Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 967

REAR WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM

If the rear wiper motor operates, but the wiper motor output shaft does not move, replace the ineffective rear

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

WIPER MOTOR DOES NOT
OPERATE IN ANY SWITCH
POSITION

1. Ineffective motor ground
circuit.

1. Test and repair open wiper motor
ground circuit if required.

2. Ineffective motor feed
circuits.

2. Test and repair low speed and high
speed feed circuits between TIPM and
front wiper motor if required.

3. Ineffective EMIC (CCN)
inputs or outputs.

3. Use a diagnostic scan tool to test the
EMIC (CCN) inputs and outputs. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.

4. Ineffective TIPM inputs or
outputs.

4. Use a diagnostic scan tool to test the
TIPM inputs and outputs. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.

5. Ineffective wiper motor.

5. Test and replace open or shorted wiper
motor as required.

WIPER MOTOR OPERATES
SLOWLY IN ALL SWITCH
POSITIONS

1. Ineffective wiper motor.

1. Check amperage draw with linkage
disconnected from wiper motor crank
arm. Correct draw should be about 6
amperes. If incorrect, refer to the
appropriate Possible Cause that follows:

2. Amperage draw too low.

2. Test and repair shorted low and high
speed feed circuits if required.

3. Amperage draw too high.

3. With linkage disconnected from wiper
motor crank arm check linkage and pivots
for binding. If binding is detected, repair
or replace front wiper module if required.
If no linkage binding detected, replace
the front wiper motor if required.

WIPERS RUN AT HIGH
SPEED WITH SWITCH LOW
SPEED SELECTED OR AT
LOW SPEED WITH SWITCH
HIGH SPEED SELECTED

1. Ineffective motor feed
circuit wiring.

1. Test and repair low speed and high
speed feed circuits between TIPM and
front wiper motor if required.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable
the supplemental restraint system before attempting any steering wheel,
steering column, airbag, occupant classification system, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component 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 precautions
could result in accidental airbag deployment.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

wiper motor. If the washer pump/motor operates, but no washer fluid is dispensed on the glass; or, if the wiper
operates, but chatters, lifts, or does not clear the glass, clean and inspect the rear wiper and washer system
components as required. See CLEANING, and INSPECTION.

The hard wired rear wiper and washer system circuits and components may be diagnosed using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information 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 connectors, splices and grounds.

However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the rear wiper and
washer system or the electronic controls or communication between other modules and devices that provide
some features of the rear wiper and washer system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose
the rear wiper and washer system or the electronic controls and communication related to rear wiper and washer
system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

NOTE:

The rear wiper and washer switches are integral to the right multi-function
switch. The right multi-function switch is hard wired to the left multi-function
switch/Steering Control Module (SCM), which communicates with the Electro
Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)/Cab Compartment Node (CCN) over the
Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus. Before performing any of the following
tests, determine whether the other functions of the right and left multi-function
switch/SCM are operational. If only the right multi-function switch functions are
inoperative, test and repair the right multi-function switch or the jumper
harness between the right and left multi-function switches before attempting to
repair the Rear Wiper and Washer System. If both the right and left multi-
function switch/SCM functions are ineffective, diagnose and repair that problem
before attempting to repair the Rear Wiper and Washer System.

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

WIPER MOTOR DOES NOT
OPERATE IN ANY SWITCH
POSITION

1. Ineffective motor ground
circuit.

1. Test and repair open wiper motor
ground circuit if required.

2. Ineffective motor feed
circuits.

2. Test and repair motor feed circuit
between TIPM and rear wiper motor if
required.

3. Ineffective EMIC (CCN)
inputs or outputs.

3. Use a diagnostic scan tool to test the
EMIC (CCN) inputs and outputs. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.

4. Ineffective TIPM inputs or
outputs.

4. Use a diagnostic scan tool to test the
TIPM inputs and outputs. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.

5. Ineffective wiper motor.

5. Test and replace open or shorted wiper
motor if required.

WIPER MOTOR OPERATES
SLOWLY

1. Improper wiper motor
amperage draw.

1. Check amperage draw with wiper arm
disconnected from rear wiper motor
output shaft. Correct draw should be
about 6 amperes. If incorrect, refer to the

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

CLEANING

FRONT WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM

WIPER SYSTEM

The squeegees of wiper blades exposed to the elements for a long time tend to lose their wiping effectiveness.
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.

WASHER SYSTEM

If the washer system is contaminated with foreign material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the washer
pump/motor unit from the reservoir. Clean foreign material from the inside of the washer pump inlet filter
screen and the washer reservoir using clean washer fluid, a mild detergent, or a non-abrasive cleaner. Flush

appropriate Possible Cause that follows:

2. Amperage draw too low.

2. Test and repair the shorted rear wiper
motor signal and fused ignition switch
output (run - accessory) circuits if
required.

3. Amperage draw too high.

3. With wiper arm disconnected from
wiper motor output shaft check for
binding between output shaft and rubber
grommet in liftgate glass. If binding is
detected, lubricate or replace grommet if
required. If no binding is detected,
replace the wiper motor if required.

CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegees of the wiper blades from any petroleum-

based cleaners, solvents, or contaminants. These products can rapidly
deteriorate the rubber squeegees.

CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, or contaminants into

the washer system. 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 pressures are too great for the washer system plumbing
components and will result in further system damage. Never use sharp
instruments to clear a plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle
orifice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

foreign material from the washer system plumbing by first disconnecting the washer hose from the washer
nozzle, then running the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or water through the system. A plugged
or restricted washer nozzle should be carefully back-flushed using compressed air. If the washer nozzle
obstruction cannot be cleared, replace the washer nozzle.

REAR WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM

WIPER SYSTEM

The squeegee of a wiper blade exposed to the elements for a long time tends to lose its wiping effectiveness.
Periodic cleaning of the squeegee is suggested to remove any deposits of salt or road film. The wiper blade,
arm, and liftgate 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 blade continues 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.

WASHER SYSTEM

If the washer system is contaminated with foreign material, drain the washer reservoir by removing the washer
pump/motor from the reservoir. Clean foreign material from the inside of the washer pump/motor inlet filter
screen and the washer reservoir 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 hose from the rear washer
nozzle, then running the washer pump/motor to run clean washer fluid or water through the system. A plugged
or restricted rear washer nozzle should be carefully back-flushed using compressed air. If the washer nozzle
obstruction cannot be cleared, replace the rear washer nozzle.

INSPECTION

FRONT WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM

WIPER SYSTEM

CAUTION: Protect the rubber squeegee of the wiper blade from any petroleum-based

cleaners, solvents, or contaminants. These products can rapidly
deteriorate the rubber squeegee.

CAUTION: Never introduce petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, or contaminants into

the washer system. These products can rapidly deteriorate the rubber
seals and hoses of the washer system, as well as the rubber squeegee of
the wiper blade.

CAUTION: Never use compressed air to flush the washer system plumbing.

Compressed air pressures are too great for the washer system plumbing
components and will result in further system damage. Never use sharp
instruments to clear a plugged washer nozzle or damage to the nozzle
orifice and improper nozzle spray patterns will result.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro