2000 Explorer - Front Washer Fluid not working
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2000 Explorer - Front Washer Fluid not working
Hey all!
So my wife and I swap vehicles for one day and what happens? It snows like hell and she can't get any wiper fluid to come out!
I started some troubleshooting and missed some clear indicators of the problem.
->Rear fluid works
->No pump engagement when trying the front fluid
Wasn't sure if I had 1 or 2 pumps (separate front and back or just one) so I bought one, tore out the reservoir (boy that air intake was a pita), swapped the pumps and PRESTO!
Still didn't work.
This leads me to believe I should have realized it was switch/power related all along.
So I need some advice. I don't mind tearing things apart, but I'm not good with electrical. Should I just buy a new whole stock and see if that works? My fuse isn't blown and seems to also be for the power windows, which do work, so I think I should be fine from that point.
Advice please? Very appreciated!
So my wife and I swap vehicles for one day and what happens? It snows like hell and she can't get any wiper fluid to come out!
I started some troubleshooting and missed some clear indicators of the problem.
->Rear fluid works
->No pump engagement when trying the front fluid
Wasn't sure if I had 1 or 2 pumps (separate front and back or just one) so I bought one, tore out the reservoir (boy that air intake was a pita), swapped the pumps and PRESTO!
Still didn't work.
This leads me to believe I should have realized it was switch/power related all along.
So I need some advice. I don't mind tearing things apart, but I'm not good with electrical. Should I just buy a new whole stock and see if that works? My fuse isn't blown and seems to also be for the power windows, which do work, so I think I should be fine from that point.
Advice please? Very appreciated!
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
If you have the wipers off and activate the washer switch do the wipers make a pass or two? If not, there's a good chance the switch is the issue or the GEM is not providing the proper operation.
If the wipers do make a pass or two though, the switch is not the issue. Then you're more likely looking at a wiring or relay issue between the GEM and the pump. Fuse 12 (7.5A) in the Central Junction Box is the fuse for the washer relay. 7.5A is too low for a power window circuit so I suspect you were checking the wrong fuse.
-Rod
If the wipers do make a pass or two though, the switch is not the issue. Then you're more likely looking at a wiring or relay issue between the GEM and the pump. Fuse 12 (7.5A) in the Central Junction Box is the fuse for the washer relay. 7.5A is too low for a power window circuit so I suspect you were checking the wrong fuse.
-Rod
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Hey thanks for the quick replies guys! I bout this truck used and she didn't come with a manual, so I found a fuse box list online that was clearly wrong.
When I activate the washer from the stalk the wipers do run, and the rest of the functions on it work as well.
This all sounds like Relay to me. I think I found a copy of the manual online, so I'll check the fuse panel again to make sure I get the right one this time, but if it's electrical I may have to bow out. I've never really gotten along with that stuff.
When I activate the washer from the stalk the wipers do run, and the rest of the functions on it work as well.
This all sounds like Relay to me. I think I found a copy of the manual online, so I'll check the fuse panel again to make sure I get the right one this time, but if it's electrical I may have to bow out. I've never really gotten along with that stuff.
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I forgot to mention here that the switch for the rear washer fluid DOES work, and makes the wiper go. How does that affect the diagnosis?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
From what I can make of the wiring diagrams, the polarity to the washer pump is reversed to switch from front washers to rear washers. There's just one pump. Looks like there should be two outlet hoses and depending on which switch is pressed (front or rear) determines which way the pump spins and therefore which window gets fluid.
I suppose for the time being you could swap the outlet hoses so that at least if fluid is needed when driving, the rear washer button could be pressed.
But since the rear works, that says the pump is good and the wiring is good. I'd suggest you remove the hose for the front and make sure the issue isn't just a plugged hose for the windshield washer. If the pump definitely doesn't run when the front washer switch is pressed, check to see if both wires to the pump motor are at ground potential. If so, that says one of the relays is not switching. For front wash, the Front Washer Pump Relay should switch the contacts from ground to power. Confirm that you have power to relay terminals 1 and 5 with the key in the Run position. If so, then see if you get ground to terminal 2 while the washer switch is pressed. If you do, chances are pretty good the relay is the issue.
-Rod
I suppose for the time being you could swap the outlet hoses so that at least if fluid is needed when driving, the rear washer button could be pressed.
But since the rear works, that says the pump is good and the wiring is good. I'd suggest you remove the hose for the front and make sure the issue isn't just a plugged hose for the windshield washer. If the pump definitely doesn't run when the front washer switch is pressed, check to see if both wires to the pump motor are at ground potential. If so, that says one of the relays is not switching. For front wash, the Front Washer Pump Relay should switch the contacts from ground to power. Confirm that you have power to relay terminals 1 and 5 with the key in the Run position. If so, then see if you get ground to terminal 2 while the washer switch is pressed. If you do, chances are pretty good the relay is the issue.
-Rod
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Man it's great to have people out there who know what they are talking about! I know the hose isn't plugged because when I took the pump off to begin with I blew through it to make sure and it didn't have any problem. Didn't think of reversing the hoses, that's a great idea! I'm leaning toward this being a relay problem. Hopefully I'll have a chance to check that out today or tomorrow. Thanks again Rod!
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Logistics Pro
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Yep, I still have the files. Same rules apply though - I need an e-mail address for you to send them to. You should be able to left click on my username to the left of this post, select "Send a private message..." and provide me with your e-mail address that way.
-Rod
-Rod
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Looks like I might not have been around long enough to do that... I added you to my contacts, but it says I have 1 of 0 allowed messages in my inbox and I can't find a create button to send you one. Could you send me one and have me reply?
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SOLUTION! So I found the aux relay box under the air intake housing (or very close to it) and pulled out the relay for the front and back washer pumps. I polished up all the contacts and then SWITCHED them. Now I have front, no back. No problem! Back Wiper doesn't work properly anyway! Thanks again!
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