Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 969

Fig. 7: Right (Wiper) Multi-Function Switch
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The right (wiper) multi-function switch is located on the right side of the steering column, just below the
steering wheel. This switch is the primary control for the front and rear wiper and washer systems. The only
visible components of the switch are the control stalk (1), control knob (2) and control sleeve (3) that extend
through the steering column shrouds on the right side of the column. The remainder of the switch including its
mounting provisions and electrical connection are concealed beneath the shrouds.

Fig. 8: Steering Control Module Components
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The switch housing and controls (6) are constructed of molded black plastic. Each of the switch controls has
white International Control and Display Symbol graphics applied to it, which clearly identify its many
functions. A single screw (7) through a mounting tab integral to the back of the switch housing, and a slide tab

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

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

integral to the bottom of the switch housing secure the switch to the mounting bracket integral to the
clockspring (3). A single connector receptacle containing seven terminal pins is integral to the inboard end of
the switch housing and is connected by a jumper wire harness (5) directly to the Steering Control Module
(SCM), which is internal to the housing (2) of the left multi-function switch (1).

The right (wiper) multi-function switch provides the vehicle operator with a control interface for the following
wiper and washer system functions:



Continuous Front Wipers - The right multi-function switch control knob provides detent switching for
two continuous front wipe modes, low speed or high speed.



Intermittent Front Wipers - The right multi-function switch control knob provides detent switching for
the intermittent front wipe mode with five minor detent delay interval positions.



Front Wiper Mist Mode - The right multi-function switch control stalk includes momentary switching
of the front wiper motor low speed circuit to provide a mist mode features (sometimes referred to as pulse
wipe), which allows the vehicle operator to momentarily operate the front wipers for one or more
complete cycles.



Front Washer Mode - The right multi-function switch control stalk provides momentary switching for
control of the front washer system operation.



Intermittent Rear Wipe Mode - The right multi-function switch control sleeve provides detent
switching for a single fixed interval intermittent rear wiper mode.



Rear Washer Mode - The right multi-function switch control sleeve provides two momentary switch
positions for control of rear washer system operation.

The right multi-function switch cannot be adjusted or repaired. If any function of the switch is ineffective, or if
the switch is damaged, the entire switch unit must be replaced. The clockspring (with the multi-function switch
mounting bracket), the left multi-function switch (with the SCM), the right multi-function switch and the
jumper wire harness are each available for separate service replacement.

OPERATION

RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

The right (wiper) multi-function switch uses a combination of resistor multiplexing and conventional analog
switching to control the many functions and features it provides. The switch receives a clean ground from the
Steering Control Module (SCM), then provides resistor multiplexed and conventional analog return outputs to
the SCM to indicate the selected switch positions. The SCM then sends electronic switch status messages over
a Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus to the Electro Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) (also known as
the Cab Compartment Node/CCN), and the EMIC relays electronic wiper and washer switch request messages
over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus to other electronic modules in the vehicle.

If the SCM detects no inputs from the right multi-function switch, it transmits an electronic Signal Not
Available (SNA) status message over the LIN data bus. The SNA status signals the EMIC to request other
electronic modules to implement a fail-safe mode of operation for the front and rear wiper systems. The fail-
safe mode will maintain the last selected front and rear wiper system operation for the remainder of the current
ignition cycle, after which both wiper systems will default to OFF.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

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

The right multi-function switch as well as the hard wired inputs and outputs of the switch may be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, the
most reliable, efficient and accurate means to diagnose this component requires the use of a diagnostic scan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

Following are descriptions of how the right multi-function switch is operated to control the many front and rear
wiper and washer system functions and features it provides:



Front Wiper Control - The control knob on the end of the right multi-function switch control stalk is
rotated to one of the two continuous wiper detents, to one of five intermittent wiper detents, or to the OFF
position to select the front wiper mode. The SCM reads the input from the right multi-function switch and
sends electronic wiper switch status messages over the LIN data bus to the EMIC, which relays an
electronic wiper switch request message over the CAN data bus to other electronic modules in the
vehicle.



Front Wiper Mist Mode - The front wiper mist mode is requested when the right multi-function switch
control stalk is depressed downward towards the floor to a momentary MIST position. The front wiper
motor will continue to operate, one complete cycle at a time, for as long as the control stalk is held in this
position. The SCM reads the resistor multiplexed input from the right multi-function switch and sends an
electronic wiper switch status message over the LIN data bus to the EMIC, which relays an electronic
wiper switch request message over the CAN data bus to other electronic modules in the vehicle.



Front Washer Control - The right multi-function switch control stalk is pulled rearward towards the
steering wheel to a momentary WASH position to activate the washer pump/motor in the front washer
mode. The washer pump/motor will continue to operate for as long as the control stalk is held in this
position. The SCM reads the resistor multiplexed input from the right multi-function switch and sends an
electronic washer switch status message over the LIN data bus to the EMIC, which relays an electronic
washer switch request message over the CAN data bus to other electronic modules in the vehicle.



Rear Wiper Control - The rear wiper mode is selected when the right multi-function switch control
sleeve is rotated to the fixed interval intermittent rear wipe detent position, or the OFF detent position.
The SCM reads the input from the right multi-function switch and sends an electronic wiper switch status
message over the LIN data bus to the EMIC, which relays an electronic wiper switch request message
over the CAN data bus to other electronic modules in the vehicle.



Rear Washer Control - The right multi-function switch control sleeve is rotated to one of two
momentary WASH positions, either fully forward or fully rearward, to activate the washer pump/motor in
the rear washer mode. The washer pump/motor will continue to operate in the rear washer mode until the
control sleeve is released. The SCM reads the input from the right multi-function switch and sends an
electronic washer switch status message over the LIN data bus to the EMIC, which relays an electronic
washer switch request message over the CAN data bus to other electronic modules in the vehicle.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

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

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

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

Fig. 9: Right Multi-Function Switch Connector
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The right multi-function switch as well as the hard wired inputs and outputs of the switch may be diagnosed
using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.

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

1. Remove the right multi-function switch from the integral mounting bracket on the right side of the

clockspring. See REMOVAL.

2. Using an ohmmeter, test the resistance between the terminals of the switch as shown in the three Function

Tests tables. For all functions except those of the control stalk the values should be either less than 100
ohms (switch CLOSED) or greater than 1 megohm (switch OPEN).

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.

CONTROL STALK FUNCTION TESTS

FUNCTION

PINS

RESISTANCE

1

7

Front Wash

X

X

10000 Ohms

Front Mist

X

X

5490 Ohms

CONTROL KNOB FUNCTION TESTS

FUNCTION

BETWEEN PIN 7 (GROUND) AND PINS

4

5

6

Off

CLOSED

CLOSED

OPEN

Front Delay
1

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

Front Delay CLOSED

OPEN

CLOSED

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

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