Rear window washer fluid fill?
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 56
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From: Kosciusko County, IN
Rear window washer fluid fill?
I've honestly looked thru my owner's manual several times.
Why is it I see that I have a rear window spray nozzle, but I don't see anywhere in back to fill up for using it? Is it supposed to flow all the way from the front to the back to work? If so, does ANYONE'S actually work?
Especially with winter here, I've kept my washer fluid reservior filled as much as possible, but in the 2 years I've owned it, I've never gotten anything out of my rear sprayer.
???
Why is it I see that I have a rear window spray nozzle, but I don't see anywhere in back to fill up for using it? Is it supposed to flow all the way from the front to the back to work? If so, does ANYONE'S actually work?
Especially with winter here, I've kept my washer fluid reservior filled as much as possible, but in the 2 years I've owned it, I've never gotten anything out of my rear sprayer.
???
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
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From: Central Coast of CA
If so, does ANYONE'S actually work?
I've never gotten anything out of my rear sprayer.
Stewart
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Franktown, CO
It is a single reservoir system. It only has one pump. The pump reverses direction depening on the signal. One signal comes off a relay positive the other negative. The line for the back runs in through the fire wall by the passenger kick panel. (by the passengers right foot) There is a splice there. it then routes through the kick plates ( the plastic strips you step on when you get in)
I would find the splice I mentioned above, pull it apart and operate the rear washer. If fluid is coming out there, work your way back. Or you may want to pull the hose off at the rear wiper and see what you get. The orafice may be clogged.
Mine has always worked - with the exception of that splice coming apart.
I think the only other splice that gives issues is inside the hatch.
I would find the splice I mentioned above, pull it apart and operate the rear washer. If fluid is coming out there, work your way back. Or you may want to pull the hose off at the rear wiper and see what you get. The orafice may be clogged.
Mine has always worked - with the exception of that splice coming apart.
I think the only other splice that gives issues is inside the hatch.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 155
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From: West Chester, PA
i had a 1995 ford explorer with the tank in the rear... if you opened the hatch, the fill was above the tail light. Now I have a 2004 Excursion and the rear washer does not work... thanks for the helpful info!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
The next most common connection failure is at the rear hatch inside the headliner but before the rear courtesy light. Search the forums here for instructions on how to get to it (5 minute fix) That is where my line failure was.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2011
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Hi I just came across this thread and if you're still having the issue I wanted to add my input. I know its an old thread. Sorry to bother.
I had the same issue with mine (02 Explorer) cause my back window would get so dirty and washer fluid never dispensed back there. I cant imagine it'd be much different on the excursion since all that area looks similar to my 98 Expedition too. Then I finally went after it one day and started tracing the rear wash line right into the interior of the passenger wheel well. Had it all torn out trying to find the line.
Don't sweat, it turns out that right behind the coolant reservoir fill cap under the hood there's something like a black box, maybe a vent or fuse box? Well right underneath the box at hands reach was a rubber connector linking the one hose to another. Like to extend it. It was disconnected and I just plugged it back into the splitter now it works great everytime. Just don't know how it came off. I wouldn't mess with the wheel well though it was such a pain and I wasn't able to get back on the way it was. I have somewhat loose rocker panel corner now. Hope this helps!
I had the same issue with mine (02 Explorer) cause my back window would get so dirty and washer fluid never dispensed back there. I cant imagine it'd be much different on the excursion since all that area looks similar to my 98 Expedition too. Then I finally went after it one day and started tracing the rear wash line right into the interior of the passenger wheel well. Had it all torn out trying to find the line.
Don't sweat, it turns out that right behind the coolant reservoir fill cap under the hood there's something like a black box, maybe a vent or fuse box? Well right underneath the box at hands reach was a rubber connector linking the one hose to another. Like to extend it. It was disconnected and I just plugged it back into the splitter now it works great everytime. Just don't know how it came off. I wouldn't mess with the wheel well though it was such a pain and I wasn't able to get back on the way it was. I have somewhat loose rocker panel corner now. Hope this helps!
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
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From: Central Coast of CA
Reps to ya.
Stewart
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 71
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Another thing to consider is the actual nozzle head. I took a pin and cleaned the nozzle tip to have a better spray pattern. Mine wasn't clogged 100%, but I wasn't able to get the spray to fully cover the back window.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 1
From: Stuart, FL
I use Rain-X all the time but never thought of putting it in the washer fluid. How much do you put in?
New User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8
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RainX is the best. I bought a bottle of the rainx conditioner that you add to the washer fluid. I added probably a 3rd of the bottle to a full reservoir and it works perfect it seems like is saves the wiper blades too cause it runs smoother on the glass.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 65
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thought id bump this one a lil. was just repairing my rear wiper motor and found that the washer didnt work. so i held it down for about 3 seconds.... bad idea lol. the line was broke in the rear above the rear lights. it started raining in my truck. i would have to remove headliner to fix it, so thats not gonna happen.
rear wiper DOES work now tho lol
rear wiper DOES work now tho lol
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Franklin NC
thought id bump this one a lil. was just repairing my rear wiper motor and found that the washer didnt work. so i held it down for about 3 seconds.... bad idea lol. the line was broke in the rear above the rear lights. it started raining in my truck. i would have to remove headliner to fix it, so thats not gonna happen.
rear wiper DOES work now tho lol
rear wiper DOES work now tho lol