Washer Fluid Level Switch

The washer fluid level switch uses a float to monitor the level of the washer fluid in the washer reservoir. The float contains a small magnet. When the float moves, the proximity of this magnet to a stationary reed switch within the beam formation of the switch changes. When the fluid level in the washer reservoir is at or above the float level, the float rises and the influence of the float magnetic field is applied to the reed switch causing the normally open reed switch contacts to close. When the fluid level in the washer reservoir falls below the level of the float, the float falls and the influence of the float magnetic field is removed from the reed switch, causing the contacts of the reed switch to open.

The washer fluid level switch is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the Front End Module (FEM) wire harness. The switch is connected in series between the washer fluid switch sense and return circuits of the BCM. When the reed switch opens, the BCM senses the input on the washer fluid switch return circuit. The BCM is programmed to respond to this input by sending an electronic message to the IPC over the CAN-C data bus requesting illumination of the low washer fluid indicator and the sounding of an audible chime tone warning.