Buick Regal: Low Washer Fluid Indicator Malfunction

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

1. Low washer fluid message always displayed
2. Low washer fluid message never displayed

Circuit/System Description

The CHECK WASHER FLUID message is controlled by the instrument cluster using an input from the washer fluid level switch. The washer fluid level signal circuit is supplied voltage through a resistor then monitored within the instrument cluster. The washer fluid level switch is normally closed so the instrument cluster detects ignition voltage on the washer fluid level signal circuit whenever the washer fluid level is low. When the washer fluid reaches the point where the driver should be informed that the washer fluid is low, the washer fluid level switch opens. When the washer fluid level switch is opened, the washer fluid level signal circuit voltage is pulled high, and the instrument cluster displays the CHECK WASHER FLUID message on the driver information center. In order to prevent the CHECK WASHER FLUID message from being displayed while sloshing is occurring in the washer fluid container, the instrument cluster is programed with a 1 min delay before changing states of the CHECK WASHER FLUID message during an ignition cycle.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Wiring Schematics

Connector End View Reference

COMPONENT CONNECTOR END VIEWS - INDEX

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

1. Ignition ON.

2. Verify the scan tool Washer Fluid Level Switch parameter changes between ON and OFF, when filling and emptying the windshield water bottle.

• If the parameter does not change

Refer to Circuit/System Testing.

• Go to next step: If the parameter changes

3. All OK.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B118B Windshield Washer Fluid Level Switch. It may take up to 2 min for all vehicle systems to power down.

2. Test for less than 10 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 2 and ground.

• If 10 Ω or greater

1. Ignition OFF.
2. Test for less than 2 Ω in the ground circuit end to end.
   • If 2 Ω or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
   • If less than 2 Ω, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.

• Go to next step: If less than 10 Ω

3. Ignition ON.

4. Verify the scan tool Washer Fluid Level Switch parameter is On.

• If not On

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the P16 Instrument Cluster.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.
   • If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
   • If infinite resistance, replace the P16 Instrument Cluster.

• Go to next step: If On

5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the ground circuit terminal 2.

6. Verify the scan tool Washer Fluid Level Switch parameter is Off.

• If not Off

1. Ignition OFF, remove the jumper wire, disconnect the harness connector at the P16 Instrument Cluster, ignition ON.
2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit and ground.
   • If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
   • Go to next step: If less than 1 V
3. Test for less than 2 Ω in the signal circuit end to end.
   • If 2 Ω or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
   • If less than 2 Ω, replace the P16 Instrument Cluster.

• Go to next step: If Off

7. Test or replace the B118B Windshield Washer Fluid Level Switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

• Windshield Washer Solvent Container Replacement (5-Door Wagon 35)Windshield Washer Solvent Container Replacement (5-Door Hatchback 68)
• Control Module References for instrument cluster replacement, programming and setup

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