Pinpoint Test AC: The Low Washer Fluid Level Message Center Warning Indicator Is Never/Always On
Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes
Pinpoint Test AC: The Low Washer Fluid Level Message Center Warning Indicator Is Never/Always On
Refer to Wiring Diagram Set 60, Instrument Cluster for schematic and connector information Electrical Diagrams.
Normal Operation
The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) provides a reference voltage to the washer fluid level switch. When the washer fluid is low, the washer fluid level switch closes to ground, pulling the reference voltage low. When the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) detects the washer fluid input pulled low, it illuminates the low washer fluid level message center warning indicator.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Washer fluid level switch
- IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
PINPOINT TEST AC : THE LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL MESSAGE CENTER INDICATOR IS INOPERATIVE/ALWAYS ON
NOTICE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may damage the connector.
NOTE: Verify the washer fluid reservoir is full and that the ignition has been cycled at least once prior to beginning the pinpoint test.
AC1 CHECK THE MESSAGE CENTER WARNING INDICATOR FUNCTION
- Close all doors, hood and liftgate.
- Ignition ON.
- NOTE: If multiple warnings are present, the message center cycles through each of the warning indicators. Allow the message center to cycle through each display while determining whether the door ajar message center warning indicator is active.
Open the driver door while monitoring the door ajar message center warning indicator.
Does the driver door ajar message center warning indicator turn off with the driver door closed and illuminate with the driver door open?
Yes
If the WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW message is inoperative, GO to AC2.
If the WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW message is always on, GO to AC5
No
INSTALL a new IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). REFER to Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) . TEST the system for normal operation.
AC2 CHECK THE LOW WASHER FLUID INDICATOR OPERATION
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Washer Fluid Level Switch C138.
- Connect a fused jumper wire between the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side and ground.
- Ignition ON.
- Wait one minute.
- Observe the low washer fluid indicator.
Is the low washer fluid indicator on?
Yes
REMOVE the jumper wire. GO to AC3.
No
REMOVE the jumper wire. GO to AC4.
AC3 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Measure the voltage between the washer fluid level switch C138-2, circuit GD123 (BK/GY), harness side and the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side and ground.
Is the voltage approximately 5 volts or greater?
Yes
INSTALL a new washer fluid level switch or reservoir as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
REPAIR circuit GD123 (BK/GY) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation.
AC4 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID LEVEL INPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) C220.
- Measure the resistance between the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) C220-8, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side and the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side.
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to AC7.
No
REPAIR circuit CMC20 (VT) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation.
AC5 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID SWITCH
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Washer Fluid Level Switch C138.
- Ignition ON.
- Wait one minute.
- Observe the low washer fluid message.
Did the low washer fluid indicator turn off?
Yes
INSTALL a new washer fluid level switch or reservoir as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to AC6.
AC6 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID INPUT CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) C220.
- Measure the resistance between the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) C220-8, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side and ground.
Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
Yes
GO to AC7.
No
REPAIR circuit CMC20 (VT) for a short to ground. TEST the system for normal operation.
AC7 CHECK FOR CORRECT IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) OPERATION
- Disconnect the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) connector.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) connector and make sure it seats correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). REFER to Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) . TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.