Windshield Washer Not Spraying
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12
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From: Laramie, Wyoming
Windshield Washer Not Spratying
My trucks windsheild washer doesn't work properly. Ever since I got the truck I've had to fiddle with it to get it to spray, but not it's gotten really bad. I hold the button in and have to move the lever all over the place, sometimes even turn a turn signal on before it will start spraying. Anybody have any idea how I might be able to fix this? Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
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From: NE TX
Nope, I was hoping maybe just your hose come loose or pump went out (or even out of water). I don't know alot about "multiFunction switches but I have replaced them. I consult Haynes or CD-ROM service manual but I don't have one right now for '97-03 F150 F250LD. Since it sometimes works the fuse isn't suspectable, I'd think it was in the switch but I can't tell you how to get it out or anything right now. There is a lot of experienced people here sometimes. Stay current and somebody'll help out soon. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 113
Likes: 3
From: Mpls
It's the multifuntion switch. I've been through this on my truck as well. It's the electrical contacts inside the switch that are at issue here.
The fix is pretty simple:
-Pop the cap off the end of the lever with your finger nail.
-Remove the phillips head screw.
-Pull everything out and spray all metal contacts with plenty of "Brakeleen." The stuff in the red can works well for cleaning.
It's not too tricky. The parts only go back in the way they were originally installed, so you can't mis-assemble it unless you try.
The 1st time I cleaned mine, I used electrical contact cleaner.... That fix only lasted about a week. The last time, I used Brakeleen and it's been working properly for about a year and 1/2. Don't over-tighten the screw though.
The fix is pretty simple:
-Pop the cap off the end of the lever with your finger nail.
-Remove the phillips head screw.
-Pull everything out and spray all metal contacts with plenty of "Brakeleen." The stuff in the red can works well for cleaning.
It's not too tricky. The parts only go back in the way they were originally installed, so you can't mis-assemble it unless you try.
The 1st time I cleaned mine, I used electrical contact cleaner.... That fix only lasted about a week. The last time, I used Brakeleen and it's been working properly for about a year and 1/2. Don't over-tighten the screw though.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12
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From: Laramie, Wyoming
I took the switch apart and cleaned it and now it's working better, I still have to mess with it a little bit but nothing that is annoying like it was before, thanks for the help!
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8
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I had a similar problem. It turned out to be a dirty connection where the wiring harness plugs into the washer pump motor out under the hood. Try the same contact cleaner trick on that connection as well.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
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washer switch on '97 Expy
On my '97 Expy the end cap is held in by two opposing tabs that have to be depressed slightly inside the arm before it pops off (try thin skinny blades on either side of the button. I cleaned the surfaces with brake cleaner as suggested above, then applied dielectric grease. Washer now works with a jiggle of the button. Not perfect, but ok for a 100k mile Expy.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 4
From: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
My '97 F150 had intermittent washer problems, which went away after replacing the multifunction switch twice. The third time, I ran a lamp cord to the washer pump and installed an old door bell switch under the dash controlling 12volts directly to the washer pump from the battery...had to bend over to reach it, but it worked fine!
Another time, I found a circular piece of plastic floating in the reservoir which intermittently clogged the intake to the pump.
It turned out to be the seal from the lid of the washer fluid bottle.
Just flush out the reservoir once in a while with the garden hose.
Good luck.
(I finally got tired of this nonsense, jacked up the keys, and slipped a new F150 under them.)
Another time, I found a circular piece of plastic floating in the reservoir which intermittently clogged the intake to the pump.
It turned out to be the seal from the lid of the washer fluid bottle.
Just flush out the reservoir once in a while with the garden hose.
Good luck.
(I finally got tired of this nonsense, jacked up the keys, and slipped a new F150 under them.)