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

Rear Window Wiper Motor B+

1

1

--

--

Rear Window Wiper Motor Ignition Voltage

1

1

--

--

Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch Ignition Voltage

1

1

--

--

Rear Window Wiper Switch Signal

1

1

2

--

Rear Window Wiper Motor Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Rear Window Wiper Motor Inoperative

2. Rear Window Wiper Motor Always On

Circuit/System Description

The rear wiper is controlled based on an input from the rear wiper/washer switch. When closed, the wiper ON and wiper DELAY switches provide a unique voltage signal to the rear window wiper motor indicating the desired speed. Each switch has a unique resistor that drops the voltage to a specified value which is interpreted by the rear window wiper motor as ON or DELAY. The rear wiper motor receives B+ voltage from the underhood fuse block and accessory voltage from the body control module (BCM).

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Wiper/Washer Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, liftgate closed, verify the liftgate ajar indicator is not illuminated.
  2. If the liftgate ajar indicator is illuminated, refer to Liftgate Ajar Indicator Malfunction
  3. Rear wiper switch in the WIPER position. The rear wiper should turn ON.
  4. If the rear wiper does not turn ON, refer to circuit system testing.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the multifunction switch.
  2. Ignition ON, test for ignition voltage between the ignition voltage circuit terminal 11 and ground
  3. If not the specified value, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/ high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the multifunction switch. Disconnect the harness connector at the rear window wiper/washer module.
  5. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 4 and ground.
  6. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  7. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 5 and ground.
  8. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  9. Ignition ON, rear wiper/washer switch in the WIPER position, test for ignition voltagebetween the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  10. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance, If the circuit tests normal, replace the multifunction switch.
  11. Liftgate closed, test for infinite resistance betweenthe signal circuit terminal 3 and ground.
  12. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground.
  13. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the rear window wiper/washer module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement
    •  Liftgate Wiper Motor Replacement
    •  Rear Window Washer Pump Replacement