Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Principles of Operation: Notes
The wiper system has four different operating modes: off mode, low-speed mode, high-speed mode, and interval mode.
In the off mode, there is no windshield wiper motor activity, and the windshield wiper motor is in the PARK position.
In the ON mode, the windshield wiper motor is set to a low-speed setting. The wiper/washer switch provides voltage to the windshield wiper motor through the low-speed circuit. The windshield wiper motor provides ground through a dedicated ground circuit.
In the high-speed mode, the windshield wiper motor is set to a high-speed setting. The wiper/washer switch provides voltage to the windshield wiper motor through the high-speed circuit. The windshield wiper motor provides ground through a dedicated ground circuit.
In the interval mode, the windshield wiper motor is set to a low-speed setting. The windshield wiper interval relay is activated at the beginning of each wipe and deactivated when the windshield wiper motor park switch reaches the run position. The interval relay is part of the wiper/washer switch.
When the wiper/washer switch is in the interval (INT) position, the windshield wipers will make a single sweep followed by a pause.
If the washer switch is pressed between 100 ms and 300 ms, with the mode switch in the off position, the wiper system will provide one low-speed wipe with no wash. To engage the windshield washer, push the knob of the wiper/washer switch toward the steering column. When the wiper/washer switch is in the OFF or INT position, the windshield wipers will run as long as the knob is depressed (up to 10 seconds). When the knob is released, the washer will stop immediately, but the windshield wipers will continue to run for two to three sweeps, then return to their previous set operation. Washer engagement does not affect windshield wiper operation when the wiper/washer switch is in the LOW or HIGH position, but the washer will be deactivated if the knob is held for longer than 10 seconds.
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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.