Washer Fluid Indicator: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 instrument cluster logic circuit based upon cluster programming and a hard wired input received by the cluster from the washer fluid level switch mounted on the washer reservoir.

The washer fluid indicator function of the Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) is completely controlled by the instrument cluster logic circuit, and that logic will only allow this indicator to operate when the instrument cluster receives a battery current input on the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit. Therefore, the VFD washer fluid indication will always be off when the ignition switch is in any position except On or Start. The instrument cluster will turn on the washer fluid indicator for the following reasons:

Washer Fluid Level Switch Input - Each time the cluster detects ground on the low washer fluid sense circuit (washer fluid level switch closed = washer fluid level low) the cluster applies an algorithm to ensure that the input is correct and not the result of fluid sloshing in the washer reservoir. The cluster tests the status of the circuit about seven milliseconds after the ignition switch is turned to the On position, and about once every second thereafter, then uses an internal counter to count up or down. When the counter accumulates thirty ground inputs on the circuit, the washer fluid indicator will be illuminated. If the vehicle is not moving when the washer fluid level switch input counter reaches thirty, the VFD will repeatedly and sequentially cycle its low washer fluid indication in two second intervals with the odometer/trip odometer information and any other active warnings including: door ajar, gate ajar, and glass ajar. If the vehicle is moving, or once the cluster of a non-moving vehicle receives an electronic vehicle speed message from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) indicating a speed greater than zero, the warning sequence will consist of fifteen complete display cycles with an audible single chime tone accompanying each of the first two cycles, then revert to only the odometer/trip odometer display. Once the washer fluid indicator warning has completed, the washer fluid indicator is extinguished and will not repeat until the ignition switch is cycled.

The instrument cluster continually monitors the washer fluid level switch in the washer reservoir to determine the status of the washer fluid level. For further diagnosis of the washer fluid indicator or the instrument cluster circuitry that controls the indicator, (Refer to ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) .

The washer fluid level switch and circuits can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods. Refer to the appropriate wiring information in ELECTRICAL. The washer fluid level switch also features a 3.3 kilohm diagnostic resistor connected in parallel between the switch input and output to provide the cluster with verification that the low washer fluid sense circuit is not open or shorted. This input can be monitored using a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.