Rear Wipers/Washers: Operation: Notes

The rear wiper and washer system is designed to provide the vehicle operator with a convenient, safe, and reliable means of maintaining visibility through the rear liftglass. The various components of this system are designed to convert electrical energy produced by the vehicle electrical system into the mechanical action of the wiper blade 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 that might be encountered while driving the vehicle under numerous types of inclement operating conditions from the outside of the liftglass surface.

The vehicle operator initiates all rear wiper and washer system functions with the rear wiper and washer switch located in the accessory switch bezel, just below the heater and air conditioner controls in the center stack area of the instrument panel. Moving the switch rocker downward to a detent position selects the rear wiper system fixed cycle operating mode. Moving the switch rocker downward past the wipe mode detent actuates the momentary rear washer system switch.

The rear wiper and washer system will only operate when the ignition switch is in the On position. When the ignition switch is in the On position, battery current is directed from a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) to the rear wiper and washer system fuse in the fuse block. This fuse provides battery current through a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit to the rear wiper and washer switch, and to one fixed contact of the rear wiper motor park switch.

The hard wired circuits and components of the rear wiper and washer system may be diagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures.