All functions are initiated by means of a multi-function switch which is operated by the wiper lever on the right of the steering column.
The circuits of the windshield/rear window wash/wipe system are protected via fuse F12 (20 A, in the central junction box CJB).
The associated wiring diagrams are contained in the Wiring Diagrams Binder, see subsection 501-16.
Precise information relating to the location of the components is contained in the Wiring Diagrams Binder (component location chart and views of the components, see subsection 501-16).
The windshield wiper motor can run at two speeds and incorporates a park position limit switch. It is controlled by the multi-function switch on the steering column and by the wiper delay relay.
After switching on the ignition (position II) the following five wiper functions are available:
Wiper lever in the OFF position
If the wiper lever is moved from any other setting to the OFF position, then the windshield wiper motor continues to run at slow speed until the wipers reach the park position. This is effected through a second circuit via the limit switch, which supplies a voltage to the windshield wiper motor after it has been switched off. The voltage supply remains intact until the limit switch interrupts the circuit through the wiper delay relay (normally closed contact) and the multi-function switch to the windshield wiper motor.
Wiper lever in the WIPE ONCE position
Press the wiper lever up until resistance is felt and then release it. The windshield wipers perform an individual slow wipe. Current is supplied to the windshield wiper motor via the multi-function switch.
Wiper lever in the INTERMITTENT position
Press the wiper lever down. The windshield wipers perform intermittent slow wipes. The wiper delay time is set to 9 seconds.
The multi-function switch sends a 12 V signal to the wiper delay relay, which picks up in 9 second intervals and supplies a voltage to the windshield wiper motor. The flow of current is routed through the wiper delay relay (normally open contact) and the multi-function switch (connector C65b, pin 8) to the windshield wiper motor.
Wiper lever in the SLOW WIPE position
Press the wiper lever up one notch. The wipers operate at slow speed. Current flows through the multi-function switch to the windshield wiper motor.
Wiper lever in the FAST WIPE position
Press the wiper lever up two notches. The wipers operate at high speed. Current flows through the multi-function switch to the windshield wiper motor.
Windshield washer
WARNING:The washer fluid contains methanol, which is poisonous. Follow the safety guidelines. Failure to observe these instructions could cause personal injury.
CAUTION:Never operate the washer system for more than 10 seconds or when the washer reservoir is empty.
The windshield washer comprises the following parts:
- Washer reservoir, underneath the right-hand front fender
- Washer pump, on the washer reservoir
- Two washer nozzles on the hood, adjustable.
Two functions are available depending on how the wipers are operating:
Wiper lever in the OFF or INTERMITTENT position
The windshield wiper and washer pump operate as long as the end of the wiper lever is pressed in. The washer pump stops immediately when the wiper lever is released. The windshield wipers perform two more wipe cycles before they return to intermittent operation (INTERMITTENT position) or stop at the park position (OFF position). Current flows from the multi-function switch (connector C65b, pin 2) via the washer pump back to the multi-function switch (connector C65b, pin 1). The multi-function switch makes the ground connection when it is set to WINDSHIELD WASHER ON.
Wiper lever in the position SLOW WIPE or FAST WIPE
The washer system operates together with the windshield wiper as long as the end of the wiper lever is pressed in. The washer pump stops immediately when the wiper lever is released. The current flows through the same circuit as described before.
Rear wiper
The rear wiper comprises the following parts:
- Rear wiper motor
- Rear wiper arm
- Wiper blade
- One nozzle
Rear window wiper
Pull the wiper lever one notch towards the steering wheel to switch it on. The wiper operates continuously at constant speed. Once it is switched off the wiper motor returns to the park position before stopping. The current flows from the multi-function switch to the rear wiper motor. A second circuit supplies the wiper motor with voltage via the limit switch after it is switched off. The voltage supply is interrupted when the limit switch reaches the park position and breaks the circuit. Both circuits go through the tailgate contact switch. The spring-loaded pins in the contact switch are pressed onto the contact plate to make the electrical circuit. Opening the tailgate interrupts both circuits at the contact plate.
Tailgate contact switch
Rear washer system
Pull the wiper lever right to the steering wheel to turn it on. The system operates until the lever is released, after which the lever automatically returns to its rest position. The rear washer draws its wash water from the same washer reservoir as the windshield washer (see windshield washer system), and the water is also pumped by the same washer pump. In this case the washer pump operates in the opposite direction of rotation to the direction for washing the windshield. This means that the current flows in the opposite direction to when washing the windshield: from the multi-function switch (connector C65b, pin 1) via the washer pump back to the multi-function switch (connector C65b, pin 2). The latter makes the ground connection when active.
Washer fluid level warning light
This consists of the following components:
- Washer fluid level warning light (in the instrument panel)
- Float-activated switch in the washer reservoir
- Auxiliary warning system module
The warning light comes on when the washer reservoir is only a quarter full. This is sensed by a switch which is activated by a float in the washer reservoir. When there is sufficient fluid in the washer reservoir the switch makes a connection to ground with one of the digital inputs on the auxiliary warning module. It opens when the fluid level drops to a quarter full. This then prompts the auxiliary warning module to switch on the washer fluid level warning light. The warning light goes out when the washer fluid level is topped up and the switch in the reservoir closes again.
