LINKAGE, Wiper Arm

DESCRIPTION

The front wiper module is secured within the cowl plenum panel beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. The ends of the wiper pivot shafts protrude through dedicated openings in the cowl plenum cover/grille panel to drive the wiper arms and blades and are the only visible components of the front wiper module.

The front wiper module consists of the following major components:

• Bracket - The front wiper module bracket (3) consists of a long tubular steel main member that has a stamped pivot bracket formation near each end where the two wiper pivots are secured, and a stamped motor mounting plate near the center. The front wiper module bracket is secured within the cowl plenum by two screws through a rubber insulator (1) in each pivot bracket. A knob-like rubber insulator (8) on a locator stud integral to the bottom of the motor mounting plate is engaged in a slot in the forward wall of the cowl plenum.
• Crank Arm - The front wiper motor crank arm (6) is a stamped steel unit with a hole on the driven end that is secured to the wiper motor output shaft with a nut. A ball stud secured to the drive end of the crank arm engages the bushings of the two drive links.
• Linkage - Two stamped steel drive links (5) connect the wiper motor crank arm to the two wiper pivot lever arms. The passenger side link has a plastic socket-type bushing on each end, while the driver side link has a socket-type bushing on the pivot end and a sleeve-type bushing on the crank arm end. The bushing on the pivot end of each link is snap-fit over a ball stud on the pivot lever arm. The sleeve-type bushing on the driver side link is snap fit over the inner ball formation of a double ball stud on the crank arm, then the socket-type bushing of the passenger side drive link is snapped over the outer ball formation.
• Motor - The front wiper motor (9) is secured to the motor mounting plate of the wiper module bracket by the motor transmission housing with three screws. The two-speed permanent magnet wiper motor features an integral transmission, an internal park switch, and an internal automatic resetting circuit breaker.
• Pivots - The two front wiper pivots (4) are secured to the ends of the wiper module bracket. The lever arms that extend from the bottom of the pivot shafts each have a ball stud that engages a drive link bushing. A shield on the top of each pivot has a lug (2) that engages a pocket on the underside of the wiper arm pivot end to maintain proper wiper blade alignment. The upper end of each pivot shaft where the wiper arms will be fastened is tapered and serrated with a threaded stud formation at the tip.

The front wiper module cannot be adjusted or repaired. If any component of the module is ineffective or damaged, the entire front wiper module unit must be replaced.

OPERATION

The front wiper module operation is controlled by the battery current inputs received by the wiper motor through the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The wiper motor speed is controlled by current flow to either the low speed or the high speed set of brushes. The park switch is a single pole, single throw, momentary switch within the wiper motor that is mechanically actuated by the wiper motor transmission components. The park switch alternately closes the wiper park switch sense circuit to ground or to battery current, depending upon the position of the wipers on the glass. This feature allows the motor to complete its current wipe cycle after the wiper system has been turned OFF, and to park the wiper blades in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern. The automatic resetting circuit breaker protects the motor from overloads.

The wiper motor crank arm, the two wiper linkage members and the two wiper pivots mechanically convert the rotary output of the wiper motor to the back and forth wiping motion of the wiper arms and blades on the glass.

The hard wired inputs and outputs of the front wiper motor may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the front wiper motor or the electronic controls and communication between other modules and devices that provide some features of the front wiper and washer system. The most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose the front wiper motor or the electronic controls and communication related to front wiper motor operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery.

 
2. Remove both front wiper arms from the wiper pivots. (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8R - Wipers/Washers/ARM, Wiper - Removal) .

 
3. Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel from over the front wiper module. (Refer to 23 - Body/Exterior/COVER, Cowl Panel - Removal) .

 
4. Disconnect the wire harness connector (5) from the connector receptacle for the front wiper motor (3).

 
5. Remove the two screws (2) that secure the ends of the front wiper module (4) bracket to the cowl plenum.

 
6. Pull the front wiper module upward to disengage the knob-like rubber isolator from the slot in the forward wall of the cowl plenum.

 
7. Remove the front wiper module from the cowl plenum as a unit.

 

INSTALLATION

1. Position the front wiper module (4) into the cowl plenum as a unit.

 
2. Position the knob-like rubber isolator to the slot in the forward wall of the cowl plenum.

 
3. Install and tighten the two screws (2) that secure the ends of the front wiper module bracket to the cowl plenum. Tighten the screws 9.5 N·m (85 in. lbs.).

 
4. Reconnect the wire harness connector (5) to the connector receptacle for the front wiper motor (3).

 
5. Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel over the front wiper module. (Refer to 23 - Body/Exterior/COVER, Cowl Panel - Installation) .
   
   

   NOTE:

   Be certain to turn the ignition switch to the ON position, then turn the front wiper switch ON and OFF again to cycle the wiper motor and linkage to their natural park position before reinstalling the front wiper arms onto the wiper pivots.


 
6. Reinstall both front wiper arms onto the wiper pivots. (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8R - Wipers/Washers/ARM, Wiper - Installation) .

 
7. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.