GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Windshield Washer Switch Signal

2

1

3

--

Windshield Washer Pump Control

1

1

2

--

Windshield Washer Relay Control

2

1

B3873 00

--

Windshield Washer Pump Ground

--

1

--

--

Windshield Wiper Switch Ground

--

3

--

--

1. Washers Inoperative

2. Washers Always On

3. Windshield Wiper System Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The windshield washer function is controlled by the body control module (BCM). When the washer switch is pressed, ground is applied through the switch contacts and the signal circuit to the BCM indicating the wash request. The BCM then applies ground through the control circuit to the coil side of the WSH relay energizing the relay. With the relay energized, battery voltage is applied through the switch contacts of the relay, the WSW/PUMP fuse and the control circuit to the windshield washer fluid pump. The windshield washer nozzles are heated to assist with fluid control in cold temperatures. The MIS IGN fuse in the underhood fuse block supplies ignition voltage to each heated windshield washer nozzle which are also supplied a chassis ground.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Wiper/Washer Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Wiper/Washer Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Output Controls
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Testing

Washers Inoperative Starting Point

Ignition ON, with a test lamp connected to ground, probe each of the test points on the WSW/PUMP fuse while activating the washer switch. The test lamp should illuminate at one or both of the fuse test points.

If the test lamp does not illuminate at either test point, refer to the Washer Switch Test .
If the test lamp illuminates, refer to the Washer Fluid Pump Test.

Washer Switch Test

  1. Ignition ON, verify that the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Active while pressing the washer switch.
  2. If not Active, test the following:
    • Perform the multifunction switch component test.
    • Test the windshield washer switch signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the washer switch and circuit test normal, test or replace the BCM.
  3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the C2 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the windshield washer pump relay control circuit terminal 13 and battery voltage while pressing the washer switch.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the washer relay control circuit terminal 13 for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the BCM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the relay.

Washer Fluid Pump Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the windshield washer fluid pump.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than 1 ohm, repair the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the washer pump control circuit terminal A and ground while pressing the washer switch.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the relay.
  6. If all the circuits test normal, test or replace the windshield washer fluid pump.

Washers Always On

  1. Remove the WSW fuse from the underhood fuse block. The washer pump should turn OFF.
  2. If the washer pump does not turn OFF, test the washer pump control circuit for a short to voltage.
  3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Windshield Washer Switch parameter is Inactive.
  4. If not Inactive, test the following:
    • Perform the multifunction switch component test.
    • Test the windshield washer switch signal circuit for a short to ground. If the washer switch and circuit test normal, test or replace the BCM.
  5. Ignition OFF, disconnect the C2 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
  6. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the windshield washer relay control circuit terminal 13 and battery voltage.
  7. If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the BCM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the relay.

Heated Washer Nozzles Inoperative

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the windshield washer fluid nozzles.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than 1 ohm, repair the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the washer nozzle control circuits terminal A and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the inoperative nozzle.

Component Testing

Multifunction Switch

  1. With the ignition OFF, disconnect the C1 harness connector at the turn signal/multifunction switch.
  2. Test the resistance between terminals H and L. Rotate the wiper switch and compare the resistance readings to the values in the Windshield Wiper Switch Values table below for MIST, each DELAY and LOW speed.
  3. If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between terminals H and K while rotating the wiper switch to MIST, each DELAY and LOW speed positions.
  5. If the less than infinite, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
  6. Test for less than 5 ohms of resistance with the wiper switch in the High speed position.
  7. If greater than 5 ohms, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
  8. Test for infinite resistance between terminals H and J while rotating the wiper switch to MIST, each DELAY and LOW speed positions.
  9. If less than infinite, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
  10. Test for less than 5 ohms of resistance while pressing the WASHER switch.
  11. If greater than 5 ohms, replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.

Important: If the switch tests open in any switch position other than Off, test the wiper/washer switch signal circuits for a short to voltage before replacing the switch.

Wiper Switch Values

Switch Position

Resistance

Off

Infinite

Mist

300-364 ohms

Delay 1

3.48K-4.25K ohms

Delay 2

2.52K-3.08K ohms

Delay 3

1.78K-2.18K ohms

Delay 4

1.17K-1.44K ohms

Delay 5

697-851 ohms

Low

2.52K-3.08K ohms

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement
    •  Windshield Washer Pump Replacement
    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Windshield Washer Nozzle Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, programming, and setup