - The wiper linkage module bracket (2) consists of two tubular members that extend from opposite sides of a die cast center section that serves as the wiper motor mount. Each tubular member has a die cast pivot bracket formation secured at the outboard end where the wiper pivots are secured. The wiper linkage module bracket is secured within the cowl plenum by two screws through two rubber insulators (1).
2. Crank Arm - The wiper motor crank arm is a stamped steel unit with a slotted hole on the driven end that is secured to the wiper motor output shaft with a nut, and has a ball stud secured to the drive end.
3. Linkage - A stamped steel drive link (5) connects the wiper motor crank arm to the left wiper pivot lever arm. A stamped steel connector link (4) connects the left wiper pivot lever arm to the right wiper pivot lever arm. Each link has a plastic socket-type bushing on each end. The bushing on the pivot end of each link is snap-fit over a ball stud on the crank arm or the pivot lever arm.
4. Motor - The wiper motor (3) is secured by a bracket integral to the motor transmission housing with two screws and nuts near the center of the wiper linkage module bracket. A knob-like rubber insulator (6) on a stud integral to the motor transmission housing is engaged in a slot in a stamped bracket on the cowl plenum panel. The two-speed permanent magnet wiper motor features an integral transmission, an internal park switch and an internal automatic resetting circuit breaker. An integral connector receptacle connects the motor to the vehicle electrical system.
5. Pivots - The two front wiper pivots (7) are secured to the ends of the wiper module bracket. The lever arm that extends from the lower end of the left pivot shaft has two ball studs that are engaged with the bushings of the drive and connector links. The lever arm of the right pivot shaft has a single ball stud that is engaged with the bushing of the connector link. The upper end of each pivot shaft where the wiper arms will be fastened each is tapered and serrated with a threaded stud formation at the tip.

The wiper motor and crank arm unit is available for separate service replacement. Any other component of the wiper linkage module cannot be adjusted or repaired. If any component of the module other than the motor is ineffective or damaged, the entire wiper linkage module unit must be replaced.

The wiper linkage module operation is controlled by the battery current inputs received by the wiper motor through the Body Control Module (BCM). The wiper motor speed is controlled by current flow to either the low speed or the high speed set of brushes. The park switch is a single pole, single throw, momentary switch within the wiper motor that is mechanically actuated by the wiper motor transmission components. The park switch alternately closes the wiper park switch sense circuit to ground or to battery current, depending upon the position of the wipers on the glass. This feature allows the motor to complete its current wipe cycle after the wiper system has been turned OFF, and to park the wiper blades in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern. The automatic resetting circuit breaker protects the motor from overloads.

The wiper motor crank arm, the two wiper linkage members and the two wiper pivots mechanically convert the rotary output of the wiper motor to the back and forth wiping motion of the wiper arms and blades on the glass.

The hard wired inputs and outputs of the wiper motor may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the wiper motor or the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide some features of the wiper and washer system. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the wiper motor, the BCM or the electronic controls and communication related to wiper motor operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .

Scheme 8

Note. The wiper motor can be removed from the wiper linkage module and is serviced independently from the remainder of the wiper linkage module for this vehicle. Refer to MOTOR, WIPER, REMOVAL .

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery.
2. Remove both wiper arms from the wiper pivots. Refer to «ARM, WIPER, REMOVAL»(ref-646271-S12009065502014072800000) .
3. Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel from over the wiper module (2). Refer to «COVER, COWL PANEL, REMOVAL»(ref-646233-S10013179912014072800000) .
4. Disconnect the wire harness connector (4) from the connector receptacle for the wiper motor.
5. Remove the two screws (1) that secure the module bracket to the cowl.
6. Pull the wiper linkage module inboard far enough to disengage the knob-like rubber isolator (3) from the slotted bracket on the rearward wall of the cowl plenum panel (5).
7. Remove the wiper linkage module from the cowl as a unit.

The Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) (1) (also known as the Rain Light Sensor Module/RLSM, the Light Sensor Module/LSM or the Rain Sensor Module/RSM) senses moisture and ambient light levels on the outside of the windshield glass and sends electronic messages to the Body Control Module (BCM) over the Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus. The BCM relays messages back and forth between the LRSM and other electronic modules in the vehicle.

For the rain sensor function, InfraRed (IR) diodes within the LRSM generate infrared light beams that are aimed by the optics of the sensor through the windshield glass, while an IR photo diode monitors the infrared light reflected back from the windshield glass. When sufficient moisture accumulates within the wipe pattern on the windshield glass, less of the infrared light is reflected back and the sensor detects a change in the monitored infrared light intensity. For the light sensor function, an IR photo diode within the sensor monitors the intensity of the ambient infrared light received through the windshield glass and the sensor optics.

The internal programming of the LRSM sends the appropriate electronic wipe command messages to the BCM over the LIN data bus. The BCM then responds by activating or deactivating the wiper system. Similarly, the LRSM provides electronic ambient light level messages to the BCM, and the BCM relays these messages to other electronic modules in the vehicle.

The Steering Control Module (SCM) sends electronic wiper switch status and automatic wipe sensitivity level messages over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus to the BCM based upon the driver-selected settings of the control knob on the control stalk of the multifunction switch. The higher the selected wipe sensitivity setting the more sensitive the LRSM is to the accumulated moisture on the windshield glass, and the more frequently the LRSM will send wipe commands to the BCM to operate the wiper system. The BCM also monitors electronic automatic display brightness level messages based upon the driver-selected settings of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) as well as electronic messages from other electronic modules in the vehicle received over the CAN data bus, then relays the messages to the LRSM over the LIN bus.

The LRSM operates on battery current received through a fused ignition output (run/accessory) circuit. The LRSM has a path to ground at all times through a take out of the body wire harness with an eyelet terminal that is secured to the body sheet metal. Therefore, the LRSM is operational only when the ignition switch status is On or Accessory.

If the BCM receives an electronic status message from the LRSM indicating a sensor failure condition, a Rain Sensor Failure message should be displayed by the Instrument Cluster (IC) (also known as the Instrument Panel Cluster/IPC). It is important to note that the default operation of the automatic wiper system is continuous wipe On, while the default operation for automatic lighting is On. Therefore, if no command message is received by the BCM from the LRSM for more than about five seconds when the Automatic wipe mode is selected, the wipers will default to Low Speed or High Speed continuous wipe operation. Likewise, if no command message is received by the BCM from the LRSM when the Automatic lighting mode is selected, the exterior lighting will default to On. The BCM must be properly configured for the automatic wipers and automatic lighting options in order for these systems to function.

The hard wired circuits of the LRSM may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the LRSM or the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide some features of the automatic wiper and automatic lighting systems. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the LRSM or the electronic controls and communication related to LRSM operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

1. Firmly grasp the LRSM (3) by the outer circumference from the side opposite the SilGel membrane pad.
2. Firmly grasp the protective shipping cap (2) of the LRSM by the two latch release tabs (1) between your thumb and index finger from the SilGel membrane pad side of the module.
3. Firmly pinch the two latch release tabs together between your thumb and index finger far enough to release the two latch features of the protective cap from the outer circumference of the LRSM.
4. Pull the protective cap off of the LRSM.
5. Install the LRSM into the mounting bracket bonded onto the windshield as instructed in the Installation procedure. Refer to «MODULE, LIGHT RAIN SENSOR, INSTALLATION»(ref-646271-S09437789442014072800000) .

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

1. Carefully peel away the old silicone gelatin adhesive membrane pad (2) from the windshield (optics) side of the Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) (1).
2. Thoroughly clean the windshield (optics) side of the LRSM using isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Using care not to contaminate, touch or damage the replacement pad, peel off the yellow protective foil.
4. Looking through the transparent protective film (1), align and center the replacement pad (2) over the windshield (optics) side of the LRSM. Then use a slow, smooth and deliberate motion to roll the pad onto the windshield (optics) side of the LRSM.
5. With the transparent protective film still in place, use a thumb and a firm wiping motion to press the entire surface pad against the windshield (optics) side of the LRSM.
6. To avoid contamination or damage of the replacement pad, do not remove the transparent protective film until just before reinstalling the LRSM onto the windshield. Refer to «MODULE, LIGHT RAIN SENSOR, INSTALLATION»(ref-646271-S09437789442014072800000) .

Scheme 13

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery.
2. Remove the inside rear view mirror from the mounting button (3) on the inside of the windshield glass (2). Refer to «MIRROR, REARVIEW, REMOVAL»(ref-646233-S27799700862014072800000) .
3. Disconnect the wire harness connector (1) from the connector receptacle for the Light Rain Sensor Module (LRSM) (6).
4. Insert the tip of a small screwdriver into the rectangular cutout on one side of the spring steel retaining strap (5) on the LRSM and carefully pry the end of the strap closest to the glass away from the groove in the mounting bracket (4) on the windshield. Now rotate the loose side of the strap away from the glass far enough to disengage the other side of the strap from the mounting bracket groove.
5. Firmly grasp the connector receptacle of the LRSM to pull the module away from the windshield glass and the mounting bracket.
6. If the LRSM will be reinstalled, the silicone gelatin (also known as SilGel) adhesive membrane pad MUST be removed, discarded and replaced with a new unit as described in: «SILICONE GELATIN PAD REPLACEMENT»(ref-646271-S27825481482014072800000) . Refer to «MODULE, LIGHT RAIN SENSOR, STANDARD PROCEDURE»(ref-646271-S21383341832014072800000) .

The wiper motor is packaged with the wiper linkage module in this vehicle. Refer to LINKAGE, WIPER ARM, DESCRIPTION .

The wiper motor is packaged with the wiper linkage module in this vehicle. Refer to LINKAGE, WIPER ARM, OPERATION .

The two washer nozzles are designed to dispense washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the outside of the windshield glass. Pressurized washer fluid is fed to each nozzle from the washer reservoir by the washer pump/motor unit through a single supply line, which is attached to a barbed nipple on each washer nozzle below the hood panel. A fluidic matrix within the washer nozzle causes the pressurized washer fluid to be emitted from the nozzle orifice as an oscillating stream to more effectively cover a larger area of the glass to be cleaned.

The integral check valve in each nozzle prevents washer fluid from draining out of the washer supply lines back to the washer reservoir. This drain-back would result in a lengthy delay after the washer switch is actuated until washer fluid was dispensed through the nozzles, because the washer pump would have to refill the washer plumbing from the reservoir to the nozzles. Such a drain-back condition could also result in water, dirt, or other outside contaminants being drawn into the washer system by a siphoning action through the washer nozzle orifice. This water could subsequently freeze and plug the nozzle, while other contaminants could interfere with proper nozzle operation and cause improper nozzle spray patterns. In addition, the check valve prevents washer fluid from siphoning out through the washer nozzles after the washer system is turned Off.

When the washer pump pressurizes and pumps washer fluid from the reservoir through the washer plumbing, the fluid pressure unseats a diaphragm from over a sump well within the nozzle by overriding the spring pressure applied to it by a piston. With the diaphragm unseated, washer fluid is allowed to flow toward the nozzle orifice. When the washer pump stops operating, the spring pressure on the piston seats the diaphragm over the sump well in the nozzle and fluid flow in either direction within the washer plumbing is prevented.

Scheme 14

1. From the underside of the hood (1), remove the push-in retainers that secure the rear edge of the hood silencer pad to the inner hood reinforcement as necessary to access the washer nozzle (2) plumbing connections.
2. From the underside of the hood, disconnect the washer plumbing (3) fitting from the barbed nipple of the washer nozzle.
3. From the underside of the hood, release the integral latch features of the washer nozzle and push the nozzle out through the mounting hole toward the top side of the hood.
4. Remove the washer nozzle from the top of the hood panel.

The washer pump/motor unit features a small Direct Current (DC) electric motor. The motor is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a single take out and two-cavity connector of the Front End Module (FEM) wire harness. The motor is grounded at all times through a take out of the headlamp and dash wire harness with an eyelet terminal connector that is secured to the body sheet metal in the engine compartment.

The Body Control Module (BCM) controls the washer pump/motor control circuit through a high side driver based upon electronic washer request messages received over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus from the Steering Control Module (SCM). The SCM monitors hard wired digital inputs from the washer switch circuitry contained within the right multifunction switch to determine the proper electronic messages to send.

Washer fluid is drawn through the pump inlet nipple from the washer reservoir to the inlet port of the washer pump housing. A filter screen integral to the pump inlet port prevents most debris from entering the pump housing. When the pump motor is energized, the motor spins the rotor within the washer pump housing. The spinning pump rotor pressurizes the washer fluid and forces it through the pump outlet nipple, the washer plumbing and the washer nozzles onto the windshield glass.

The washer pump/motor unit and the hard wired circuits connected to the unit may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide many features of the wiper and washer system. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the washer pump/motor unit or the electronic controls and communication related to washer pump/motor unit operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

Scheme 15

Note. The washer pump/motor unit may be removed from the washer reservoir without removing the reservoir from the vehicle.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery.
2. Turn the steering wheel to move the front wheels to the full left position.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the plastic push-in fasteners that secure the forward end of the left front wheel house splash shield to the inner fender panel and the front fascia. Refer to «SHIELD, SPLASH, FRONT WHEELHOUSE, REMOVAL»(ref-646233-S05943217422014072800000) .
5. Pull the forward end of the left front wheel house splash shield away from the inner fender panel and front fascia far enough to access the washer pump/motor unit (2) on the outboard side of the washer reservoir (1) on the outboard end of the Front End Module (FEM) carrier.
6. Disconnect the FEM wire harness connector (3) for the washer pump motor from the motor connector receptacle.
7. Disconnect the reservoir washer plumbing fitting (4) from the barbed outlet nipple of the washer pump and allow the washer fluid to drain into a clean container for reuse.
8. Pull lightly outward on the top of the washer pump/motor housing away from the washer reservoir to disengage the top of the motor from the receptacle in the reservoir.
9. Using hand pressure, firmly grasp and pull the washer pump upward far enough to disengage the pump inlet nipple from the rubber grommet seal/filter screen in the reservoir. Care must be taken not to damage the reservoir.
10. Remove the washer pump/motor unit from the washer reservoir.
11. Remove the rubber grommet seal from the washer pump mounting hole in the reservoir and discard.

The washer fluid reservoir provides a secure, on-vehicle storage location for a large reserve of washer fluid for operation of the windshield washer system. The washer reservoir filler neck provides a clearly marked and readily accessible point from which to replenish the fluid level in the reservoir.

The washer pump/motor unit is located in a sump area near the base on the outboard side of the reservoir to be certain that washer fluid will be available to the pump as the fluid level in the reservoir becomes depleted. The washer pump/motor unit is mounted in the lowest position in the sump. The washer fluid level switch is mounted just above the sump area of the reservoir so that there will be adequate warning to the vehicle operator that the washer fluid level is low, before the windshield washer system will no longer operate.

Scheme 16

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery.
2. Turn the steering wheel to move the front wheels to the full left position.
3. Open the reservoir filler cap.
4. Raise and support the vehicle.
5. Remove the plastic push-in fasteners that secure the forward end of the left front wheel house splash shield to the inner fender panel and the front fascia. Refer to «SHIELD, SPLASH, FRONT WHEELHOUSE, REMOVAL»(ref-646233-S05943217422014072800000) .
6. Pull the forward end of the front wheelhouse splash shield away from the inner fender panel and front fascia far enough to access the washer reservoir (1) for service.
7. Disconnect the Front End Module (FEM) wire harness connectors (4 and 5) from the washer fluid level switch and the washer pump/motor.
8. Disconnect the washer plumbing (3) fitting from the barbed outlet nipple of the washer pump and allow the washer fluid to drain into a clean container for reuse.
9. Disengage the washer plumbing from the trough molded into the washer reservoir.
10. Remove the screw (2) that secures the washer reservoir to the battery tray.
11. Remove the two nuts (6) that secure the washer reservoir to the left outboard end of the FEM carrier.
12. Lower the washer reservoir from the vehicle.

The washer fluid level switch uses a float to monitor the level of the washer fluid in the washer reservoir. The float contains a small magnet. When the float moves, the proximity of this magnet to a stationary reed switch within the beam formation of the switch changes. When the fluid level in the washer reservoir is at or above the float level, the float rises and the influence of the float magnetic field is applied to the reed switch causing the normally open reed switch contacts to close. When the fluid level in the washer reservoir falls below the level of the float, the float falls and the influence of the float magnetic field is removed from the reed switch, causing the contacts of the normally open reed switch to open.

The washer fluid level switch is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the Front End Module (FEM) wire harness. The switch is connected in series between the washer fluid switch sense and return circuits of the Body Control Module (BCM). When the switch opens, the BCM senses the input on the washer fluid switch return circuit. The BCM is programmed to respond to this input by sending an electronic message to the Instrument Cluster (IC) (also known as the Instrument Panel Cluster/IPC) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus requesting illumination of the low washer fluid indicator and the sounding of an audible chime tone warning.

The washer fluid level switch and the hard wired circuits between the switch and the BCM may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the washer fluid level switch or the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide some features of the wiper and washer systems. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the washer fluid level switch or the electronic controls and communication related to washer fluid level switch operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

Scheme 17

Note. The washer fluid level switch can be removed from the washer reservoir without removing the reservoir from the vehicle.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery.
2. Turn the steering wheel to move the front wheels to the full left position.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the plastic push-in fasteners that secure the forward end of the left front wheel house splash shield to the inner fender panel and the front fascia. Refer to «SHIELD, SPLASH, FRONT WHEELHOUSE, REMOVAL»(ref-646233-S05943217422014072800000) .
5. Pull the forward end of the left front wheel house splash shield away from the inner fender panel and front fascia far enough to access the washer fluid level sensor unit (3) on the outboard side of the washer reservoir (1) on the outboard end of the Front End Module (FEM) carrier.
6. Disconnect the FEM wire harness connector (2) for the washer fluid level sensor from the sensor connector receptacle.
7. Disconnect the reservoir washer plumbing fitting from the barbed outlet nipple of the washer pump and allow the washer fluid to drain into a clean container for reuse.
8. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, gently pry the barbed nipple of the washer fluid level sensor out of the rubber grommet seal on the reservoir just above the sump. Care must be taken not to damage the reservoir.
9. Remove the washer fluid level sensor from the washer reservoir.
10. Remove the rubber grommet seal from the washer fluid level sensor mounting hole in the washer reservoir and discard.