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 390 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: The windshield wiper motor operates in some modes but not all modes.

1

Did you perform the Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Wiper/Washer Systems

2

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

Does the system operate normally?

--

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

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 a good ground.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.

Do the windshield wipers operate at high speed?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

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
    • HI

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

390 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

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 14

Go to Step 12

7

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 14

8

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 9

9

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 12

10

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 11

11

Test the windshield wiper switch signal 1 circuit for an open or short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 12

12

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

13

Replace the windshield wiper/washer switch. Refer to Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

14

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 15

15

Replace the windshield wiper motor cover. Refer to Wiper Motor Cover Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3