Dakota 4WD V8-4.7L VIN J (2007)
Wiper Relay: Description and Operation
Relay-Wiper High/Low
Description
DESCRIPTION
The wiper high/low relay is a conventional International Standards Organization (ISO) micro relay. Relays conforming to the ISO specifications have
common physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal functions. This relay is contained within a small, rectangular, molded
plastic housing and is connected to all of the required inputs and outputs through five integral male spade-type terminals that extend from the relay base
plate.
The wiper high/low relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment near the battery. Refer to the layout label on the
underside of the PDC cover for specific relay cavity assignment information. The wiper high/low relay cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if ineffective
or damaged, the unit must be replaced.
Operation
OPERATION
The wiper high/low relay is an electromechanical switch that uses a low current input from the Front Control Module (FCM) to control a high current
output to the front wiper motor. The movable common feed contact point is held against the fixed normally closed contact point by spring pressure.
When the relay coil is energized, an electromagnetic field is produced by the coil windings. This electromagnetic field draws the movable relay contact
point away from the fixed normally closed contact point, and holds it against the fixed normally open contact point. When the relay coil is de-energized,
spring pressure returns the movable contact point back against the fixed normally closed contact point. A resistor is connected in parallel with the relay
coil in the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes and electromagnetic interference that can be generated as the electromagnetic field of the relay coil
collapses.
The wiper high/low relay terminals are connected to the vehicle electrical system through a connector receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).
The inputs and outputs of the wiper high/low relay include:
-
Common Feed Terminal - The common feed terminal (30) is connected to the output of the wiper on/off relay at all times through the wiper
on/off relay output circuit.
-
Coil Ground Terminal - The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to a control output of the Front Control Module (FCM) through a wiper
high/low relay control circuit. The FCM controls wiper motor operation by controlling a ground path through this circuit.
-
Coil Battery Terminal - The coil battery terminal (86) receives battery current when the ignition switch is in the On or Accessory positions from
a fuse in the PDC through a fused ignition switch output (run-acc) circuit.
-
Normally Open Terminal - The normally open terminal (87) is connected to the high speed brush of the wiper motor through a wiper high/low
relay high speed output circuit, and is connected to the high speed brush whenever the relay is energized.
-
Normally Closed Terminal - The normally closed terminal (87A) is connected to the low speed brush of the wiper motor through a wiper
high/low relay low speed output circuit, and is connected to the low speed brush whenever the relay is de-energized.
The wiper high/low relay as well as the hard wired inputs and outputs of the relay may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
