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

Rear 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

Rear wiper switch in the WIPER position. The rear wiper should turn ON.

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 window wiper/washer switch rear.
  2. Ignition ON, test for ignition voltage between the ignition voltage circuit terminal 1 and ground
  3. If not the specified value, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/ high resistance.
  4. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the window wiper/washer switch rear. Disconnect the harness connector at the rear window wiper motor.
  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 window wiper/washer switch rear.
  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
    •  Rear Window Wiper Motor Replacement
    •  Rear Window Washer Pump Replacement