wheel MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual

deployment. A growling or grinding sound while
attempting to operate the seat belt retractor is a sure
indication that the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed and requires replacement. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tensioners are deployed in conjunc-
tion with the airbags by a signal generated by the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) through the driver and
passenger seat belt tensioner line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits (Fig. 39). When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signal to the tensioners, the electri-
cal energy generates enough heat to initiate a small
pyrotechnic gas generator. The gas generator is
installed so that it directs its expelled gas at the
underside of the piston in the cylinder. The piston is
connected to a cable that is wound around a pulley
on one end of the retractor spool. As the gas expands,
it propels the piston through the tube, which pulls
the cable and rotates the retractor spool to take up
slack in the seat belt webbing.
Once a seat belt tensioning sequence has been
completed, the forward momentum of the occupantresults in deformation of the torsion bar. Removing
excess slack from the front seat belts not only keeps
the occupants properly positioned for an airbag
deployment following a frontal impact of the vehicle,
but also helps to reduce injuries that the occupant
might otherwise experience in a frontal impact event
as a result of harmful contact with the steering
wheel, steering column, instrument panel and/or
windshield. The torsion bar is designed to deform in
order to control the loads being applied to the occu-
pant by the seat belt during a frontal impact, further
reducing the potential for occupant injuries.
The ACM monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioners through circuit resistance. The ACM will
illuminate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is
detected. For proper diagnosis of the seat belt ten-
sioners, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP
ADJUSTER
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the B-pillar trim.
Fig. 39 Seat Belt Tensioner Operation
1 - TUBE
2 - PISTON
3 - CABLE
4 - CYLINDER
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 33

(8) Remove the seat belt turning loop height
adjuster from the inner B-pillar.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, or damage. Replace any belt that is cut,
frayed, or torn. Straighten any belt that is twisted.
Tighten any loose fasteners. Replace any belt that
has a damaged or inoperative buckle or retractor.
Replace any belt that has a bent or damaged latch
plate or anchor plate. Never attempt to repair a seat
belt component. Always replace damaged or faulty
seat belt components with the correct, new and
unused replacement parts listed in the
DaimlerChrysler Mopar Parts Catalog.
(1) Position the seat belt turning loop height
adjuster onto the inner B-pillar (Fig. 42).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the seat belt turning loop height adjuster to the
upper inner B-pillar. Tighten the screws to 35 N´m
(26 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position the front seat belt turning loop onto
the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar (Fig. 41).
(4) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
front seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster.
Tighten the nut to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(5) Position the height adjuster trim to the upper
B-pillar so that the driver on the back of the trim
engages the lug of the height adjuster (Fig. 40).
(6) Reinstall the trim panel onto the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
Optional side curtain airbags are available for this
model when it is also equipped with dual front air-
bags. These airbags are passive, inflatable, Supple-
mental Restraint System (SRS) components (Fig. 43).
This system is designed to reduce injuries to the
vehicle occupants in the event of a side impact colli-
sion.
Vehicles equipped with side curtain airbags have
two individually controlled curtain airbag units.
These airbag units are concealed and mounted above
the front door openings where they are each secured
to one of the roof side rails. Each folded airbag cush-
ion is contained within a channel in the molded plas-
tic garnish molding that extends along the roof rail
from the A-pillar at the front of the vehicle to just
behind the B-pillar. A tether extends down the A-pil-
lar from the front of the airbag cushion, where it is
secured to the base of the pillar near the belt line
with a screw.
The hybrid-type inflator for each airbag is con-
nected to the airbag cushion by a tubular manifold.
The inflator bracket and the airbag cushion channel
are located with a stamped metal lug to a bore in the
roof rail, then secured with screws at the A-pillar in
the front and the B-pillar in the rear. A two-wire pig-
tail wire is routed from the airbag inflator down the
B-pillar where it connects the unit to a take out of
the vehicle body wire harness with a keyed and
latched connector insulator.
The side curtain airbag unit cannot be adjusted or
repaired and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
Fig. 43 Side Curtain Airbag
1 - GRAB HANDLE
2 - B-PILLAR TRIM
3 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 35

in any way damaged. Once a side curtain airbag has
been deployed, the complete airbag unit and all other
visibly damaged components must be replaced.
OPERATION
Each side curtain airbag is deployed individually
by an electrical signal generated by the Airbag Con-
trol Module (ACM) to which it is connected through
left or right curtain airbag line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits. The hybrid-type inflator assembly for
each airbag contains a small canister of highly com-
pressed inert gas. When the ACM sends the proper
electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical
energy creates enough heat to ignite chemical pellets
within the inflator. Once ignited, these chemicals
burn rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to
rupture a containment disk in the inert gas canister.
The inflator and inert gas canister are sealed and
connected to a tubular manifold so that all of the
released gas is directed into the folded side curtain
airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates it will split the gar-
nish molding at a predetermined breakout line and
drop down from the roof rail along the side glass and
body pillars to form a curtain-like cushion to protect
the vehicle occupants during a side impact collision.
The front tether keeps the front portion of the side
curtain bag taut, thus ensuring that the bag will
deploy in the proper position. Following the airbag
deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by
venting the inert gas through the loose weave of the
cushion fabric, and the deflated cushion hangs down
loosely from the roof rail.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to dischargebefore performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye
protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be
worn. There may be deposits on the airbag unit and
other interior surfaces. In large doses, these depos-
its may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, use
extreme care to prevent any foreign material from
entering the side curtain airbag, or becoming
entrapped between the side curtain airbag cushion
and the roof rail garnish molding. Failure to
observe this warning could result in occupant inju-
ries upon airbag deployment.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the pinch welt from the front door
opening of the vehicle as needed to access the side
curtain airbag (Fig. 44).
(3) Remove the trim from the inside of the B-pillar.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the grab handle from the headliner.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/ASSIST HANDLE -
REMOVAL).
Fig. 44 Pinch Welt
1 - GRAB HANDLE
2 - B-PILLAR TRIM
3 - PINCH WELT
8O - 36 RESTRAINTSVA

INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eye
protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be
worn. There may be deposits on the airbag unit and
other interior surfaces. In large doses, these depos-
its may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, use
extreme care to prevent any foreign material from
entering the side curtain airbag, or becoming
entrapped between the side curtain airbag cushion
and the roof rail garnish molding. Failure to
observe this warning could result in occupant inju-
ries upon airbag deployment.
(1) Position the side curtain airbag into the vehicle
as a unit.
(2) Engage the lug that secures the side curtain
airbag bracket into the bore in the roof side rail (Fig.
50).
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear of the side curtain airbag to the B-pillar (Fig.
48). Tighten the screw to 23 N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front of the side curtain airbag to the A-pillar.
Tighten the screw to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
side curtain airbag front tether retainer to the base
of the A-pillar near the belt line (Fig. 47). Tighten
the screw to 5 N´m (44 in. lbs.).
(6) Install a new tie wrap to secure the side cur-
tain airbag pigtail wire to the inside of the B-pillar
(Fig. 46).
(7) Reconnect the pigtail wire connector for the
side curtain airbag to the vehicle wire harness con-
nector on the B-pillar. Be certain the connector is
fully engaged and latched.
(8) Reinstall the trim onto the A-pillar that con-
ceals the side curtain airbag front tether (Fig. 45).
Fig. 49 Side Curtain Airbag Remove
1 - ROOF SIDE RAIL
2 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
Fig. 50 Side Curtain Airbag Install
1 - ROOF SIDE RAIL
2 - BORE
3 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG BRACKET
4 - LUG
8O - 38 RESTRAINTSVA

REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, never
strike or drop the side impact sensor, as it can
damage the impact sensor or affect its calibration.
The side impact sensor enables the system to
deploy the side curtain airbags. If an impact sensor
is accidentally dropped during service, the sensor
must be scrapped and replaced with a new unit.
Failure to observe this warning could result in acci-
dental, incomplete, or improper supplemental
restraint deployment.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the trim paneling from the interior of
the front door step well. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTE-
RIOR/STEPWELL SCUFF PADS - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the vehicle wire harness connector
from the side impact sensor connector receptacle
(Fig. 52).(4) Remove the two screws that secure the side
impact sensor to the forward vertical surface of the
step well.
(5) Remove the side impact sensor from the step
well.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, never
strike or drop the side impact sensor, as it can
damage the impact sensor or affect its calibration.
The side impact sensor enables the system to
deploy the side curtain airbags. If an impact sensor
is accidentally dropped during service, the sensor
must be scrapped and replaced with a new unit.
Failure to observe this warning could result in acci-
dental, incomplete, or improper supplemental
restraint deployment.
(1) Position the side impact sensor to the forward
vertical surface of the step well (Fig. 52). Be certain
Fig. 52 Side Impact Sensor Remove/Install
1 - SCREW (2)
2 - IMPACT SENSOR
3 - CONNECTOR
4 - STEP WELL
8O - 40 RESTRAINTSVA

SPEED CONTROL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................2
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE.............................2
CABLE
DESCRIPTION..........................2SERVO
DESCRIPTION..........................2
SWITCH
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
SPEED CONTROL
DESCRIPTION
The speed control system is electronically con-
trolled by the Engine Control Module (ECM).A
cable and a vacuum controlled servo are not
used. This is a servo-less system.Control of the
system is accomplished by a 4-position, instrument
panel mounted switch (Fig. 1).
Switch settings (Fig. 2) are:
²1. Set / Accelerate
²2. Resume Set Speed
²3. Set / Decelerate
²4. Off
The system is designed to operate at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h).
WARNING: THE USE OF SPEED CONTROL IS NOT
RECOMMENDED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS DO
NOT PERMIT MAINTAINING A CONSTANT SPEED,
SUCH AS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR ON ROADS THAT
ARE WINDING, ICY, SNOW COVERED, OR SLIP-
PERY.
Fig. 1 INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
1 - COVER
2 - BEZEL
3 - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
4 - STEERING WHEEL
5 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
6 - SPEED CONTROL SWITCH
VASPEED CONTROL 8P - 1

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY............................1
INTRUSION SENSOR
REMOVAL.............................1
INSTALLATION..........................2
SECURITY SYSTEM MODULE
REMOVAL.............................2
INSTALLATION..........................2SENTRY KEY REMOTE ENTRY MODULE
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................3
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................4
SIREN
REMOVAL.............................4
INSTALLATION..........................4
TRANSPONDER KEY
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................5
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION
A vehicle theft alarm with a battery powered siren
is available as an option and includes interior moni-
toring, anti-tow away protection and rear window
monitoring based on the heater wires. The alarm is
automatically activated when the central locking sys-
tem is operated.
The alarm will sound when any of the following
occur:
²A door is opened
²A door is unlocked from inside the vehicle
²The hood is opened
²The vehicle is raised at the front or rear
²The trailer wire harness is disconnected
²Movements inside the vehicle
²The central locking is unlocked by a key at any
other door than the driver's door
The alarm is functional about 30 seconds after the
vehicle is locked using the RKE transmitter or the
key in the driver's door. Activation is indicated by the
indicator lights flashing three times and the warning
lamp flashing in the switch. If persons or animals
remain in the locked vehicle, the operator should
switch off the interior monitor to avoid a false alarm.
OPERATION
The anti-theft alarm is activated/deactivated by
locking/unlocking the vehicle with the remote trans-
mitter or with the key at the driver's door. The key
must be held in the locking position for more than
two seconds. Activation is indicated by the turn sig-
nal lights flashing once. Unlocking the vehicle at one
of the other doors will trigger an alarm.
The interior monitoring system included in the
anti-theft alarm is based on ultrasonics and triggersan alarm if an object intrudes the interior of the
vehicle or if any movement is detected inside the
vehicle. For proper and effective protection, all win-
dows and the sunroof must be closed.
To switch off the interior monitoring system and /
or the anti-tow away protection, a switch with LED
indicator light is provided in the switch panel. An
alarm button enables the operator to trigger an
alarm manually and to lock all doors if they are
closed. Triggering an alarm makes the horn sound
and the turn signals flash until the alarm is switched
off.
The anti-theft alarm control unit includes a gradi-
ent indicator as anti-tow away protection. The gradi-
ent indicator triggers an audible and visual alarm if
the vehicle is lifted (to tow away or to remove the
wheels). The alarm remains effective even if the bat-
tery is disconnected as the horn is powered by its
own battery. The interior monitoring system should
be switched off if people and/or animals are left in
the vehicle.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - VEHICLE THEFT
SECURITY
Any diagnosis of the Vehicle Theft Security
system should begin with the use of a diagnos-
tic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
INTRUSION SENSOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert the tip of a small flat-bladed screwdriver
into the notch on one edge of the dome lamp/intru-
sion sensor unit housing to depress the retainer clip
VAVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 1

WIPERS/WASHERS
DESCRIPTION
An electrically operated intermittent wiper and
washer system is standard factory-installed safety
equipment on this model (Fig. 1). The wiper and
washer system includes the following major compo-
nents, which are described in further detail else-
where in this service information:
²Check Valve- The washer system check valve
is integral to the plumbing fitting located in the
washer plumbing between the cowl plenum washer
hose and the two washer nozzle hoses, and is locatedbeneath the cowl top panel at the base of the wind-
shield in the engine compartment.
²Multi-Function Switch- The multi-function
switch is secured to the top of the steering column,
just below the steering wheel. Only the left (lighting)
control stalk, right (wiper) control stalk and the haz-
ard warning switch button for the multi-function
switch are visible, the remainder of the switch is con-
cealed beneath the steering column shrouds. The
multi-function switch contains all of the switches for
Fig. 1 Wiper & Washer System
1 - WASHER RESERVOIR, PUMP/MOTOR, FLUID LEVEL SWITCH 4 - MULTI-FUNCTION (WIPER, WASHER, & LIGHTING) SWITCH
2 - WIPER MOTOR, LINKAGE & PIVOTS MODULE 5 - RAIN SENSOR (W/AUTOMATIC WIPERS ONLY)
3 - WIPER RELAY 6 - RAIN SENSOR CONTROL MODULE (W/AUTOMATIC WIPERS
ONLY)
8R - 2 WIPERS/WASHERSVA

both the wiper and washer systems. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH - DESCRIPTION)
²Rain Sensor- Vehicles equipped with an
optional automatic wiper feature have an electronic
rain sensor concealed within the base of the rear
view mirror unit on the inside of the laminated wind-
shield glass.
²Rain Sensor Control Module- Vehicles
equipped with an optional automatic wiper feature
have an electronic rain sensor control module located
under the lower instrument panel above the acceler-
ator pedal in the passenger compartment of the vehi-
cle.
²Washer Fluid Level Switch- The optional
washer fluid level switch is integral to a unique ver-
sion of the washer pump/motor unit, which is located
in a dedicated hole on the top of the sump area near
the back of the windshield washer reservoir on the
right front fender wheel house in the engine com-
partment.
²Washer Nozzle- A single washer nozzle with
three separate orifices is secured with integral snap
features to each wiper arm. The hoses for the washer
nozzles are concealed beneath a molded plastic guide
on the underside of each wiper arm and routed to the
engine compartment through unique molded plastic
elbow fittings located near each wiper pivot at the
base of the windshield.
²Washer Pump/Motor- Two different washer
pump/motor units are available for this model. One
version has an integral washer fluid level switch that
provides a hard wired input to the instrument cluster
for control of the optional washer fluid indicator. The
washer pump/motor unit is located in a dedicated
hole on the top of the sump area near the back of the
windshield washer reservoir on the right front fender
wheel house in the engine compartment.
²Washer Reservoir- The washer reservoir is
located on the right front fender wheel house in the
engine compartment. The washer reservoir filler is
accessed from the right front corner of the engine
compartment.
²Wiper Arm- The two unequal length wiper
arms are secured to the two wiper pivots, which
extend through the cowl panel near the base of the
windshield. The longer arm is installed on the left
(driver) side of the windshield.
²Wiper Blade- The two unequal length wiper
blades are secured to the two wiper arms, and are
parked on the glass near the bottom of the wind-
shield when the wiper system is not in operation.
The longer blade is installed on the left (driver) side
of the windshield.
²Wiper Linkage- The wiper pivots are the only
visible components of the wiper linkage. The remain-
der of the linkage is concealed within the engine
compartment just behind the hood opening. Thewiper linkage module includes the two wiper drive
links, the wiper motor crank arm, the two wiper piv-
ots, and the linkage and motor mounting bracket.
²Wiper Motor- The wiper motor is secured to
the wiper linkage module bracket on the underside of
the cowl panel within the engine compartment. The
wiper motor output shaft and crank arm extend
through a clearance hole in the mounting bracket,
where they are connected to a crank arm that drives
the wiper linkage.
²Wiper Relay- The wiper relay is located in a
dedicated receptacle on the lower left surface of the
fuse block underneath the steering column behind
the fuse access panel and the steering column open-
ing panel. The wiper relay is a passive component on
vehicles equipped with the optional automatic wiper
system.
²Wiper, Turn Signals, Engine Start Control
Module- The wiper, turn signals and engine start
control module is integral to the fuse block located
underneath the steering column. The fuse block is
concealed behind the fuse access panel and the steer-
ing column opening panel, where it is secured with
screws to the steering column. The wiper system
functions of this module are passive on vehicles
equipped with the optional automatic wiper system.
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 designed 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
VAWIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 3

other minor debris from the outside windshield glass
surface that might be encountered while driving the
vehicle under numerous types of inclement operating
conditions.
Two wiper systems are available: the standard
intermittent wipe system, or an optional automatic
wipe system. The vehicle operator initiates all wiper
and washer system functions with the multi-function
switch wiper control stalk that extends from the
right side of the steering column, just below the
steering wheel. Depressing, raising, or pulling the
right control stalk of the multi-function switch
selects the desired wiper system operating mode (Fig.
2). The wiper system allows the vehicle operator to
select from two continuous wiper speeds, Hi or Lo,
either a fixed interval intermittent wipe mode or an
auto wipe mode (as the vehicle is equipped), and a
pulse wipe mode. Pushing the knob on the end of the
control stalk towards the steering column activates
the washer pump/motor, which dispenses washer
fluid onto the windshield glass through the washer
nozzles.
The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the
wiper and washer system components may be diag-
nosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehi-
cle glove box for more information on the features
and operation of the wiper and washer system.
INTERMITTENT WIPE SYSTEM
When the ignition switch is in the On position, bat-
tery current from a fuse in the fuse block underneath
the steering column is provided through a fused igni-
tion switch output (run-start) circuit to the intermit-tent wipe logic circuitry of the wiper, turn signals
and engine start control module within the fuse
block, the multi-function switch, the wiper relay and
the wiper motor park 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 Low,
High, or Pulse position is selected, which causes the
wipers to cycle at the selected speed for as long as
that switch position remains selected.
In order to provide the intermittent wipe and wipe-
after-wash features, the intermittent wipe logic cir-
cuitry of the wiper, turn signals and engine start
control module within the fuse block monitors inputs
from the intermittent wipe and washer switch cir-
cuitry of the multi-function switch and the park
switch in the wiper motor. When the intermittent
wipe position is selected with the multi-function
switch control stalk, the intermittent wipe logic cir-
cuitry responds by energizing the wiper relay and
calculating the correct delay interval. The energized
wiper relay directs battery current through the inter-
mittent wipe position circuitry of the multi-function
switch to the low speed brush of the wiper motor.
The intermittent wipe logic circuit monitors the
wiper motor operation through the wiper on/off relay
output circuit, which allows it to determine the
proper timing to begin the next wiper blade sweep.
The normal delay interval is about five seconds.
When the Off position of the multi-function switch
wiper control stalk 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 windshield
when the Off position is selected, the park switch
that is integral to the wiper motor is closed to
ground, the intermittent wipe logic circuit de-ener-
gizes the wiper relay, 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 the fused ignition switch output (run-start)
circuit. The intermittent wipe logic circuit energizes
the wiper relay and the wiper on-off relay output cir-
cuit directs battery current to the low speed brush of
the wiper motor through the normally open contact
of the wiper relay, then through the internal Off posi-
tion circuitry of the multi-function switch. This
causes the wiper motor to continue running until the
wiper blades are in the down position on the wind-
shield and the park switch is again closed to ground.
When the Wash position of the control knob on the
right control stalk of the multi-function switch is
selected, the washer switch circuitry directs battery
current to the washer pump motor and to the inter-
mittent wipe logic circuitry. When the washer switch
Fig. 2 Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch
1 - INTERMITTENT WIPE MODE (OR AUTO WIPE MODE IF
EQUIPPED)
2 - CONTINUOUS LOW SPEED WIPE MODE
3 - CONTINUOUS HIGH SPEED WIPE MODE
4 - WASHER MODE
5 - PULSE WIPE MODE
8R - 4 WIPERS/WASHERSVA