Right Multi-Function Switch

The right (wiper) multi-function switch uses resistor multiplexing to control the many functions and features it provides using a minimal number of hard wired circuits. The switch receives clean grounds from the Steering Control Module (SCM), then provides resistor multiplexed return outputs to the SCM to indicate the selected switch positions. The SCM then sends electronic switch status  messages over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus to the other electronic modules in the vehicle and provides two hard wired driver outputs to control rear wiper motor operation.

If the SCM detects no inputs from the right multi-function switch, it transmits an electronic Signal Not Available  (SNA) status message over the CAN data bus. The SNA status signals the other electronic modules to implement a failsafe mode of operation for the front and rear wiper systems. The failsafe mode will maintain the last selected front and rear wiper system operation for the remainder of the current ignition cycle, after which both wiper systems will default to OFF.

The right multi-function switch as well as the hard wired inputs and outputs of the switch may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article.

Following are descriptions of how the right multi-function switch is operated to control the many front and rear wiper and washer system functions and features it provides:

• Front Wiper Control  - The control knob on the end of the right multi-function switch control stalk is rotated to one of the two continuous wiper detents, to one of five intermittent wiper or automatic wiper detents, or to the OFF position to select the front wiper mode. The SCM reads the resistor multiplexed input from the right multi-function switch and sends electronic switch status  messages over the CAN data bus to the other electronic modules in the vehicle. On vehicles with optional automatic wipers, the Rain Sensor Module (RSM) responds to electronic sensitivity level setting  messages with electronic wipe command  messages when the appropriate moisture levels are detected on the windshield.
• Front Wiper Mist Mode  - The front wiper mist mode is requested when the right multi-function switch control stalk is depressed downward towards the floor to a momentary MIST position. The front wiper motor will continue to operate, one complete cycle at a time, for as long as the control stalk is held in this position. The SCM reads the resistor multiplexed input from the right multi-function switch and sends an electronic switch status  message over the CAN bus to the other electronic modules in the vehicle.
• Front Washer Control  - The right multi-function switch control stalk is pulled rearward towards the steering wheel to a momentary WASH position to activate the washer pump/motor in the front washer mode. The washer pump/motor will continue to operate for as long as the control stalk is held in this position. The SCM reads the resistor multiplexed input from the right multi-function switch and sends an electronic switch status  message over the CAN bus to the other electronic modules in the vehicle.
• Rear Wiper Control  - The rear wiper mode is selected when the right multi-function switch control sleeve is rotated to the continuous rear wipe detent position, the fixed interval intermittent rear wipe detent position, or the OFF detent position. The SCM reads the resistor multiplexed input from the right multi-function switch and sends an electronic switch status  message over the CAN bus to the other electronic modules in the vehicle and provides hard wired signal outputs to the rear wiper motor through two driver circuits.
• Rear Washer Control  - The right multi-function switch control sleeve is rotated to one of two momentary WASH positions, either fully forward or fully rearward, to activate the washer pump/motor in the rear washer mode. The washer pump/motor will continue to operate in the rear washer mode until the control sleeve is released. The SCM reads the resistor multiplexed input from the right multi-function switch and sends an electronic switch status  message over the CAN bus to the other electronic modules in the vehicle and provides hard wired signal outputs to the rear wiper motor through two driver circuits.