GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for continuity through the 380 ohms resistor in the windshield wiper/washer switch.

  2. This step tests for continuity through the delay resistors in the windshield wiper/washer switch. The measured resistance will change in sequence from low to high as the delay speed is increased.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Wiper/Washer Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Wiper/Washer Connector End Views

DEFINITION: Windshield wipers are inoperative in one or more modes.

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Attempt to operate the windshield wipers in all modes.

Does the system operate normally?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

Do the windshield wipers operate in the high speed mode?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Disconnect the steering column harness connector.
  2. Connect a fused jumper wire from the windshield wiper switch high signal circuit terminal in the body harness connector half to ground.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.

Do the windshield wipers operate at high speed?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

5

  1. Disconnect the windshield wiper motor connector.
  2. Test the resistance from the windshield wiper switch voltage supply circuit terminal to the windshield wiper switch signal 1 circuit terminal in the windshield wiper motor harness connector.
  3. Operate the windshield wiper/washer switch in the following positions:
  4. • MIST
    • LO

Is the resistance near the specified value in the listed switch positions?

380 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 11

6

  1. Test the resistance from the windshield wiper switch voltage supply circuit terminal to the windshield wiper switch signal 1 circuit terminal in the windshield wiper motor harness connector.
  2. Operate the windshield wiper/washer switch in all of the delay positions.

Does the resistance remain within the specified values from low to high as the delay speed is increased?

1000-10K ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 13

7

Test the windshield wiper switch signal 1 circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

8

Test the windshield wiper switch high signal circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

9

Test the wiper switch ground circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 10

10

Test the windshield wiper switch high signal and ground circuits in the steering column harness for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 13

11

Test the windshield wiper switch voltage supply circuit for an open or short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 12

12

Test the windshield wiper switch signal 1 circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 13

13

Inspect for poor connections at the windshield wiper/washer switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

14

Replace the windshield wiper/washer switch. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

15

Inspect for poor connections at the windshield wiper motor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

16

Replace the windshield wiper motor. Refer to Windshield Wiper Transmission Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

17

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3