Dodge Sprinter. Manual - part 83

WIPERS/WASHERS

DESCRIPTION

An electrically operated intermittent wiper and

washer system is standard factory-installed safety
equipment on this model (Fig. 1). The wiper and
washer system includes the following major compo-
nents, which are described in further detail else-
where in this service information:

• Check Valve - The washer system check valve

is integral to the plumbing fitting located in the
washer plumbing between the cowl plenum washer
hose and the two washer nozzle hoses, and is located

beneath the cowl top panel at the base of the wind-
shield in the engine compartment.

• Multi-Function Switch - The multi-function

switch is secured to the top of the steering column,
just below the steering wheel. Only the left (lighting)
control stalk, right (wiper) control stalk and the haz-
ard warning switch button for the multi-function
switch are visible, the remainder of the switch is con-
cealed beneath the steering column shrouds. The
multi-function switch contains all of the switches for

Fig. 1 Wiper & Washer System

1 - WASHER RESERVOIR, PUMP/MOTOR, FLUID LEVEL SWITCH

4 - MULTI-FUNCTION (WIPER, WASHER, & LIGHTING) SWITCH

2 - WIPER MOTOR, LINKAGE & PIVOTS MODULE

5 - RAIN SENSOR (W/AUTOMATIC WIPERS ONLY)

3 - WIPER RELAY

6 - RAIN SENSOR CONTROL MODULE (W/AUTOMATIC WIPERS
ONLY)

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WIPERS/WASHERS

both the wiper and washer systems. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING

EXTERIOR/

MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH - DESCRIPTION)

• Rain Sensor - Vehicles equipped with an

optional automatic wiper feature have an electronic
rain sensor concealed within the base of the rear
view mirror unit on the inside of the laminated wind-
shield glass.

• Rain Sensor Control Module - Vehicles

equipped with an optional automatic wiper feature
have an electronic rain sensor control module located
under the lower instrument panel above the acceler-
ator pedal in the passenger compartment of the vehi-
cle.

• Washer Fluid Level Switch - The optional

washer fluid level switch is integral to a unique ver-
sion of the washer pump/motor unit, which is located
in a dedicated hole on the top of the sump area near
the back of the windshield washer reservoir on the
right front fender wheel house in the engine com-
partment.

• Washer Nozzle - A single washer nozzle with

three separate orifices is secured with integral snap
features to each wiper arm. The hoses for the washer
nozzles are concealed beneath a molded plastic guide
on the underside of each wiper arm and routed to the
engine compartment through unique molded plastic
elbow fittings located near each wiper pivot at the
base of the windshield.

• Washer Pump/Motor - Two different washer

pump/motor units are available for this model. One
version has an integral washer fluid level switch that
provides a hard wired input to the instrument cluster
for control of the optional washer fluid indicator. The
washer pump/motor unit is located in a dedicated
hole on the top of the sump area near the back of the
windshield washer reservoir on the right front fender
wheel house in the engine compartment.

• Washer Reservoir - The washer reservoir is

located on the right front fender wheel house in the
engine compartment. The washer reservoir filler is
accessed from the right front corner of the engine
compartment.

• Wiper Arm - The two unequal length wiper

arms are secured to the two wiper pivots, which
extend through the cowl panel near the base of the
windshield. The longer arm is installed on the left
(driver) side of the windshield.

• Wiper Blade - The two unequal length wiper

blades are secured to the two wiper arms, and are
parked on the glass near the bottom of the wind-
shield when the wiper system is not in operation.
The longer blade is installed on the left (driver) side
of the windshield.

• Wiper Linkage - The wiper pivots are the only

visible components of the wiper linkage. The remain-
der of the linkage is concealed within the engine
compartment just behind the hood opening. The

wiper linkage module includes the two wiper drive
links, the wiper motor crank arm, the two wiper piv-
ots, and the linkage and motor mounting bracket.

• Wiper Motor - The wiper motor is secured to

the wiper linkage module bracket on the underside of
the cowl panel within the engine compartment. The
wiper motor output shaft and crank arm extend
through a clearance hole in the mounting bracket,
where they are connected to a crank arm that drives
the wiper linkage.

• Wiper Relay - The wiper relay is located in a

dedicated receptacle on the lower left surface of the
fuse block underneath the steering column behind
the fuse access panel and the steering column open-
ing panel. The wiper relay is a passive component on
vehicles equipped with the optional automatic wiper
system.

• Wiper, Turn Signals, Engine Start Control

Module - The wiper, turn signals and engine start
control module is integral to the fuse block located
underneath the steering column. The fuse block is
concealed behind the fuse access panel and the steer-
ing column opening panel, where it is secured with
screws to the steering column. The wiper system
functions of this module are passive on vehicles
equipped with the optional automatic wiper system.

Hard wired circuitry connects the wiper and

washer system components to the electrical system of
the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to
several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout
the vehicle and retained by many different methods.
These circuits may be connected to each other, to the
vehicle electrical system and to the wiper and washer
system components through the use of a combination
of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

OPERATION

The wiper and washer system is designed to pro-

vide the vehicle operator with a convenient, safe, and
reliable means of maintaining visibility through the
windshield glass. The various components of this sys-
tem are designed to convert electrical energy pro-
duced by the vehicle electrical system into the
mechanical action of the wiper blades to wipe the
outside surface of the glass, as well as into the
hydraulic action of the washer system to apply
washer fluid stored in an on-board reservoir to the
area of the glass to be wiped. When combined, these
components provide the means to effectively main-
tain clear visibility for the vehicle operator by remov-
ing excess accumulations of rain, snow, bugs, mud, or

WIPERS/WASHERS

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other minor debris from the outside windshield glass
surface that might be encountered while driving the
vehicle under numerous types of inclement operating
conditions.

Two wiper systems are available: the standard

intermittent wipe system, or an optional automatic
wipe system. The vehicle operator initiates all wiper
and washer system functions with the multi-function
switch wiper control stalk that extends from the
right side of the steering column, just below the
steering wheel. Depressing, raising, or pulling the
right control stalk of the multi-function switch
selects the desired wiper system operating mode (Fig.
2). The wiper system allows the vehicle operator to
select from two continuous wiper speeds, Hi or Lo,
either a fixed interval intermittent wipe mode or an
auto wipe mode (as the vehicle is equipped), and a
pulse wipe mode. Pushing the knob on the end of the
control stalk towards the steering column activates
the washer pump/motor, which dispenses washer
fluid onto the windshield glass through the washer
nozzles.

The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the

wiper and washer system components may be diag-
nosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information. Refer to the owner’s manual in the vehi-
cle glove box for more information on the features
and operation of the wiper and washer system.

INTERMITTENT WIPE SYSTEM

When the ignition switch is in the On position, bat-

tery current from a fuse in the fuse block underneath
the steering column is provided through a fused igni-
tion switch output (run-start) circuit to the intermit-

tent wipe logic circuitry of the wiper, turn signals
and engine start control module within the fuse
block, the multi-function switch, the wiper relay and
the wiper motor park switch. The internal circuitry
of the multi-function switch provides a direct hard
wired battery current output to the low speed or high
speed brushes of the wiper motor when the Low,
High, or Pulse position is selected, which causes the
wipers to cycle at the selected speed for as long as
that switch position remains selected.

In order to provide the intermittent wipe and wipe-

after-wash features, the intermittent wipe logic cir-
cuitry of the wiper, turn signals and engine start
control module within the fuse block monitors inputs
from the intermittent wipe and washer switch cir-
cuitry of the multi-function switch and the park
switch in the wiper motor. When the intermittent
wipe position is selected with the multi-function
switch control stalk, the intermittent wipe logic cir-
cuitry responds by energizing the wiper relay and
calculating the correct delay interval. The energized
wiper relay directs battery current through the inter-
mittent wipe position circuitry of the multi-function
switch to the low speed brush of the wiper motor.
The intermittent wipe logic circuit monitors the
wiper motor operation through the wiper on/off relay
output circuit, which allows it to determine the
proper timing to begin the next wiper blade sweep.
The normal delay interval is about five seconds.

When the Off position of the multi-function switch

If the wiper blades are not in the down position on

the windshield at the moment the Off position is
selected, the park switch is closed to battery current
through the fused ignition switch output (run-start)
circuit. The intermittent wipe logic circuit energizes
the wiper relay and the wiper on-off relay output cir-
cuit directs battery current to the low speed brush of
the wiper motor through the normally open contact
of the wiper relay, then through the internal Off posi-
tion circuitry of the multi-function switch. This
causes the wiper motor to continue running until the
wiper blades are in the down position on the wind-
shield and the park switch is again closed to ground.

When the Wash position of the control knob on the

right control stalk of the multi-function switch is
selected, the washer switch circuitry directs battery
current to the washer pump motor and to the inter-
mittent wipe logic circuitry. When the washer switch

Fig. 2 Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch

1 - INTERMITTENT WIPE MODE (OR AUTO WIPE MODE IF
EQUIPPED)
2 - CONTINUOUS LOW SPEED WIPE MODE
3 - CONTINUOUS HIGH SPEED WIPE MODE
4 - WASHER MODE
5 - PULSE WIPE MODE

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WIPERS/WASHERS

is closed with the wiper system turned Off, the inter-
mittent wipe logic circuitry operates the wiper motor
in the same manner as it does to provide the inter-
mittent wipe mode operation. After the state of the
washer switch changes to open, the intermittent wipe
logic circuitry monitors the wiper motor through the
wiper on-off relay output circuit, which allows it to
monitor the number of wiper blade sweeps. After the
appropriate number of wiper sweeps the intermittent
wipe logic circuitry operates the wiper motor to
return the wipers to their park position, then de-en-
ergizes the wiper relay.

AUTOMATIC WIPE SYSTEM

When the ignition switch is in the On position, bat-

tery current from a fuse in the fuse block underneath
the steering column is provided through a fused igni-
tion switch output (run-start) circuit to the rain sen-
sor control module under the instrument panel, to
the rain sensor within the base of the inside rear
view mirror on the windshield, and to the multi-func-
tion switch. The internal circuitry of the multi-func-
tion switch provides direct hard wired battery
current outputs to the rain sensor control module to
indicate the selected wiper operating mode. The con-
trol module logic monitors the inputs from the multi-
function switch as well as from the rain sensor and
the wiper motor park switch in order to provide the
outputs necessary to operate the wiper motor and the
washer pump motor as requested.

When the automatic wipe position is selected with

the multi-function switch control stalk, the rain sen-
sor control module logic circuitry responds by provid-
ing an acknowledgment sweep of the wipers. The
rain sensor calculates the correct wiper speed and
wiper sweep intervals required to remove the mois-
ture detected on the windshield glass and provides
this input to the rain sensor control module. The con-
trol module then energizes and de-energizes the
wiper motor automatically. The automatic wipe logic
will also provide a wipe-after-wash feature to clear
washer fluid that is directed onto the windshield
when the washer system is utilized.

When the Off position of the multi-function switch

wiper control stalk is selected, one of two events is
possible. The event that will occur depends upon the
position of the wiper blades on the windshield at the
moment that the Off position is selected. If the wiper
blades are in the down position on the windshield
when the Off position is selected, the park switch
that is integral to the wiper motor is closed to
ground, and the rain sensor control module logic cir-
cuit de-energizes the wiper motor. If the wiper blades
are not in the down position at the moment the Off
position is selected, the park switch is an open cir-
cuit. The control module logic circuit directs battery
current to the low speed brush of the wiper motor,
which causes the wiper motor to continue running

until the wiper blades are in the down position on
the windshield and the park switch is again closed to
ground.

When the Wash position of the control knob on the

right control stalk of the multi-function switch is
selected with the wiper system turned Off, the rain
sensor control module logic circuitry operates the
wiper motor in the same manner as it does to provide
the automatic wipe mode operation. After the state of
the washer switch changes to open the control mod-
ule monitors the wiper motor through the wiper park
switch sense circuit, which allows it to monitor the
number of wiper blade sweeps. After the appropriate
number of wiper sweeps the control module operates
the wiper motor to return the wipers to their park
position, then de-energizes the wiper motor.

OPERATING MODES

The components of the wiper and washer system

are designed to provide the following operating
modes:

• Automatic Wipe Mode - On vehicles so

equipped, the internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch, the rain sensor control module and the rain
sensor work in concert to provide wiper system oper-
ation automatically whenever moisture is detected on
the windshield glass.

• Continuous Wipe Mode - The two-speed wiper

motor, the internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch, and the wiper system logic circuits work in
concert to provide two continuous wipe cycles, low
speed or high speed.

• Intermittent Wipe Mode - On vehicles so

equipped, the internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch, the intermittent wipe circuitry of the wiper,
turn signals and engine start control module in the
fuse block, and the wiper relay work in concert to
provide an intermittent wipe mode with a single,
fixed delay interval.

• Pulse Wipe Mode - The internal circuitry of

the multi-function switch and the wiper system logic
circuits work in concert to provide a pulse wipe mode
that will allow the wiper motor to be operated for a
single, complete wipe cycle.

• Washer Mode - When the washer system is

activated with the multi-function switch while the
wiper system is operating, washer fluid will be dis-
pensed onto the windshield glass through the washer
nozzles for as long as the washer pump/motor is
energized.

• Wipe-After-Wash Mode - The wiper system

logic circuitry provides a wipe-after-wash feature. If
the wipers are turned Off, this feature will operate
the washer pump/motor and the wipers for as long as
the washer system is activated, then provide several
additional wipe cycles after the washer system is
deactivated before parking the wiper blades near the
base of the windshield.

WIPERS/WASHERS

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