Washer Fluid Indicator

The washer fluid indicator gives an indication to the vehicle operator that the fluid level in the washer reservoir is low. This indicator is controlled by the IC logic circuit based upon programming and electronic messages received from the BCM over the CAN data bus.

The washer fluid indicator function of the electronic display unit is completely controlled by the IC logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the IC receives a battery current input on the fused ignition output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the washer fluid indication will always be OFF when the ignition switch status is anything except ON or START. The IC will turn ON the washer fluid indicator for the following reasons:

• Washer Fluid Indicator Lamp-On Message  - Each time the IC receives an electronic washer fluid indicator lamp-ON  message from the BCM indicating that a low washer fluid condition has been detected for 60 consecutive seconds, the washer fluid indicator is illuminated and a single chime tone is sounded. The indicator remains illuminated until the IC receives lamp-OFF messages for 60 consecutive seconds from the BCM, or until the ignition switch status transitions to OFF, whichever occurs first. The chime tone feature will only repeat during the same ignition cycle if the washer fluid indicator is cycled OFF and then ON again by the appropriate lamp-ON and lamp-OFF messages from the BCM.

The BCM continually monitors the washer fluid level switch in the washer reservoir to determine the level of the washer fluid. The BCM then sends the proper lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message to the IC.

For proper diagnosis of the washer fluid level switch, the BCM, the IC, the CAN data bus or the electronic communication related to washer fluid indicator operation a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.