GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ignition Voltage

1

1

--

--

Outside Moisture Sensor Signal 1

1

1

1

--

Outside Moisture Sensor Signal 2

1

1

1

--

Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Moisture sensing feature is inoperative

Circuit/System Description

Ignition voltage is supplied to the outside moisture sensor from the body control module (BCM). Whenever the ignition is in the run or accessory positions, the BCM sends the wiper/washer switch status using a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal through the outside moisture sensor signal 1 circuit to the outside moisture sensor. When a wipe cycle is needed, the moisture sensor sends a PWM voltage signal through the moisture sensor signal 2 circuit back to the BCM requesting the wiper operation.

The outside moisture sensor uses the moisture sensor signal 2 circuit to command wiper motor wipe cycles and to confirm the moisture sensor signal 1 is being received. If at anytime a fault occurs between the outside moisture sensor and BCM, the BCM will use the inputs from the windshield wiper/washer switch in the delay positions to operate the wiper motor at continuous variable delay intervals.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect the silicon gel linking the sensor to the windshield for any distortion, or blockage of the sensor lens.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Wiper/Washer Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Wiper/Washer System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, wiper switch in the low position. The windshield wipers should operate at low speed. If the windshield wipers do not operate, refer to Windshield Wiper System Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the outside moisture sensor.
  2. Test for less than 5.0 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 3 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between ignition circuit terminal 4 and ground.
  5. If the test does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the outside moisture sensor.
  7. Disconnect the X4 harness connector at the BCM.
  8. Ignition ON, test for 8-10 volts between the signal circuit terminal 18 and ground.
  9. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the outside moisture sensor.
    If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the outside moisture sensor.
  10. Ignition ON, test for 4-8.5 volts between the signal circuit terminal 14 and ground.
  11. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the outside moisture sensor.
    If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the outside moisture sensor.
  12. If all circuits test normal, replace the BCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Windshield Outside Moisture Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming