B3715 on 2004-2011 Chevrolet Colorado: Wiper Control Circuit Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2004-2011 Chevrolet COLORADO

This is a very common and well-documented issue on the first-generation Colorado and its platform mates, the GMC Canyon and Hummer H3. General Motors issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB PIT3827D) that pinpoints the most frequent cause: a break in a specific yellow wire (Circuit 196). Many owners or technicians mistakenly replace the wiper motor, when the actual problem is simply a wiring fault that can be repaired for much less. The TSB explicitly details this common misdiagnosis.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Wipers cycle 1-3 times on their own, especially after the ignition is turned on.
• Wipers stop in the middle of the windshield instead of their parked position.
• Windshield wipers do not work at all.
• Intermittent wiper settings do not function correctly.
• Wipers will only work on the highest speed setting.

Most Likely Causes

1. Open in Wiper Park Circuit (Circuit 196) 🔴 High Probability This is a known failure point documented in GM TSB #PIT3827D. The wiring harness can chafe or break due to vibration and routing within the dashboard and engine bay.
   How to confirm: Inspect the yellow wire (Circuit 196) for breaks. The TSB identifies two common chafe points: one under the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) in the engine bay, and another in the harness behind the instrument panel, about 8-12 inches from the BCM connector. A continuity test between the BCM connector C1, pin A20, and the wiper motor connector will confirm the open circuit. A temporary fused jumper wire can be used to bypass the original wire; if the wipers then work correctly, the open circuit is confirmed.
   Typical fix: Locate the break in the yellow wire and repair it using a butt connector with heat shrink or by soldering and sealing the connection. This is a common DIY repair discussed in owner forums.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15
2. Faulty Windshield Wiper Motor 🟡 Medium Probability The internal park switch within the motor assembly can fail. This is a common failure point for many vehicles, including the Colorado and its platform mates.
   How to confirm: If the wiring (Circuit 196 and others) tests good for continuity, power, and ground, the internal park switch or electronics within the motor itself may have failed. You can test the motor by applying 12V power and ground directly to its terminals. If it runs but exhibits the same parking issue when installed, the internal park switch is faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the windshield wiper motor assembly.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250
3. Damaged Connector or Terminals ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the electrical connectors at both the Body Control Module and the wiper motor for corrosion, backed-out pins, or damaged terminals. A poor connection can mimic an open circuit. Wiggle the connectors while the system is on to see if it causes the wipers to act up.
   Typical fix: Clean or repair the affected connector terminals. In severe cases, the connector pigtail may need to be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $10-$40

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM): This is very rare. The BCM is the computer that controls the wipers. It should only be considered after all wiring and the wiper motor have been proven to be good. BCM replacement requires programming specific to the vehicle's VIN and options.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the Body Control Module (BCM) for codes B3715 and/or B3718.
2. Observe the wiper behavior. Note if they cycle on their own or park incorrectly, as this matches the primary symptom of the known wiring issue.
3. Gain access to the BCM, which is located behind the right-hand (passenger side) kick panel and sill plate.
4. Gain access to the wiper motor, located at the left rear of the engine compartment, under the plastic cowl cover.
5. Inspect Circuit 196, which is a yellow wire, for visible signs of damage. Pay close attention to the harness area under the EBCM and the section behind the instrument panel near the BCM, as noted in TSB PIT3827D.
6. Perform a continuity test on the yellow wire between the BCM connector C1, pin A20, and the wiper motor connector. An infinite resistance reading (OL) confirms an open circuit.
7. As a secondary confirmation, run a fused jumper wire to temporarily bypass Circuit 196. If the wipers begin to function correctly, the original wire is confirmed to be broken.
8. If continuity is good, check for proper power and ground at the wiper motor connector using a multimeter.
9. If all wiring and connections are confirmed to be good, the wiper motor assembly is the next most likely cause of failure.
10. Only consider the BCM as the fault if all other components and wiring have been ruled out.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Windshield Wiper Motor (OEM #88958223) — If the wiring is intact, the internal park switch or electronics in the motor are the next most common failure point for these symptoms.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Cardone, WAI Global, Dorman
  OEM price range: $230-$260
  Aftermarket price range: $180-$220
• Wire and Butt Connectors — This is needed to repair the likely break in the yellow wire (Circuit 196), which is the most common cause of code B3715.
  OEM price range: $5-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B3718 — This code also relates to the wiper control circuit. TSB PIT3827D explicitly mentions that B3715 and B3718 may be stored together for the same fault condition.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIT3827D: Wipers Cycle Several Times Then Park In The Middle Of The Windshield. This TSB details the common cause of B3715 being an open in circuit 196 (yellow wire) and applies to both the Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue, documented in TSB PIT3827D, involves the yellow wire (Circuit 196) breaking. Common chafe points are under the EBCM and in the dash harness near the BCM.
• Owners on forums like ColoradoFans and 355Nation frequently discuss this exact failure, with many confirming the broken yellow wire was the culprit, saving them from buying an unnecessary wiper motor.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Voltage on Wiper Park Signal Circuit (Circuit 196) at BCM — expected: Near 0V when wipers are in the parked position (park switch closed). Near system voltage (12V) when wipers are active (park switch open).. Failure: If voltage is always high or does not transition from high to low when wipers are commanded on, it indicates an open in Circuit 196 or a faulty park switch.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM Tech 2: Full bidirectional control for powertrain, chassis, and body diagnostics. — A Tech 2 scanner can be used to command the wipers ON and OFF (low and high speed) to test the BCM's control over the wiper relays and motor, helping to isolate the fault between the control side and the motor/park switch side.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• BCM Connector C1, Pin A20 — The Body Control Module (BCM) is behind the right (passenger side) kick panel. C1 is one of the main connectors. Pin A20 is the specific terminal for the Windshield Wiper Motor Park Switch Signal.. This is the starting point for testing Circuit 196 (Yellow Wire) for continuity to the wiper motor, as specified in TSB PIT3827D.
• Wiper Motor Connector — Located on the windshield wiper motor at the left rear of the engine compartment, under the plastic cowl cover.. This is the endpoint for testing Circuit 196. It also receives power and ground, which must be verified if the circuit test passes.
• G105 — Located on the left side of the engine compartment, near the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM).. This is a primary ground point for several components in the engine bay, including the Windshield Wiper Motor and Windshield Washer Fluid Pump. A corroded or loose G105 could cause various electrical issues, including wiper malfunction.
• Underhood Fuse Block — On the left front side of the engine compartment.. This block contains the primary fuses (WIP/WASH FUSE 8 & WIPER FUSE 14) and relays (WPR & WPR 2) for the wiper system.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• BAT Auto Technical Forum (2004 Chevy Colorado, 3.5L 5-Cyl) — When ignition is turned on, wipers run for 3 seconds and stop in a random position. Intermittent, low, and medium speeds do the same. Only high speed works correctly.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced the wiper motor, Replaced the two wiper relays
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user was advised by other technicians on the forum to follow TSB #3827 and check the yellow wire (Circuit 196) for an open. The final fix was confirmed to be repairing this broken wire.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 88958223 → Discontinued — Part is being removed from the GM product line.
  Heads up: The original GM Genuine Part is no longer available. Aftermarket replacements from brands like Cardone, WAI Global, or Dorman are the primary option.