ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

I've owned this 09 SS for several years. The other day I realized my windshield washer wasn't pumping. So I think this has to be an easy fix. A fuse. I did some research to find out exactly which fuses go to the wiper system. Glad I did since there are 2. Both fuses check good. In fact ALL fuses check good with a DMM. So I start digging & find that the pump works fine when removed & 12 volts applied to it. I checked the ground to it & to the wiper motor just in case. Both read 1.2 ohms or so. Which is what the meter leads read. When turning the key on & having my son push the washer button on the stick, I only read 4.5 volts at the pump. ALL wiper functions work fine. Even when pushing the washer button so I'd assume the wiper switch can be ruled out.

Anyone have any ideas? I can't seem to find a schematic for any of the system. Even the BCM. I wanted to check all the wiring back to the BCM to try to rule out anything & everything. So if you know where to find the schematics that would be helpful.

Also to provide total info, I just installed a complete audio system with a basic module on the head unit to retain RAP & warning chimes. I'm not a hack. it's well installed. But the timing of this issue makes me question, is there any chance there's any correlation?

jdbaugh1

iTrader: (1)

I would think there is a relay for the washer pump to kick on. I would check that relay.

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

I wondered bout that as well but I can't find anything either on the car or in a web search that says there is. That was one of my first thoughts. Where in Kansas are you?

exninja

iTrader: (1)

Found this guy on the interwebs: http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/he...schematics.pdf Looks like there isn't a relay. I'm not sure what voltage that is supposed to have, but if you're only getting 4.5V maybe there's a loose or dirty ground?

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

Well that's for sure helpful so thanks. How? I've searched & searched before I posted lol. Stupid google is nothing but ads anymore or failed results. Ground has to be good if continuity is barely an ohm. I'm thinking maybe a broken + wire or something like that. Surely I'm not gonna have to replace the BCM for something so stupid & minor?

ECaulk

iTrader: (6)

Does the motor kick on at 4.5v? Have you tried operating at with the discharge line disconnected?

jdbaugh1

iTrader: (1)

Damn the pump is controlled directly by the little switch in the steering column? Switch contacts could be going bad.

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

The motor doesn't kick on at all. But I pulled the pump motor out of the reservoir completely & hooked it to 12 volts with a separate battery. It then turned. When you hit the button with the key on the wipers turn as they should the 4 or 5 cycles but no washer fluid & no pump noise. I'm kinda wondering if the switch is actually the issue? Even though it's moving the wipers maybe the part of the switch that's supposed to make the pump work is bad? That schematic will help. When I get off work tonight I'll do some more testing. I could just order a switch from Rockauto. It's only $20 but I hate to if that isn't the answer.

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

Meh screw it. After looking over that schematic more I just ordered the switch. $23 total to ship for an AC Delco one. I'll get it & swap it & report back. I hope that fixes it lol.

exninja

iTrader: (1)

That little pumps is using a LOT less current than the wiper motor, so it's probably not a big deal to put the pump current through the switch. But the question is what voltage is it supposed to be, 5V or 12V?

Edit: it looks like it should be 12V so bad contacts or ground is likely the issue. Hopefully the new switch fixes it.

exninja

iTrader: (1)

I searched for something like "cobalt washer fluid relay" and it was buried in the first answer, one of those generic auto-mechanic Q&A sites.

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

Yup. That's been my issue with finding an answer. Google sucks anymore. It's all ads & non-relevant results based on just 1 word in your search. Usually not the key word lol.

Anyway, I'm betting the switch is the issue. I know for a fact the pump motor is good. I know for a fact the fuses are good. And I know for a fact the ground is good. There's not much more it could be other than a bad connection or burnt wire. But given the small amount of current involved I'm just gonna use common sense. I think. LOL $23 shipped isn't a terrible gamble.

I just wanna say thanks to this entire forum. Owning this car has been a huge roller coaster ride. I'm a member of several Facebook groups pertaining to these cars & of course to get real advice I had to come back on here.

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

I got the switch from Rockauto yesterday. Changed it out tonight. I have windshield washers again!

A friend brought me a broken switch for me to use to test but I never had time. That button on the end is more than just that I'd say. There's an entire circuit board inside the stick & in the base. I'd say there's more going on there than just a simple switch & some wires. So hopefully if anyone else has this issue they can see this in a search & it'll help them.

jdbaugh1

iTrader: (1)

Glad to hear that did the trick

exninja

iTrader: (1)

awesomesauce

cluelessk

With our cars aging I've thought it wouldn't hurt to go through and clean up all the grounds. Might help with all the little electrical gremlins we seem to have.

jdbaugh1

iTrader: (1)

Speaking of electrical gremlins. Sometimes when I hit the brakes hard my car will do that whole, no power steering, no tach, low fuel thing but then, so far, it always corrects itself

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

Where in Kansas are you?

One time I hit my brakes really hard & my info center popped up something about svc brakes soon. It's ony done it the one time. I have no idea what that was about.

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

You're probably correct

jdbaugh1

iTrader: (1)

close to hays

ghostmechanic

iTrader: (1)

You're about the same distance from Wichita as I am in the opposite direction lol.

Still cool to see someone else into these cars that's in Ks.