A co-worker has a 2016 Dodge Journey. The windshield wipers will not work if it’s 30 degrees or below outside. Once the car warms up or it gets about 30 Degrees, they work fine. Fuses ok and replaced relay but didn’t help. Lubed all linkages and still didn’t help. Any ideas?
Long story short, there's 2 networks (LIN and CAN), the wiper switch, SAS module, BCM, TIPM (underhood fuse box), BOTH wiper relays, a fuse, and the wiper motor involved in making the wipers work.
Here's what it looks like on that 2016 Journey (I highlighted Red for Power, Green for Ground, Purple for Network):
So the 1st thing is that either relay can keep the wipers from working. If the Wiper On/Off relay was replaced and the Wiper High/Low relay wasn't replaced you may want to start with replacing the High/Low Relay too.
Also, since it acts up below freezing temp that will be the best condition to troubleshoot the issue.
If you look how it's wired, Power goes from Fuse 184 (30 amp) to the Wiper On/Off Relay socket 87. When the BCM energizes that relay power comes out of that Relay at socket 30 and goes to the Wiper High/Low Relay socket 30.
That's a good place to start troubleshooting.
When it's below freezing outside, if you pull out the Wiper High/Low Relay, turn the Key to ON, turn the Wipers to Low speed, Is There Power on Socket 30 of the Wiper High/Low Relay? (check with a test light)
If there is Power there, grab a paperclip bent into a "U" shape and jump the Wiper High/Low Relay sockets 30 & 87A. If the wiper motor doesn't run then you can check to see if there's power getting to the wiper motor on the Brown/White wire at the wiper motor connector (pin2) like @justin-shepherd suggests to see if it's a problem with a failing wiper motor, or if the problem is in the wiring from the TIPM to the wiper motor or the wiring connector at the wiper motor.
If there isn't Power on socket 30 of the Wiper High/Low relay you'll need to find somebody with a good scanner that can access the BCM Live Data to see if it's receiving the command signals from the wiper switch through the SAS.
((Wiring diagram without my color highlights)):
Trace the cable to the motor and disconnect it. Then, use a multimeter and plug the positive lead in the socket. Touch the negative to something metal in the engine bay, like the firewall. It should read 12 volts when the wiper switch is turned on.
Also, check the wiper motor for continuity with the meter, if it's capable. The motor may be breaking down inside, cold taxes the electric motor just like a starter. Odd to happen on a 7 year old car, but it is a Dodge, they're known for electrical issues.
