the driver when the washer fluid level needs to be
checked. Refer to Group 8E - Instrument Panel Sys-
tems for more information on this feature.
The washers will operate only when the ignition
switch is in the Accessory or On positions. If the wip-
ers are not already turned on when the washers are
activated, the wipers will be automatically cycled for
one or two wipes, then be turned off. A fuse located
in the junction block protects the circuitry of the
washer system. Refer to the owner’s manual in the
vehicle glove box for more information on the fea-
tures, use and operation of the windshield washer
system.
REAR WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM
A rear wiper and washer system is an available
option on this model. The rear wiper system is a
fixed-cycle wiper system. A single switch in the
instrument panel accessory switch bezel controls both
the rear wiper and washer functions. The rear
washer system shares the reservoir of the windshield
washer system, but has its own dedicated washer
pump and plumbing.
The rear wiper and washer systems will operate
only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or
On positions. A fuse in the junction block protects the
circuitry of both the rear wiper and washer systems.
Refer to the owner’s manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use and
operation of the rear wiper and washer system.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WIPER ARM AND BLADE
All Cherokee models have two 45.72-centimeter
(18-inch) windshield wiper blades with non-replace-
able rubber elements (squeegees). The optional rear
wiper uses a single 33.0-centimeter (13-inch) wiper
blade with a non-replaceable rubber element (squee-
gee).
Caution should be exercised to protect the rubber
squeegees from any petroleum-based cleaners or con-
taminants, which will rapidly deteriorate the rubber.
If the squeegees are damaged, worn, or contami-
nated, the entire wiper blade assembly must be
replaced.
Wiper squeegees exposed to the elements for a long
time tend to lose their wiping effectiveness. Periodic
cleaning of the squeegees is suggested to remove
deposits of salt and road film. The wiper blades,
arms, and windshield or rear glass should be cleaned
with a sponge or cloth and windshield washer fluid, a
mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. If the
squeegees continue to streak or smear, the wiper
blades should be replaced.
The blades are mounted to spring-loaded wiper
arms. The spring tension of the wiper arms controls
the pressure applied to the blades on the glass. The
windshield wiper arms are secured by an integral
latch to the two wiper pivots on the cowl plenum cov-
er/grille panel at the base of the windshield. The rear
wiper arm is secured by a nut directly to the rear
wiper motor output shaft on the liftgate below the
liftgate glass.
The wiper arms and blades cannot be adjusted or
repaired.
If
faulty
or
damaged,
they
must
be
replaced.
WIPER LINKAGE AND PIVOT
The wiper linkage and pivot module is secured
with screws to the cowl top panel beneath the cowl
plenum
cover/grille
panel.
The
wiper
motor
is
secured with screws to the center of the linkage and
pivot module bracket. The wiper pivots are secured
to the ends of the module bracket.
The two wiper pivot crank arms and the wiper
motor crank arm each have ball studs on their ends.
The left pivot ball stud is the longer of the three. A
connecting link with a plastic socket-type bushing in
the right end, and a plastic sleeve-type bushing in
the left end, is fit over the pivot ball studs to join the
two pivots.
The wiper drive link has a plastic socket-type
bushing on each end. One end of the drive link is
snap-fit over the exposed end of the longer left pivot
ball stud, while the other end is snap-fit over the ball
stud on the wiper motor crank arm.
The wiper linkage, pivots, bushings, motor, crank
arm, and mounting bracket are only serviced as a
complete unit. If any part of this assembly is faulty
or damaged, the entire unit must be replaced.
WIPER MOTOR
FRONT
The two-speed permanent magnet wiper motor has
an integral transmission and park switch. The motor
also contains an internal automatic resetting circuit
breaker to protect the motor from overloads.
The motor is secured to the wiper linkage and
pivot module bracket with three screws and is pro-
tected by a rubber boot. The wiper motor output
shaft passes through a hole in the module bracket,
where a nut secures the wiper motor crank arm to
the motor output shaft. A reinforcement and stud
plate
with
a
rubber-isolated
mounting
bracket
extends from the cowl plenum side of the dash panel
to the motor mounting bracket to provide additional
support.
Wiper speed is controlled by current flow to the
proper set of brushes. The wiper motor completes its
8K - 2
WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS
XJ
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)