GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The body control module (BCM) monitors the wiper relay control circuit of the wiper 1 relay. The voltage level should be low while the wiper relay is de-energized. The voltage will be near system voltage while the relay is energized. When the wiper switch is in Low, Intermittent, or Mist positions voltage from the windshield wiper washer switch is applied to the windshield wiper switch signal 1 input of the BCM. The BCM responds by switching control circuit of the wiper 1 relay to B+. This action energizes the wiper 1 relay, providing low speed operation.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B3715 Front Wiper Relay Drive Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is in the RUN or ACC position.

Conditions for Setting the DTCs

The following conditions will cause the DTC to set:

    • The BCM detects a short to ground.
    • The BCM detects a short to battery voltage.
    • The BCM detects an open circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The windshield wipers will be disabled until the conditions mentioned above are no longer present for an open or short to battery.
    • The wipers will always be ON if the control circuit from the BCM to wiper relay 1 is shorted to B+.
    • No indicator will illuminate on the instrument panel (I/P).

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC clears when the malfunction is no longer present.
    • A history DTC clears when the module ignition cycle counter reaches the reset threshold, without a repeat of the malfunction.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the ground at the coil side of the wiper 1 relay. The BCM supplies B+ to the coil side of the rear window defogger relay.

  2. This step tests the control circuit side of the wiper 1 relay for faults that caused the DTC B3715.

  3. This step tests the output of the BCM. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

  4. After replacement of the BCM, you must calibrate the new module for proper operation.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Wiper/Washer Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Wiper/Washer Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Remove the wiper 1 relay.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the wiper 1 relay ground feed control circuit and a B+ at the wiper 1 relay socket. Refer to Circuit Testing .
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 8

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Test the body control module (BCM) controlled circuit of the wiper 1 relay for a short to voltage and ground as required by the schematic. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Connect a test lamp between the ground side of the control circuit and the BCM controlled circuit of the wiper 1 relay socket.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Using a scan tool, command the relay ON then OFF.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Test the control circuit of the wiper 1 relay for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections and terminal damage at the relay socket. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

7

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

8

Repair the ground side of the control circuit of the wiper 1 relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace the wiper 1 relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs .
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK