The windshield wiper system consists of the following components:
• | The windshield wiper transmission |
• | The windshield wiper motor |
• | The windshield wiper/washer switch |
• | The windshield wiper arms |
• | The windshield wiper blades |
When activated, the motor moves the transmission links, which move the
arms and the blades.
The pulse type windshield wiper/washer system includes an operating
mode in which the wipers make single sweeps with an adjustable time interval
between sweeps. The delay rheostat in the switch determines the duration of
the delay interval. About 20 seconds after the wipers are activated,
the low beam headlamps turn on for added safety, and the DRLs turn off. About
20 seconds after the wipers/washers are deactivated, the low beam headlamps
will turn off, and the DRLs will reactivate.
A circuit breaker protects the motor. If the wipers are blocked (with
snow or ice, i.e.), the circuit breaker interrupts the circuit. The circuit
breaker contains a bimetallic contact strip that reacts to changes in higher
than normal current flow. The breaker continues to cycle as long as the motor
operation is restrained and higher than normal current flow is observed.
The motor cannot be disassembled and must be replaced as an assembly.
The windshield washer system consists of the following components:
• | The windshield washer solvent container |
• | The windshield washer motor |
• | The windshield wiper/washer switch |
• | The heated windshield washer nozzles |
• | The windshield washer hoses |
The windshield washer solvent is pumped from the solvent container into
the hoses and through the nozzles. The nozzles are mounted in the hood and
are heated with the ignition switch in the RUN position (full time) in order
to prevent freeze-up in cold weather.
Refer to
Wiper/Washer System Check
for further diagnosis on the windshield wiper/washer system
components.