GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Wiper/Washer Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Wiper/Washer Connector End Views

DEFINITION: The windshield washer is inoperative and windshield wipers operate normally.

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Verify that the washers inoperative complaint is present.

Does the windshield washer system operate as described in the system description and operation?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Windshield Washer Switch parameter in the Body Control Module data list.
  4. Press the windshield washer switch.

Did the Windshield Washer Switch parameter change state?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Disconnect the windshield wiper/washer switch.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the battery positive voltage of the switch connector to the windshield washer switch signal circuit of the switch connector.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Windshield Washer Switch parameter.

Did the Windshield Washer Switch parameter change state?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the windshield washer relay.
  3. Connect a test lamp from the control circuit of the windshield washer relay to a good ground.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Press the windshield washer switch.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 12

6

Connect a test lamp from the battery positive voltage circuit of the windshield washer relay to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 16

7

Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the windshield washer relay and the ground circuit of the washer relay.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 17

8

Connect a 15-amp fused jumper wire between the battery positive voltage circuit of the windshield washer relay and the washer pump motor control circuit of the washer relay.

Does the washer pump motor run?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect the windshield washer pump relay.
  3. Disconnect the windshield washer pump motor connector.
  4. Connect a test lamp from the control circuit of the windshield washer pump motor to a good ground.
  5. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  6. Press the windshield washer switch.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 18

10

  1. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the windshield washer pump motor and the ground circuit of the windshield washer pump motor.
  2. Press the windshield washer switch.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 19

11

Test the windshield washer switch signal circuit between the windshield washer switch and the body control module (BCM) for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 14

12

Test the windshield washer relay control circuit between the BCM and the windshield washer relay for short to ground or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 14

13

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the windshield wiper/washer switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 20

14

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the BCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 22

15

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the windshield washer fluid pump. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 23

16

Repair the short to ground or open in the battery positive voltage circuit of the windshield washer relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

--

17

Repair the open in the ground circuit of the windshield washer relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

--

18

Repair the short to ground or open in the control circuit of the windshield washer pump motor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

--

19

Repair the open in the ground circuit of the windshield washer pump motor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 24

--

20

Replace the windshield wiper/washer switch. Refer to Windshield Wiper and Washer Switch Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 24

--

21

Replace the windshield washer relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 24

--

22

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 24

--

23

Replace the windshield washer pump. Refer to Windshield Washer Solvent Container, Washer Pump, and Solvent Level Switch Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 24

--

24

  1. Reconnect all previous disconnected connectors/relay.
  2. Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3