GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Park Avenue 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Wipers/Washer Systems 🢒 Wiper/Washer System Check

Wiper/Washer System Check Pulse

Step

Action

Normal Result(s)

Abnormal Result(s)*

1
  1. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.
  2. Press the washer switch on for less than 1 second.
    • The washer sprays the windshield and continues to spray for 2-3 seconds after the switch is released.
    • The wipers run at low speed while spraying and continue to run at low speed for two sweeps after the wash cycle is complete, then return to the park position.
    •  Washers Inoperative

2

Turn the wiper switch to DELAY (pulse mode).
    • The wipers make one complete sweep, then pause for 1-20 seconds before making the next sweep.
    • The pause time is adjusted by turning the wiper switch through the delay range.

3
  1. Turn the wiper switch to DELAY.
  2. Press the washer switch on.
    • The washer sprays the windshield as long as the washer switch is held on.
    • The wipers run at low speed while spraying and continue for 2 sweeps after the washer switch is released.
    • The wipers then return to pulse operation.
    •  Washers Inoperative
    •  Wipers Always On

4

Turn the wiper switch to LO.

The wipers run continuously at low speed.

5

Turn the wiper switch to HI.

The wipers run continuously at high speed.

6

Turn the wiper switch to OFF.

The wipers return to the park position at low speed.

7

Turn the wiper switch to MIST, then release.

The wipers make one complete sweep at low speed, then return to the park position.
    •  Wipers Always On

* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.

Wiper/Washer System Check Rainsense

Step

Action

Normal Result(s)

Abnormal Result(s)*

1
  1. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.
  2. Hold the washer switch in the ON position for less than 1 second.
    • The washer sprays the windshield and continues to spray for 2-3 seconds after the switch is released.
    • The wipers run at low speed while spraying and continue to run at low speed for two sweeps after the wash cycle is complete, then return to the park position.
    •  Washers Inoperative

2

Turn the wiper switch to LO.

The wipers run continuously at low speed.

3

Turn the wiper switch to HI.

The wipers run continuously at high speed.

4

Turn the wiper switch to OFF.

The wipers return to the park position at low speed.

5

Turn the wiper switch to MIST and release.

The wipers make one complete sweep at low speed, then return to park position.

6

Turn the wiper switch to minimum sensitivity (the position closest to OFF), AUTO DELAY position.

A single wipe should occur.

7

Turn the wiper switch to the next higher sensitivity, AUTO DELAY position. Repeat this step for all sensitivity positions.

A single wipe should occur every time the wiper switch is moved to another automatic position.

8

Important: 

  1. Clean the windshield with GM cleaning powder (P/N 1050011) or equivalent and rinse thoroughly before performing the test. Use paper towels to dry the windshield before performing the test.
  2. The windshield wiper blades must be in good condition.
  3. Turn the wiper switch to the minimum sensitivity (the position closest to off) AUTO DELAY position.
  4. Spray the Rainsense module area of the windshield heavily with water for 5 seconds using a spray bottle or other suitable me.

The wipers run for 15 seconds or less. (Continued non-pulsed wiping after 15 seconds indicates that the Rainsense module is faulty.)
    •  Wipers Always On

9
  1. Dry the windshield using paper towels.
  2. Turn the wiper switch to the maximum sensitivity (the position closest to OFF), AUTO DELAY position.
  3. Spray the Rainsense module area of windshield heavily with water for 5 seconds using the spray bottle or other suitable method.

The wipers should run continuously (non-pulsed) for 10 seconds or more. If the wipers run in pulse mode within the initial 10 seconds or stop running in 9 seconds or less, the Rainsense module is faulty.

* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.