windshield wipers DODGE RAM 2002 Service Repair Manual

contains all of the switches for both the wiper and
washer systems.
²Washer Fluid Level Switch- The washer fluid
level switch is located in a dedicated hole on the
lower rear side of the washer reservoir, above the
washer pump/motor unit near the left front corner of
the engine compartment.
²Washer Nozzles- The dual fluidic washer noz-
zles are secured with integral snap features to dedi-
cated openings in the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
located near the base of the windshield. The washer
plumbing fittings for the washer nozzles are con-
cealed beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
²Washer Pump/Motor- The washer pump/mo-
tor unit is located in a dedicated hole on the lower
rear side of the washer reservoir near the left front
corner of the engine compartment.
²Washer Reservoir- The washer reservoir is
secured to the left side of the radiator fan shroud in
the left front corner of the engine compartment.
²Wiper Arms- The two wiper arms are secured
to the two wiper pivots, which extend through the
cowl plenum cover/grille panel located near the base
of the windshield.
²Wiper Blades- The two wiper blades are
secured to the two wiper arms, and are parked on
the glass near the bottom of the windshield when the
wiper system is not in operation.
²Wiper Module- The wiper pivots are the only
visible components of the wiper module. The remain-
der of the module is concealed within the cowl ple-
num beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. The
wiper module includes the module bracket, the single
wiper motor, the wiper linkage, and the two wiper
pivots.
²Wiper Relay- The wiper relay is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment near the battery.
Features of the wiper and washer system include
the following:
²Continuous Wipe Modes- The two-speed
wiper motor and the internal circuitry of the multi-
function switch work in concert to provide two con-
tinuous wipe cycles, low speed or high speed.
²Intermittent Wipe Mode- The internal cir-
cuitry of the multi-function switch, the CTM, and the
wiper relay work in concert to provide an intermit-
tent wipe mode with multiple delay interval selec-
tions. On models with a high-line or premium CTM,
the CTM also automatically adjusts each manually
selected delay interval to compensate for vehicle
speed.
²Washer Mode- When the washer system is
activated with the multi-function switch while the
wiper system is operating, washer fluid will be dis-
pensed onto the windshield glass through the washernozzles for as long as the washer pump/motor is
energized.
²Wipe-After-Wash Mode- The internal circuitry
of the CTM provides a wipe-after-wash feature
which, if the wipers are turned Off, will operate the
washer pump/motor and the wipers for as long as the
washer system is activated, then provide several
additional wipe cycles after the washer system is
deactivated before parking the wiper blades near the
base of the windshield.
Hard wired circuitry connects the wiper and
washer system components to the electrical system of
the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are integral to
several wire harnesses, which are routed throughout
the vehicle and retained by many different methods.
These circuits may be connected to each other, to the
vehicle electrical system and to the wiper and washer
system components through the use of a combination
of soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
The wiper and washer system is intended to pro-
vide the vehicle operator with a convenient, safe, and
reliable means of maintaining visibility through the
windshield glass. The various components of this sys-
tem are designed to convert electrical energy pro-
duced by the vehicle electrical system into the
mechanical action of the wiper blades to wipe the
outside surface of the glass, as well as into the
hydraulic action of the washer system to apply
washer fluid stored in an on-board reservoir to the
area of the glass to be wiped. When combined, these
components provide the means to effectively main-
tain clear visibility for the vehicle operator by remov-
ing excess accumulations of rain, snow, bugs, mud, or
other minor debris from the outside windshield glass
surface that might be encountered while driving the
vehicle under numerous types of inclement operating
conditions. The vehicle operator initiates all wiper
and washer system functions with the multi-function
switch control stalk that extends from the left side of
the steering column, just below the steering wheel.
Rotating the knob on the end of the multi-function
switch control stalk selects the desired wiper system
operating mode. The wiper system allows the vehicle
operator to select from two continuous wiper speeds,
Hi or Lo, or one of several intermittent wipe Delay
mode intervals. Pushing the button on the end of the
control stalk downwards towards the steering column
8R - 2 WIPERS/WASHERSBR/BE
WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)

activates the washer pump/motor, which dispenses
washer fluid onto the windshield glass through the
washer nozzles.
When the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On
positions, battery current from a fuse in the Junction
Block (JB) is provided through a fused ignition
switch output (run-acc) circuit to the wiper motor
park switch, the wiper relay, and the multi-function
switch. The internal circuitry of the multi-function
switch provides a direct hard wired battery current
output to the low speed or high speed brushes of the
wiper motor when the Lo or Hi switch setting is
selected, which causes the wipers to cycle at the
selected speed. The intermittent wipe, and wipe-af-
ter-wash features of the wiper and washer system
are provided by the electronic intermittent wipe logic
circuit within the Central Timer Module (CTM). In
order to provide the intermittent wipe feature, the
CTM monitors the wiper switch state and the wiper
motor park switch state. In order to provide the
wipe-after-wash feature, the CTM monitors both the
washer switch state and the wiper motor park switch
state. When a Delay position is selected with the
multi-function switch control knob, the CTM logic cir-
cuit responds by calculating the correct delay inter-
val. The CTM then energizes the wiper relay by
pulling the relay control coil to ground. The ener-
gized wiper relay directs battery current through the
normally open contact of the relay back through the
internal circuitry of the multi-function switch to the
low speed brush of the wiper motor. The CTM moni-
tors the wiper motor operation through the wiper
park switch sense circuit, which allows the CTM to
determine the proper timing to begin the next wiper
blade sweep. The normal delay intervals are driver
adjustable from about one-half second to about eigh-
teen seconds.
The high-line and premium CTM also provides a
speed sensitive intermittent wipe feature. By moni-
toring vehicle speed messages received from the Pow-
ertrain Control Module (PCM) over the Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network, the
high-line or premium CTM is able to adjust the delay
intervals to compensate for vehicle speed. Above
about sixteen kilometers-per-hour (ten miles-per-
hour) the delay is driver adjustable from about one-
half second to about eighteen seconds. Below about
sixteen kilometers-per-hour (ten miles-per-hour) the
delay times are doubled by the CTM, from about one
second to about thirty-six seconds.
When the Off position of the multi-function switch
wiper control knob is selected, one of two events is
possible. The event that will occur depends upon the
position of the wiper blades on the windshield at the
moment that the Off position is selected. If the wiper
blades are in the down position on the windshieldwhen the Off position is selected, the park switch
that is integral to the wiper motor is closed to ground
and the wiper motor ceases to operate. If the wiper
blades are not in the down position on the windshield
at the moment the Off position is selected, the park
switch is closed to battery current through a fused
ignition switch output (run-acc) circuit. The park
switch sense circuit directs this battery current to
the low speed brush of the wiper motor through the
normally closed contact of the wiper relay and the
internal Off position circuitry of the multi-function
switch. This causes the wiper motor to continue run-
ning until the wiper blades are in the down position
on the windshield and the park switch is again
closed to ground.
When the Wash position of the multi-function
switch is selected, the Wash position circuitry within
the switch directs battery current to the washer
pump/motor. The CTM monitors the washer switch
state through a washer switch sense input. When the
washer switch is closed with the wiper system turned
Off, the CTM operates the wiper motor through the
wiper relay in the same manner as it does to provide
the Delay mode operation. After the state of the
washer switch changes to open, the CTM monitors
the wiper motor through the wiper park switch sense
circuit, which allows the CTM to monitor the number
of wiper blade sweeps.
Proper testing of the CTM, the PCM, or the CCD
data bus vehicle speed messages requires a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on the features and
operation of the wiper and washer system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIPER &
WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The diagnosis found here addresses an electrically
inoperative wiper system. If the wiper motor oper-
ates, but the wipers do not move on the windshield,
replace the faulty wiper module. If the wipers oper-
ate, but chatter, lift, or do not clear the glass, clean
and inspect the wiper system components as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS - INSPECTION) and (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). Refer to
the appropriate wiring information. The wiring infor-
mation includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and
connector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
The following tests will help to diagnose the hard
wired components and circuits of the wiper system.
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 3
WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)

(CTM) from the CTM connector receptacle. Reconnect
the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition switch
to the On position. With the washer button
depressed, check for battery voltage at the washer
switch sense circuit cavity of the instrument panel
wire harness connector (Connector C1) for the CTM.
If OK, proceed to the diagnosis for the wiper relay.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER RELAY - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If
not OK, repair the open washer switch sense circuit
between the CTM and the multi-function switch as
required.
CLEANING - WIPER & WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The squeegees of wiper blades exposed to the ele-
ments for a long time tend to lose their wiping effec-
tiveness. Periodic cleaning of the squeegees is
suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film.
The wiper blades, arms, and windshield glass should
only be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth and
windshield washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-
abrasive cleaner. If the wiper blades continue to
leave streaks, smears, hazing, or beading on the
glass after thorough cleaning of the squeegees and
the glass, the entire wiper blade assembly must be
replaced.
CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegees of the
wiper blades from any petroleum-based cleaners,
solvents, or contaminants. These products can rap-
idly deteriorate the rubber squeegees.
WASHER SYSTEM
If the washer system is contaminated with foreign
material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the
front washer pump/motor from the reservoir. Clean
foreign material from the inside of the washer reser-
voir using clean washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a
non-abrasive cleaner. Flush foreign material from the
washer system plumbing by first disconnecting the
washer hoses from the washer nozzles, then running
the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or
water through the system. Plugged or restricted
washer nozzles should be carefully back-flushed
using compressed air. If the washer nozzle obstruc-
tion cannot be cleared, replace the washer nozzle.
CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based clean-
ers, solvents, or contaminants into the washer sys-
tem. These products can rapidly deteriorate the
rubber seals and hoses of the washer system, as
well as the rubber squeegees of the wiper blades.CAUTION: Never use compressed air to flush the
washer system plumbing. Compressed air pres-
sures are too great for the washer system plumbing
components and will result in further system dam-
age. Never use sharp instruments to clear a
plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle ori-
fice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.
INSPECTION - WIPER & WASHER SYSTEM
WIPER SYSTEM
The wiper blades and wiper arms should be
inspected periodically, not just when wiper perfor-
mance problems are experienced. This inspection
should include the following points:
(1) Inspect the wiper arms for any indications of
damage, or contamination. If the wiper arms are con-
taminated with any foreign material, clean them as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/
WASHERS - CLEANING). If a wiper arm is damaged
or corrosion is evident, replace the wiper arm with a
new unit. Do not attempt to repair a wiper arm that
is damaged or corroded.
(2) Carefully lift the wiper blade off of the glass.
Note the action of the wiper arm hinge. The wiper
arm should pivot freely at the hinge, but with no lat-
eral looseness evident. If there is any binding evident
in the wiper arm hinge, or there is evident lateral
play in the wiper arm hinge, replace the wiper arm.
CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(3) Once proper hinge action of the wiper arm is
confirmed, check the hinge for proper spring tension.
Remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm. Either
place a small postal scale between the blade end of
the wiper arm and the glass, or carefully lift the
blade end of the arm away from the glass using a
small fish scale. Compare the scale readings between
the right and left wiper arms. Replace a wiper arm if
it has comparatively lower spring tension, as evi-
denced by a lower scale reading.
(4) Inspect the wiper blades and squeegees for any
indications of damage, contamination, or rubber dete-
rioration (Fig. 1). If the wiper blades or squeegees
are contaminated with any foreign material, clean
them and the glass as required. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS - CLEANING). After
cleaning the wiper blade and the glass, if the wiper
blade still fails to clear the glass without smearing,
streaking, chattering, hazing, or beading, replace the
wiper blade. Also, if a wiper blade is damaged or the
squeegee rubber is damaged or deteriorated, replace
8R - 6 WIPERS/WASHERSBR/BE
WIPERS/WASHERS (Continued)

be routed away from hot, sharp, or moving parts;
and, sharp bends that might pinch the hose must be
avoided.
WASHER NOZZLE
DESCRIPTION
The two washer nozzles have integral snap fea-
tures that secure them in dedicated holes in the cowl
plenum cover/grille panel located near the base of the
windshield. The domed upper surface of the washer
nozzle is visible on the top of the plenum cover/grille
panel, and the nozzle orifice is oriented towards the
windshield glass. The washer plumbing fittings for
the washer nozzles are concealed beneath the cowl
plenum cover/grille panel. These fluidic washer noz-
zles are constructed of molded plastic. The cowl ple-
num cover/grille panel must be removed from the
vehicle to access the nozzles for service. The washer
nozzles cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty
or damaged, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
The two washer nozzles are designed to dispense
washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the out-
side of the windshield glass. Pressurized washer fluid
is fed to each nozzle from the washer reservoir by the
washer pump/motor through rubber hoses, which are
attached to a barbed nipple on each washer nozzle
below the cowl plenum cover/grille panel. The washer
nozzles incorporate a fluidic design, which causes the
nozzle to emit the pressurized washer fluid as an
oscillating stream to more effectively cover a larger
area of the glass area to be cleaned.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
from the cowl top. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/
COWL GRILLE - REMOVAL).
(2) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, disconnect the washer hose from the
nozzle fitting.
(3) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, compress the snap features of the
washer nozzle and push the nozzle out through the
top of the panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) From the top of the cowl plenum cover/grille
panel, insert the barbed nipple of the washer nozzle
through the nozzle mounting hole.
(2) With the orifice of the washer nozzle oriented
toward the windshield, use hand pressure to push
the nozzle into the mounting hole until the snap fea-tures of the nozzle are fully engaged with the under-
side of the cowl plenum cover/grille panel.
(3) From the underside of the cowl plenum cover/
grille panel, reconnect the washer hose to the washer
nozzle fitting.
(4) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
onto the cowl top. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/
COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
WASHER PUMP/MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The washer pump/motor unit is located on the rear
of the washer reservoir, near the bottom in the left
front corner of the engine compartment. A small per-
manently lubricated and sealed electric motor is cou-
pled to the rotor-type washer pump. A seal flange
with a large barbed inlet nipple on the pump housing
passes through a rubber grommet seal installed in
the dedicated mounting hole near the bottom of the
washer reservoir. A smaller barbed outlet nipple on
the pump housing connects the unit to the washer
hose. The washer pump/motor unit is retained on the
reservoir by the interference fit between the barbed
pump inlet nipple and the grommet seal, which is a
light press fit. An integral electrical connector recep-
tacle is located on the motor housing. The washer
pump/motor unit cannot be repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the entire washer pump/motor unit must
be replaced.
OPERATION
The washer pump/motor unit is connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a single take out
and two-cavity connector of the headlamp and dash
wire harness. The washer pump/motor is grounded at
all times through a take out of the headlamp and
dash wire harness with a single eyelet terminal con-
nector that is secured by a nut to a ground stud
located on the forward extension of the left front
fender wheel housing in the engine compartment.
The washer pump/motor receives battery current on
a fused ignition switch output (run-acc) circuit
through the closed contacts of the momentary washer
switch within the multi-function switch only when
the washer button on the end of the switch control
stalk is depressed towards the steering column.
Washer fluid is gravity-fed from the washer reservoir
to the inlet side of the washer pump. When the pump
motor is energized, the rotor-type pump pressurizes
the washer fluid and forces it through the pump out-
let nipple, the washer plumbing, and the washer noz-
zles onto the windshield glass.
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 9
WASHER HOSES/TUBES (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer pump/motor from the
motor connector receptacle (Fig. 3).
(3) Disconnect the washer hose from the barbed
outlet nipple of the washer pump/motor and allow
the washer fluid to drain into a clean container for
reuse.
(4) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the barbed inlet nipple of
the washer pump out of the rubber grommet seal in
the reservoir. Care must be taken not to damage the
reservoir.
(5) Remove the rubber grommet seal from the
washer pump mounting hole in the washer reservoir
and discard.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a new rubber grommet seal into the
washer pump mounting hole in the washer reservoir.
Always use a new rubber grommet seal on the reser-
voir.
(2) Position the barbed inlet nipple of the washer
pump to the rubber grommet seal in the reservoir.
(3) Press firmly and evenly on the washer pump
until the barbed inlet nipple is fully seated in the
rubber grommet seal in the washer reservoir mount-
ing hole.
(4) Reconnect the washer hose to the barbed outlet
nipple of the washer pump.(5) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the washer pump/motor unit to the
motor connector receptacle (Fig. 3).
(6) Refill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
WASHER RESERVOIR
DESCRIPTION
The molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is
secured with integral mounting tabs to keyed slots
on the left side of the radiator fan shroud in the left
front corner of the engine compartment. A bright yel-
low plastic filler cap with a rubber seal and an Inter-
national Control and Display Symbol icon for
ªWindshield Washerº and the text ªWasher Fluid
Onlyº molded into it snaps over the open end of the
filler neck. A bail strap that is integral to the cap
secures the cap to the reservoir filler neck when it is
removed for inspecting or adjusting the fluid level in
the reservoir. There are separate, dedicated holes on
the rear side of the reservoir provided for the mount-
ing of the washer/pump motor unit and the washer
fluid level switch.
The washer reservoir cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. The washer
reservoir, the grommet seals for the washer pump/
motor unit and the washer fluid level switch, and the
filler cap are each available for service replacement.
OPERATION
The washer fluid reservoir provides a secure,
on-vehicle storage location for a large reserve of
washer fluid for operation of the washer system. The
washer reservoir filler neck provides a clearly
marked and readily accessible point from which to
add washer fluid to the reservoir. The washer/pump
motor unit is located in a sump area near the bottom
of the reservoir to be certain that washer fluid will
be available to the pump as the fluid level in the res-
ervoir becomes depleted. The washer fluid level
switch is mounted just above the sump area of the
reservoir so that there will be adequate warning to
the vehicle operator that the washer fluid level is
low, before the washer system will no longer operate.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAIN/
ALL EXCEPT DIESEL ENGINE) or (Refer to 7 -
Fig. 3 Washer Reservoir
1 - FAN SHROUD
2 - LOW WASHER FLUID SENSOR
3 - WASHER PUMP
4 - WASHER RESERVOIR
8R - 10 WIPERS/WASHERSBR/BE
WASHER PUMP/MOTOR (Continued)

COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAIN/
DIESEL ENGINE).
(3) Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the
radiator.
(4) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer fluid level switch from
the switch connector receptacle.
(5) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the washer pump/motor unit from
the motor connector receptacle.
(6) Disconnect the washer hose from the barbed
outlet nipple of the washer pump/motor and allow
the washer fluid to drain into a clean container for
reuse.
(7) While pulling the washer reservoir away from
the fan shroud, lift the reservoir upwards far enough
to disengage the reservoir mounting tabs from the
keyed upper and lower mounting slots in the fan
shroud (Fig. 4).
(8) Remove the washer reservoir from the engine
compartment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the washer reservoir into the engine
compartment (Fig. 4).
(2) Align and insert the upper and lower washer
reservoir mounting tabs into the keyed upper and
lower mounting slots in the radiator fan shroud.
When all the tabs are inserted, use hand pressure to
push the reservoir downwards far enough to engage
the mounting tabs in the keyways of the mounting
slots.(3) Reconnect the washer hose to the barbed outlet
nipple of the washer pump.
(4) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the washer pump/motor unit to the
motor connector receptacle.
(5) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the washer fluid level switch to the
switch connector receptacle.
(6) Reconnect the upper radiator hose to the radi-
ator.
(7) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFILL/
ALL EXCEPT DIESEL ENGINE) or (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFILL/
DIESEL ENGINE).
(8) Refill the washer reservoir with the washer
fluid drained from the reservoir during the removal
procedure.
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
WIPER ARM
DESCRIPTION
The wiper arms are the rigid members located
between the wiper pivots that protrude from the cowl
plenum cover/grille panel near the base of the wind-
shield and the wiper blades on the windshield glass.
The wiper arm has a die cast metal pivot end. On the
underside of this pivot end is a socket formation with
internal serrations and a small, movable, stamped
steel latch plate that is secured loosely under a small
strap that is staked to the pivot end. The wide end of
a tapered, stamped steel channel hinges on and is
secured with a hinge pin to the pivot end of the
wiper arm. One end of a long, rigid, stamped steel
strap, with a small hole near its pivot end, is riveted
and crimped within the narrow end of the stamped
steel channel. The tip of the wiper blade end of this
strap is bent back under itself to form a small hook.
Concealed within the stamped steel channel, one end
of a long spring is hooked through a hole in a small
stamped steel strap on the hinge pin within the die
cast pivot end, while the other end of the spring is
hooked through the small hole in the steel strap. The
entire wiper arm has a satin black finish applied to
all of its visible surfaces.
A wiper arm cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
damaged or faulty, the entire wiper arm unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper arms are designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the wiper pivots to the
wiper blades. The wiper arm must be properly
indexed to the wiper pivot in order to maintain the
Fig. 4 Washer Reservoir
1 - FAN SHROUD
2 - WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
3 - WASHER PUMP
4 - WASHER RESERVOIR
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 11
WASHER RESERVOIR (Continued)

proper wiper blade travel on the glass. The socket
formation with internal serrations in the wiper arm
pivot end interlocks with the serrations on the outer
circumference of the wiper pivot driver, allowing pos-
itive engagement and finite adjustment of this con-
nection. The latch plate on the underside of the
wiper arm pivot end locks the wiper arm to the wiper
pivot when in its installed position and, when in its
unlocked position, also serves as a blocker to hold the
spring-loaded wiper arm off of the glass to facilitate
removal and installation. The spring-loaded wiper
arm hinge controls the down-force applied through
the tip of the wiper arm to the wiper blade on the
glass. The hook formation on the tip of the wiper arm
provides a cradle for securing and latching the wiper
blade pivot block to the wiper arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Unlatch and open the hood.
(2) Lift the wiper arm far enough to raise the
wiper blade off of the glass and permit the wiper arm
latch plate to be pulled out to its holding position,
then release the arm (Fig. 5). The wiper arm and
blade will remain off the glass with the latch in this
position.
CAUTION: The use of a screwdriver or other prying
tool to remove a wiper arm may distort it. This dis-
tortion could allow the arm to come off of the wiper
pivot during wiper operation, regardless of how
carefully it is reinstalled.
(3) Using a slight rocking motion, remove the
wiper arm pivot end from the wiper pivot.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Be certain that the wiper motor is in the park
position before attempting to install the wiper arms.
Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
move the wiper control knob on the end of the
multi-function switch control stalk to its Off posi-
tion. If the wiper pivots move, wait until they stop
moving, then turn the ignition switch back to theOff position. The wiper motor is now in its park
position.
(1) The wiper arms must be indexed to the wiper
pivots with the wiper motor in the park position to
be properly installed (Fig. 6). Position the wiper arm
pivot ends onto the wiper pivots so that the lower
edge of the wiper arm tip is on the upper edge of the
lower windshield blackout area   22 millimeters ( 
0.86 inches).
(2) Once the wiper arm is indexed to the wiper
pivot, lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
slightly to relieve the spring tension on the latch
plate, then push the latch plate into the locked posi-
tion. Gently lower the wiper arm until the wiper
blade rests on the glass.
(3) Wet the windshield glass, then operate the wip-
ers. Turn the wiper control knob on the end of the
multi-function switch control stalk to the Off posi-
tion, then check for the correct wiper arm position
and adjust as required.
WIPER BLADE
DESCRIPTION
Each wiper blade is secured by an integral latching
pivot block to the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arms, and rests on the glass near the base of
the windshield when the wipers are not in operation.
The wiper blade consists of the following components:
²Superstructure- The superstructure includes
several stamped steel bridges and links with claw
formations that grip the wiper blade element. Also
included in this unit is the latching, molded plastic
pivot block that secures the superstructure to the
wiper arm. All of the metal components of the wiper
blade have a satin black finish applied.
²Element- The wiper element or squeegee is the
resilient rubber member of the wiper blade that con-
tacts the glass.
²Flexor- The flexor is a rigid metal component
running along the length of each side of the wiper
element where it is gripped by the claws of the
superstructure.Fig. 5 Wiper Arm Remove/Install - Typical
Fig. 6 Wiper Arm Installation
8R - 12 WIPERS/WASHERSBR/BE
WIPER ARM (Continued)

All Ram truck models have two 50 centimeter
(19.69 inch) wiper blades with non-replaceable rub-
ber elements (squeegees). These wiper blades also
include an anti-lift feature. The wiper blades cannot
be adjusted or repaired. If faulty, worn, or damaged
the entire wiper blade unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The wiper blade is moved back and forth across the
glass by the wiper arms when the wipers are being
operated. The wiper blade superstructure is the flex-
ible frame that grips the wiper blade element and
evenly distributes the force of the spring-loaded
wiper arm along the length of the element. The com-
bination of the wiper arm force and the flexibility of
the superstructure makes the element conform to
and maintain proper contact with the glass, even as
the blade is moved over the varied curvature found
across the glass surface. The wiper element flexor
provides the claws of the blade superstructure with a
rigid, yet flexible component on the element which
can be gripped. The rubber element is designed to be
stiff enough to maintain an even cleaning edge as it
is drawn across the glass, but resilient enough to
conform to the glass surface and flip from one clean-
ing edge to the other each time the wiper blade
changes directions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The driver side and passenger side wiper
blades are not interchangeable. The driver side
wiper blade has an extra bridge and eight pairs of
claws securing the wiper element. The passenger
side wiper blade has six pairs of claws securing the
wiper element. The notched retainer end of both
wiper elements should always be oriented towards
the end of the wiper blade that is nearest to the
wiper pivot.
(1) Turn the wiper control knob on the end of the
multi-function switch control stalk to the On posi-
tion. Cycle the wiper blades to a convenient working
location on the windshield by turning the ignition
switch to the On and Off positions.
(2) Lift the wiper arm to raise the wiper blade and
element off of the glass.
(3) To remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm,
push the pivot block latch release tab under the tip
of the arm and slide the blade away from the tip
towards the pivot end of the arm far enough to dis-
engage the pivot block from the hook (Fig. 7).
(4) Extract the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm from the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure ahead of the wiper blade pivot block/
latch unit.CAUTION: Do not allow the wiper arm to spring
back against the glass without the wiper blade in
place or the glass may be damaged.
(5) Gently lower the wiper arm tip onto the glass.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The driver side and passenger side wiper
blades are not interchangeable. The driver side
wiper blade has an extra bridge and eight pairs of
claws securing the wiper element. The passenger
side wiper blade has six pairs of claws securing the
wiper element. The notched retainer end of both
wiper elements should always be oriented towards
the end of the wiper blade that is nearest to the
wiper pivot.
(1) Lift the wiper arm off of the windshield glass.
(2) Position the wiper blade near the hook forma-
tion on the tip of the arm with the notched retainer
for the wiper element oriented towards the end of the
wiper arm that is nearest to the wiper pivot.
(3) Insert the hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm through the opening in the wiper blade
superstructure ahead of the wiper blade pivot block/
latch unit far enough to engage the pivot block with
the hook (Fig. 7).
(4) Slide the wiper blade pivot block/latch up into
the hook formation on the tip of the wiper arm until
the latch release tab snaps into its locked position.
(5) Gently lower the wiper blade onto the glass.
WIPER MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The wiper module is secured with screws to the
cowl plenum panel and concealed within the cowl
plenum area beneath the cowl plenum cover/grille
panel. The ends of the wiper pivot shafts that pro-
trude through dedicated openings in the cowl plenum
Fig. 7 Wiper Blade Remove/Install - Typical
1 - RELEASE TAB
BR/BEWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 13
WIPER BLADE (Continued)

8W-53 WIPERS
Component Page
Central Timer Module............... 8W-53-2, 3
Fuse 6 (JB)......................... 8W-53-3
G100............................ 8W-53-2, 3
Intermittent Wiper Switch............. 8W-53-2
Joint Connector No. 2................. 8W-53-3Component Page
Joint Connector No. 6................. 8W-53-2
Junction Block...................... 8W-53-3
Windshield Washer Pump.............. 8W-53-2
Wiper Motor...................... 8W-53-2, 3
Wiper Motor Relay................. 8W-53-2, 3
BR/BE8W-53 WIPERS 8W - 53 - 1

COWL GRILLE
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Remove wiper arms (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER ARMS - REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION).
(3) Disconnect windshield washer tubing from cou-
pling near left hood hinge.
(4) Remove plastic nuts attaching cowl cover to
cowl (Fig. 7).
(5) Pull cowl seal from flange on front of cowl.
(6) Separate cowl cover from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position cowl cover on vehicle. Ensure end
seals are positioned correctly and in good condition.
(2) Install cowl seal.
(3) Install plastic nuts attaching cowl cover to cow.
(4) Connect windshield washer tubing to coupling
near left hood hinge.
(5) Install wiper arms.
Fig. 6 Exterior Nameplates
Fig. 7 Cowl Cover
1 - COWL COVER
2 - PLASTIC NUT
3 - END SEAL
4 - PUSHÐIN STUD
5 - END SEAL
23 - 90 EXTERIORBR/BE
EXTERIOR NAME PLATES (Continued)