Windshield-Washer System Repair and Maintenance

The windshield-washer system consists of a washer-fluid reservoir, a pump, fluid lines and spray nozzles. When working properly, the pump forces fluid from the reservoir through the lines and sprays it onto the windshield. If the washer system isn’t delivering fluid, the cause may be a leaky reservoir or a worn-out pump. As you engage the washer, you should hear the hum of the pump. If you hear no noise, the problem is likely a bad pump. For an exact diagnosis, you’ll probably need to remove the reservoir.

1. In our example vehicle (1998 Mercury Mystique) the reservoir and pump are mounted in front of the car battery, so it’s necessary to remove the battery before proceeding. First, disconnect the negative terminal. Next, detach the bracket that holds the battery down and remove the battery. Loosen the bracket that holds the reservoir in place and lift out the reservoir/pump assembly.
2. Check the electrical wires attached to the pump and the tubing attached to the reservoir to see whether the connections are good. If one is loose, reattaching it may solve your problem.
3. If the pump or reservoir needs to be replaced, you can purchase it from a parts center or a dealership.

• Tip: If you want to save money, consider picking up a used reservoir at a salvage yard. The reservoir is all plastic, so it won’t rust or deteriorate while sitting in a junkyard. A used reservoir should be fine as long as it has no leaks. Replacement pumps, however, should be purchased new.

1. Attach the new pump to the new reservoir.
2. Transfer the hardware — including the mounting bracket, the rubber bushing, the rubber fluid line and the bracket that holds the pump in place — from the old reservoir to the new one.
3. With the hardware installed and all connections made, install the new reservoir, and attach it securely with the mounting bracket. Put the battery back in place. Fill the reservoir with fresh fluid. Check the system to see whether it sprays properly onto the windshield.

If the pump seems to be working but no water is getting to the sprayer nozzle, check the fluid lines for kinks or clogs. Another problem may be a clogged sprayer nozzle. You can use a safety pin to clear a clogged nozzle.

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