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.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3717: Front Wiper Relay Drive Circuit Low

DTC B3718: Front Wiper Relay Drive Circuit High

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

ON/OFF Wiper Relay Control

B3717

1

B3718

--

ON/OFF Wiper Relay Ground

--

1

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) controls and monitors the state of the ON/OFF wiper relay control circuit. When the windshield wiper switch is placed in to a low speed setting, a signal is applied to the BCM. The BCM then applies battery positive voltage to the coil side of the ON/OFF WPR relay through the relay control circuit. This energizes the relay, allowing battery positive voltage from the FRT/WPR fuse through the switched side of the ON/OFF WPR relay through the HI/LOW WPR relay and to the windshield wiper motor. Ground is applied at all times to the coil sides of the wiper relays and the windshield wiper motor from G105.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B3717

When the BCM receives a front wiper switch on command and the on/off wiper relay control circuit is shorted to ground.

B3718

When the BCM receives a front wiper switch off command and the on/off wiper relay control circuit is shorted to voltage.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The front wipers will not operate or will remain always on.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • This DTC will clear on current status after the condition for setting the fault is corrected.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles without a fault present.

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

Ignition ON, operate the front wiper switch between low and off and verify that the front wipers turn on and off.

If the front wipers do not turn on or remain always on perform the On/Off Wiper Relay Control Circuit Test.

Circuit/System Testing

On/Off Wipe Relay Control Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the on/off wiper relay.
  2. Verify that a test lamp illuminates when connected from battery voltage to the relay coil ground circuit terminal 86.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the relay coil control circuit terminal 85 and the ground circuit terminal 86.
  5. Ignition ON, operate the front wiper switch between low and off and verify that the test lamp turns on and off.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for BCM replacement, programming, and setup.