GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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.