Jeep Cherokee (XJ): General information

Introduction

Windshield wiper and washer systems are standard factory-installed equipment on this model. A rear wiper and washer system is optional factory-installed equipment. Following is general information about the available wiper and washer systems for this vehicle. Refer to 8W-53 - Wipers in Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit descriptions and diagrams.

NOTE: This group covers both Left-Hand Drive (LHD) and Right-Hand Drive (RHD) versions of this model. Whenever required and feasible, the RHD versions of affected vehicle components have been constructed as mirror-image of the LHD versions.

While most of the illustrations used in this group represent only the LHD version, the diagnostic and service procedures outlined can generally be applied to either version. Exceptions to this rule have been clearly identified as LHD or RHD, if a special illustration or procedure is required.

Windshield wiper system

WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM An intermittent windshield wiper system is standard equipment on this model. The intermittent wiper system lets the driver select from either of two wiper speeds, low or high, or the intermittent wipe delay mode.

The intermittent wipe mode delay times are driver adjustable from about one second to about fifteen seconds.

The intermittent wipe mode is provided by delay logic and relay control circuitry contained within the intermittent wiper/washer switch. The intermittent wipe relay is also contained within the switch.

The windshield wipers will operate only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On positions. A circuit breaker located in the junction block protects the circuitry of the windshield wiper system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the windshield wiper system.

Windshield washer system

An electrically operated windshield washer system is standard equipment. The washer reservoir is located between the inner and outer front fenders, above and forward of the left front wheel housing.

The reservoir filler neck is located in the engine compartment on the left inner fender shield.

The washer reservoir holds the washer fluid, which is pressurized by a pump when the windshield washer switch lever is actuated. The windshield washer pump feeds the pressurized washer fluid through the washer system plumbing to the windshield washer nozzles.

A low washer fluid warning lamp is standard equipment on all models equipped with the optional rear wiper and washer system. The low washer fluid warning lamp in the instrument cluster will warn the driver when the washer fluid level needs to be checked. Refer to Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for more information on this feature.

The washers will operate only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On positions. If the wipers are not already turned on when the washers are activated, the wipers will be automatically cycled for one or two wipes, then be turned off. A fuse located in the junction block protects the circuitry of the washer system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the windshield washer system.

Rear wiper and washer system

A rear wiper and washer system is an available option on this model. The rear wiper system is a fixed-cycle wiper system. A single switch in the instrument panel accessory switch bezel controls both the rear wiper and washer functions. The rear washer system shares the reservoir of the windshield washer system, but has its own dedicated washer pump and plumbing.

The rear wiper and washer systems will operate only when the ignition switch is in the Accessory or On positions. A fuse in the junction block protects the circuitry of both the rear wiper and washer systems.

Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the rear wiper and washer system