Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 474

WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS 8K - 1
WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS
C O N T E K T S
page page
DIAGNOSIS 2 SERVICE PROCEDURES 7
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
Following are general descriptions of the major
components in the Ram truck wiper and washer sys­
tems. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for com­
plete circuit descriptions and diagrams.
WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM
An intermittent wiper system is standard equip­
ment on all Ram truck models. This system allows
the driver to select from two wiper speeds or an in­
termittent wipe feature that allows a delay between
wipes of 2 to 15 seconds. Refer to the owner's manual
for more information on wiper system controls and
operation.
The wipers will operate only when the ignition
switch is in the ACCESSORY or ON position. Fuse 8
in the fuseblock module protects the circuitry of the
wiper system.
WINDSHIELD WASHER SYSTEM
A electrically-operated windshield washer system is
standard equipment on all Ram truck models. The
washers will operate only when the ignition switch is
in the ACCESSORY or ON position. Fuse 8 in the
fuseblock module protects the circuitry of the washer
system. Refer to the owner's manual for more infor­
mation on washer system controls and operation.
WIPER ARMS,
BLADEBg
AMD ELEMENTS
All Ram truck models have two 20-inch wiper
blades with replaceable rubber elements (squeegees).
Caution should be exercised to protect the rubber
squeegees from any petroleum-based cleaners or con­
taminants, which will rapidly deteriorate the squee­
gee rubber. If squeegees are damaged, worn or
contaminated they must be replaced.
Wiper squeegees exposed to the weather for a long
time tend to lose their wiping effectiveness. Periodic
cleaning of the squeegees is suggested to remove de­
posits of salt and road film. The wiper blades, arms
and windshield should be cleaned with a sponge or
cloth and a mild detergent or non-abrasive cleaner. If
the squeegees continue to streak or smear, they
should be replaced.
The blades are mounted to two spring-loaded wiper
arms. Spring tension of the wiper arms controls the
pressure applied to the blades on the windshield. The
wiper arms are attached by an integral latch to the
two wiper pivots that protrude through the cowl
grille panel at the base of the windshield. The wiper
arms and blades can not be adjusted or repaired. If
faulty, they must be replaced.
WIPER LINKAGE AND PIWOTS
The wiper linkage, pivots, and motor are installed
and removed from the vehicle as a unit. These com­
ponents are all mounted to a bracket, which is bolted
to another bracket in the cowl plenum area beneath
the cowl plenum screen. The linkage, pivots, and
bracket are serviced only as an assembly. The wiper
motor is available as a separate service item.
WIPER MOTOR
The two-speed permanent magnet wiper motor has
an integral transmission and park switch. The motor
is mounted to the wiper linkage module with 3
screws and a nut that secures the crank arm to the
motor output shaft.
Wiper speed is controlled by current flow to the ap­
propriate set of brushes. The wiper motor completes
its wipe cycle when the switch is turned OFF, and
parks the blades in the lowest portion of the wipe
pattern. The wiper motor assembly can not be re­
paired. If faulty, the entire motor assembly must be
replaced. The crank arm, mounting bracket, pivots
and other linkage are serviced only as an assembly.
WIPER/WASHER SWITCH
Controls for the windshield wiper and washer sys­
tems are contained in the multi-function switch con­
trol lever. The multi-function switch is mounted on
the left side of the steering column between the
steering wheel and the instrument panel. This switch