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Chad76
New User
Jan 8, 2009, 8:38 PM
Post #1 of 2
(1778 views)
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washer fluid not working
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I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 4 door pickup with the 5.7 engine. It has 40,700 miles on it. Just recently the washer fluid stopped working. When you press the button the wipers still cycle 3 times like normal. The pump also works when jumpered right off the battery and the fluid hits the windshield like normal, no problems there. but when we unhooked the pump wires and tested for voltage there was no voltage when the washer fluid switch was pressed. Checked all fuses in the engine compartment fuse box, They were all good. I don't have an owners manual. Is there another fuse box? Also I was unable to find where the relays are located. And with the wipers still functioning normally was not sure if that would be the problem. Any help you have would be greatly appreciated, Thank you Chad.
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 11, 2009, 7:17 AM
Post #2 of 2
(1739 views)
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Re: washer fluid not working
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Believe this or not you may need a scan tool to diagnose this problem.
There are at least 14 different possible trouble codes that deal with the wiper/washer system(s).
There’s only one fuse for the system and there are no per say relays; if the wipers are functioning we know, the fuse is ok.
The system uses the “Totally Integrated Power Module” (TIPM), Electro Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC), both of which are computers and the Multi-function switch on the steering column.
When you press the washer button, a multiplex signal is sent to the EMIC; the instrument cluster interprets the signal and sends the request to the TIPM via the Control Area Network (CAN) data bus.
That’s a fancy why of saying, the signal is sent to the TIPM in computer language. Series of complex on off signals, so fast that a multi-meter voltmeter will not show the on off but just an average voltage. What that voltage is depends on the requests made; there isn’t a specific voltage to look for or listed in a repair manual.
The scan tool isn’t just to retrieve codes; it’s also used to supply commands to the TIPM and the EMIC. These commands are used in determining whether the modules are still capable of performing requests.
Looking at a wiring diagram for this system you would be able to see that the wiper/washer switch is not directly wired to any part of the wiper/washers motor or pump.
Sorry for the long reply but there’s no easy why of explaining the functions of the system and believe me I left a lot out of the explanation.
It's not a simple on off switch and pump any more.
One last note.
I’m not saying that this is what’s wrong with your washers but I’ve had to replace a few TIPM the last little while. Not just for the wiper/washers but for other functions as in headlights, signal lights and so on.
Dan
Canadian "EH"
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