Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation

WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM
The windshield wiper system is unique to the Viper because of:
- The windshield design
- The overlap of the windshield wipers
- A wiper control module that regulates the operation of the wipers.
- An overload protection for the motors that turns the wiper motors OFF.

The wiper system consist of:
- Driver (D) and passenger (P) side wiper motors
- Wiper switch assembly
- Control module
- Wiring to all components
- Driver (D) and passenger (P) side wiper arms and blades
- Motor covers

The wiper control module governs all modes of wiper operation:
- Intermittent
- Mist
- Low speed
- High speed

The module also synchronizes the wiper arm/blades operation, so they do not make contact with each other.

For the module to control the operation of two motors, it must sense the position of the wiper blades. The position is sensed by two switches built into each wiper motor that indicate when the motor is in the reversal, or park positions. After determining the switch positions, the module uses a motor speed signal to synchronize the wiper operation.

The synchronization process compensates for the speed difference between the two motors. This prevents the wipers from contacting each other. To keep the motors synchronized, the module continues to use the motor position switches to determine the position of the wiper arm/blades on the windshield. Once the wiper arm/blade has reached the reversal (park) position, the module stops the motor until it senses that both motors have reached the reversal (park) position. The module then resumes the wipe cycle. The combination of the speed signal and the position switches keep the control module informed of the exact position and speed of each wiper arm/blade.

The module starts the driver's motor first because it is on top of the passenger's wiper arm/blade. During start-up the module senses the driver's motor position switches to indicate that the wiper arm has moved. If the driver's arm/blade is position below the passenger's arm/blade, the module senses an overload condition and turns the wipers OFF.

Two-speed electric windshield wiper motors with intermittent wiper system are standard equipment. The intermittent system provides a pause between wipe cycles for use during conditions of very light precipitation.

The windshield wipers can be operated with the windshield wiper switch only when the ignition switch is in the ACCESSORY or IGNITION position. The fuse located in the fuse block module protects the circuitry of the wiper system and the vehicle.

The intermittent wipe system has a low and high speed with a delay mode. The delay mode has a range of 2.5 to 12.0 seconds. This is done by a variable resistor in wiper switch and is controlled electrically by a relay.

Windshield Wiper System:

The wiper system completes the wipe cycle to park when the wiper switch or ignition switch is turned OFF. The blades park in the lowest portion of the wipe pattern.

WINDSHIELD WASHERS
All models are equipped with electric operated windshield washer pumps. The wash function can be accessed in the OFF position of the wiper control switch.

Pushing the wash switch level, when the switch is in the OFF position will operate the wipers and washer motor pump continuously until the washer button is released. Releasing the button will stop the washer pump. The wipers will complete the current wipe cycle followed by an average of two more wipe cycles (+/- 1) before the wipers park and the module turns off.