GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using the diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3873 00:  Front Washer Relay Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Windshield Washer Switch Signal

2

1

1

--

Windshield Washer Pump Control

1

1

2

--

Windshield Washer Relay Control

2

1

B3873

--

Windshield Washer Pump Ground

--

1

--

--

Windshield Wiper Switch Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Washer Inoperative

2. Washers Always ON

Circuit/System Description

The windshield washer function is controlled by the body control module (BCM). When the washer switch is pressed, ground is applied through the switch contacts and the signal circuit to the BCM indicating the wash request. The BCM then applies ground through the control circuit to the coil side of the WSH Relay energizing the relay. With the relay energized, battery voltage from the WPR fuse is applied through the switch contacts of the relay, the WSW/PUMP Fuse, and the control circuit to the windshield washer fluid pump.

Conditions for Running the DTC

This DTC can set only when the output is actively being requested by the BCM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

This DTC sets if the BCM detects a short to battery voltage in the windshield washer pump relay control circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The BCM will not activate the output.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The current DTC will become history when the request for the output is removed or when the condition for setting the fault is corrected.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles without a fault present.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Wiper/Washer Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

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 Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X4 harness connector at the BCM.
  2. Ignition ON, Verifythe windshield washer pump is not on.
  3. If the windshield washer pump is on, test the windshield washer pump relay control circuit terminal  15 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal replace the underhood fuse block.
  4. Install a 10A fused jumper wire between the relay control circuit terminal  15 and ground. Verify the windshield washer pump is on.
  5. If the windshield washer pump is not on, test the relay control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the underhood fuse block.
  6. If all circuits test normal, replace the BCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming