Liberty Sport 4WD L4-2.4L VIN 1 (2002)
Washer Fluid Level Switch: Description and Operation
Fig.16 Washer Fluid Level Switch
The washer fluid level switch is a single pole, single throw reed-type switch mounted at the rear of the sump area near the bottom of the washer reservoir.
Only the molded plastic switch mounting flange and the integral connector receptacle are visible when the switch is installed in the reservoir. A short
nipple formation extends from the inner surface of the switch mounting flange, and a barb on the nipple near the switch mounting flange is pressed
through a rubber grommet seal installed in the mounting hole of the reservoir. A small, molded plastic float has two pivot pins near its center that are
snapped into two receptacles near the ends of two stanchions that extend toward the float from the switch nipple formation. A small magnet is secured
within the end of the float nearest the switch nipple formation, and a reed switch is concealed within the nipple. A diagnostic resistor is connected
between the two switch terminals within the switch mounting flange. The washer fluid level switch cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or damaged,
the switch must be replaced.
The washer fluid level switch uses a pivoting, oblong float to monitor the level of the washer fluid in the washer reservoir. The float contains a small
magnet. When the float pivots, the proximity of this magnet to a stationary reed switch within the nipple formation of the switch changes. When the fluid
level in the washer reservoir is at or above the float level, the float moves to a vertical position, the influence of the float magnetic field is removed from
the reed switch, and the normally open reed switch contacts open. When the fluid level in the washer reservoir falls below the level of the pivoting float,
the float moves to a horizontal position, the influence of the float magnetic field is applied to the reed switch, and the contacts of the normally open reed
switch close.
The washer fluid level switch is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the headlamp and dash wire
harness. The switch is connected in series between ground and the washer fluid switch sense input to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC).
The switch receives a path to ground at all times through another take out of the headlamp and dash wire harness with a single eyelet terminal connector
that is secured under a ground screw near the front of the left front fender inner shield in the engine compartment. When the switch closes, the EMIC
senses the ground on the washer fluid switch sense circuit. The EMIC is programmed to respond to this input by illuminating the washer fluid indicator
and by sounding an audible chime tone warning.
The washer fluid level switch input to the EMIC can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods. (Refer to INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER/WASHER FLUID INDICATOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
