Moisture Sensing Feature Inoperative

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Base, 4.8 CSECTION Moisture Sensing Feature Inoperative
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2007 GMC Yukon XL, 2007 GMC Yukon, 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Moisture Sensing Feature Inoperative

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 Verify that the moisture sensing inoperative fault is present.
Does the system operate normally?
Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Go to Step 3 
3 While the windshield wiper/washer system is in the automatic mode does the wiper motor operate at normal delay intervals? Go to Step 5  Go to Step 4 
4
  1. Turn the ignition ON.
  2. Operate the windshield wiper/washer switch from the OFF position through all of the delay positions.
Does the wiper motor cycle once and stop every time the switch is advanced to the next delay position?
Go to Step 5  Go to Windshield Wiper Washer System Malfunction 
5
  1. Disconnect the outside moisture sensor connector.
  2. Connect a test lamp from the accessory voltage circuit of the moisture sensor connector to a good ground.
Does the test lamp illuminate?
Go to Step 6  Go to Step 10 
6 Connect a test lamp between the accessory voltage circuit of the moisture sensor connector and the ground circuit of the moisture sensor connector.
Does the test lamp illuminate?
Go to Step 7  Go to Step 11 
7 Test the outside moisture sensor signal 1 circuit for the following conditions:
  • An open
  • A short to ground
  • A short to voltage

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 13  Go to Step 8 
8 Test the outside moisture sensor signal 2 circuit for the following conditions:
  • An open
  • A short to ground
  • A short to voltage

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 13  Go to Step 9 
9 Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the outside moisture sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 13  Go to Step 12 
10 Repair the short to ground or open in the accessory voltage circuit of the outside moisture sensor. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 13  -
11 Repair the high resistance or open in the ground circuit of the outside moisture sensor. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .
Is the repair complete?
Go to Step 13  -
12 Replace the outside moisture sensor Refer to Windshield Outside Moisture Sensor Replacement .
Did you complete the replacement?
Go to Step 13  -
13 Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK Go to Step 2 
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.