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Chevrolet Silverado: Windshield Wiper Diagnostic

Windshield wiper issues shouldn't leave you scratching your head. Read more to troubleshoot your Chevy Silverado using these helpful tips.

By Charlie Gaston - June 4, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado GMT800, GMT900, and K2XX (1999-Present).

Your windshield washer system can go out for any number of reasons. While the usual culprit is simply a pair of worn out washer blades, other larger issues could also be at hand. This article will walk you through the most common problems, and identify telltale signs of a faulty component. Most repairs you can complete on your own; however, several replacement and/or actual repairs will require professional experience and specialized tools. In those cases, you'll want to head over to your local Chevrolet dealership or garage for help. Let's get started!

Materials Needed

  • Owner's manual
  • Aftermarket motor
  • Washer pump
  • Voltmeter
  • Replacement fuse
  • Washer fluid

Step 1 – Check your washer system

It might be clogged or faulty.

It's recommended that you check your whole washer system under a work light, or while your truck is parked in direct sunlight.

  • Make sure your nozzles aren't clogged. If they are, water won't spray through your windshield wipers while they are engaged.
  • Make sure your hoses aren't crimped or blocked. Also, check for telltale signs of a possible leak.
  • Your reservoir should be full and free of leaks. Top it up if it's empty or the volume is low.
Figure 1. This is a diagram of a windshield washer pump.

Pro Tip

Reservoir replacements are available online or through your local auto parts store for as low as $50.

Step 2 – Replace your washer motor

It might be failing.

Replacing your washer motor is a relatively easy repair. In most cases, you won't need to make a trip down to your local Chevrolet dealership or garage. Simply purchase a replacement aftermarket motor and replacement hose kit. (New as well as used varieties are available online and through your local auto parts store from $45 to $200.)

  • Replace the motor if no water sprays out when your windshield wipers are activated.
  • With your engine turned off, run your washer pump.
  • Listen for signs that your windshield washer pump motor is working properly. There will be a slight humming sound.
  • If sufficient power is getting to your pump but water is still not flowing through your system, the motor will most likely need to be replaced.
  • Also, check the linkage between your wiper motor and the actual wipers. It might be broken.
Figure 2. Motor replacement is an easy plug and play job.

Pro Tip

Check that power is getting to your pump using a voltmeter, which can be had at your local parts store for about $20. Your washer pump is located on your washer fluid well.

Step 3 – Check your fuses

The fuse to your washer system may have blown.

  • Access the appropriate fuse by popping the hood of your truck and locating your fuse panel.
  • Check that the fuse to your washer system has not blown and is currently in good working order.
  • A blown fuse is relatively easy to spot. Look for a broken strip in the center of the fuse (see Figure 3 for a sample).
  • Replace the fuse as needed.
Figure 3. Blown versus good fuses.

Pro Tip

You can find replacement fuses in large packs for only a few dollars at your local electrics or car parts store.

Step 4 – Check your control modules

They might be bad.

As a general measure of repair, always check your control modules for damage. Swapping out a bad control module for a new one is generally considered an easy replacement to make. However, you could also have your local Chevrolet dealership make the switch for a couple hundred dollars.

Here are the modules you'll most want to look out for:

  • Body control module: this module controls the function of your vehicle, including your windshield wipers and washers.
  • Wiper heater module
  • Transmission control module
  • Transfer case module
  • Engine control module
Figure 4. Check behind the fuse panel under the dash and in the engine compartment.

Pro Tip

Control modules control the operation of select components within your vehicle (i.e., the transmission control module controls the operation of your transmission.)

Step 5 – Check your windshield wiper arms

There might be a loose bolt.

Lift the arm and check the center bolt for tightness. Tighten as needed to reduce unwanted movement.

Figure 5. Tighten the bolt until it is secure.

Pro Tip

You might feel a little resistance when tightening the bolt. This is normal. Continue to tighten the bolt until it is secure.

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