Washer Fluid Indicator

The washer fluid indicator is serviced as a unit with the odometer or electronic vehicle information center unit in the instrument cluster.

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 electronic messages received by the cluster from the totally integrated power module over the controller area network data bus.

The washer fluid indicator function of the odometer or EVIC VFD unit 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 odometer or EVIC 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 Indicator Lamp-On Message<< - Each time the cluster receives an electronic washer fluid indicator lamp-ON message from the TIPM indicating that a low washer 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 cluster receives lamp-OFF messages for 60 consecutive seconds from the TIPM, or until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, 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 TIPM.

The TIPM continually monitors the washer fluid level switch in the washer reservoir to determine the level of the washer fluid. The TIPM then sends the proper lamp-ON or lamp-OFF message to the electromechanical instrument cluster, also known as the cabin compartment node.

For proper diagnosis of the washer fluid level switch, the TIPM, the EMIC, 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.