Wiper and Washer Systems: Description and Operation
Windshield Wiper/Washer System:
Front washer system
Rio is equipped with a variable speed (intermittent), modular wiper/washer system. Wiper system consists of a wiper motor, a wiper link assembly, and two wiper arms with blades. Washer assembly consists of a washer tank, a washer motor, two washer nozzles, and connecting hoses. Both systems are then connected to a wiper lever and a timer unit in steering column combination switch.
Hoses
Washer hoses are neoprene lines that carry washer fluid to washer nozzles. There are three hose pieces, a three-port hose joint, and a two-port hose joint. Hoses can be replaced individually. Washer hose system also has three replaceable hold-down clips.
Lever assembly
Wiper assembly is located in combination switch on steering column. For switch-related electrical problems, refer to Rio Electrical Troubleshooting. For removal procedures, refer to Steering System.
Motor
Washer motor pumps washer fluid to washer nozzles. It is a single speed 12 V DC motor to a pump mechanism. It is a replaceable item.
Nozzles
Washer nozzles deliver washer fluid directly to windshield. Nozzles are replaceable as an individual item.
Tank assembly
Washer tank assembly stores washer fluid used by washer system. It is a plastic assembly with a fill port and a connection port to washer motor. It is a replaceable item.
Timer unit
Timer unit controls intermittent operation of wiper system. It is part of wiper unit assembly in steering column combination switch. For unit-related electrical problems. For removal procedures, refer to Steering System.
Front wiper system
Arm
Wiper arms are metal arms which pull wiper blades across windshield. They are spring-loaded to firmly hold blades onto windshield during operation of wiper system. They are individual units consisting of a driver's side and a passenger side arm.
Blades
Wiper blades are metal frames with rubber inserts.
They are available as a unit, or inserts can be replaced separately.
Link assembly
Wiper link assembly connects wiper motor to wiper arms. It consists of two connecting rods and two pivot units. When in operation, assembly converts wiper motor's rotational motion into proper left/right movement needed by wiper arms. If faulty, it can be disassembled, but replacement of full assembly is recommended.
Motor and bracket
Motor is a 12 V DC, two-speed unit which provides power to wiper system. It is connected to a transmission (gear box) in mounting bracket which reduces motor rpm and increases torque. This low rpm, high torque motion is then transmitted to wiper link assembly. Motor and bracket are a single, replaceable item.
Circuit Operation
Wiper & Washer Operation
Low and high positions
When the ignition switch is turned to "ON" or "START" position, battery voltage is applied to front wiper & washer switch terminal 2 (L) of D-01 and front wiper motor terminal 6 (L) of D-02. In the "HI" position of the wiper & washer switch, battery voltage is applied to the wiper motor terminal 2 (R/W) of D-02. In the "LO" position of the wiper & washer switch, battery voltage is applied to the wiper motor terminal 3 (G) of D-02. The wiper motor has some separated brushes and windings for low and high speed operation. When the wiper & washer switch is in "LO" or "HI" position, one of the brushes is connected to ground through the wiper motor. Wiper motor operates in "LO" or "HI" speed.
Park Position
When the wiper & washer switch is turned to "OFF" position from any positions, the wipers will complete "PARK" position. In the "OFF" position of the wiper & washer switch, battery voltage is applied to the wiper motor terminal 3 (G) of D-02 through the wire "G", INT relay, and the wire "Y". The wiper motor continues to run until the "PARK" position, in which battery voltage is closed through open between wiper motor terminal 5 (Y) and 6 (L) of the wiper motor D-02. The wiper motor stops in "PARK" position.
INT Position
With the wiper & washer switch in "INT" position, battery voltage is applied to INT relay through the terminal 2 (L) of the wiper & washer switch D-01.
This triggers the timer circuit and shortly energizes the relay as the INT relay routes GND through the 1(B) of the wiper & washer switch D-01. Battery voltage is applied to the terminal 3 (G) of the wiper motor D-02 long enough to pull the wiper motor out of the "PARK" position.
Battery voltage also is applied to the terminal 3 (G) of the wiper motor D-02 through the wire "G", INT relay, and the wire "Y".
The wiper motor stops when the wipers return to their "PARK" position. When the timer period is reached, it again energizes the INT relay momentarily, repeating the wiper cycle. Rotating the wiper & washer switch can vary the timer circuit's period.
Washer Operation
When the washer switch is pulled towards the driver, battery voltage is applied to the washer motor terminal 1 (R/B) of D-03 through the wiper & washer switch and the wire "R/B", which runs washer motor. The washer switch also applies battery voltage to the wiper motor terminal 3 (G) of D-02 through the wiper & washer switch and the wire "G". The wiper and washer motors run until the washer switch is released.