Windshield WASHER not working?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 139
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Windshield WASHER not working?
When I press the button for the windshield WASHER it turns on the wiper but doesn't spray:
1) There is plenty of fluid
2) The wiper motor is functioning and a replacement was tried just in case
3) All the fuses & links and cables and hoses are in good condition...
Does this sound like a bad SWITCH (on the turn signal arm)? If so, is it some kind of dual switch - I don't understand how the switch WOULD activate the wiper while NOT activating the washer - HELP!
1) There is plenty of fluid
2) The wiper motor is functioning and a replacement was tried just in case
3) All the fuses & links and cables and hoses are in good condition...
Does this sound like a bad SWITCH (on the turn signal arm)? If so, is it some kind of dual switch - I don't understand how the switch WOULD activate the wiper while NOT activating the washer - HELP!
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Windshield WASHER not working?
1) Have someone hit the washer switch while you listen (under the hood) for the pump motor to run. If it's working you'll hear it.
2) Pull the hose loose on the pump discharge. Have someone hit the switch .. if the pump is working, water will blow all over the place.
3) Blow into the hose and see if anything comes out of the nozzles.
4) To clean out the nozzles, pull the hose loose as close to the nozzle as possible. Use compressed air to blow back from the outside of the nozzle. If you don't have compressed air, use a can of electronic contact cleaner with a spray straw to blow it out.
2) Pull the hose loose on the pump discharge. Have someone hit the switch .. if the pump is working, water will blow all over the place.
3) Blow into the hose and see if anything comes out of the nozzles.
4) To clean out the nozzles, pull the hose loose as close to the nozzle as possible. Use compressed air to blow back from the outside of the nozzle. If you don't have compressed air, use a can of electronic contact cleaner with a spray straw to blow it out.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
Windshield WASHER not working?
I have tested the MOTOR (under the fluid container) and it is working...I suspect it is a bad switch - but like I say when I press the button in the WIPER works, but the WASHER does not?
I doubt it is a clog, as I do not hear the motor hum when I press the button...I DO hear the wiper however...
If it is the switch, how do I remove the turn signal lever? Is that tough to do - or does the tip just screw off?
Any help would be appreciated!
I doubt it is a clog, as I do not hear the motor hum when I press the button...I DO hear the wiper however...
If it is the switch, how do I remove the turn signal lever? Is that tough to do - or does the tip just screw off?
Any help would be appreciated!
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
I know this is 24 years later, but I just got my ‘85 F-150. 😆 No one mentioned that these old Fords have different fuses for the windshield WASHER and the windshield MOTOR? #2, 6, & 10 (was just reading a fuse chart).
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
In my experience the most common thing to go bad is the little pump in the washer tank. It is so common for me that I usually just buy a new pump and install it. I have never installed a new pump in vain. I have had plugged lines between the tank and washer nozzles but caught them before buying a new pump.
The above being said you may want to check the fuses you mentioned or. You may want to get an assistant and have them press the switch to activate the pump and take a test light to see if you are getting power through the wires where they hook to the pump.
Good luck with it and keep us posted.
The above being said you may want to check the fuses you mentioned or. You may want to get an assistant and have them press the switch to activate the pump and take a test light to see if you are getting power through the wires where they hook to the pump.
Good luck with it and keep us posted.
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4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2023
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I was half asleep when I posted. Looks like this might be what I saw. (for an ‘87). Isn’t in Haynes either. Lemme see if I can find what I was looking at. EDIT: my bad, musta been looking at ‘87. Stupid google, when I say ‘85, I MEAN ‘85! 😤
Last edited by MuthaTrucka; Dec 28, 2023 at 11:29 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
I’m cool, was just pointing out to anyone else having this issue, as it seems an odd thing not to have been mentioned. Fuses are the first place I look. Cheap and easy, and I don’t have to replace expensive things if it’s just a fuse…
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,860
Likes: 4,106
From: Angier, NC
I also think the OP back in 99 was working on a newer year truck as our trucks have the washer on the switch on the dash.
Turn signal is just that turn signal dose nothing more.
I would use a test light to see if the wire to the pump is getting power when you hit the switch for wash.
Mine just get a bad connection now and then but I dont use it so I dont worry it is not working ATM
Dave ----
Turn signal is just that turn signal dose nothing more.
I would use a test light to see if the wire to the pump is getting power when you hit the switch for wash.
Mine just get a bad connection now and then but I dont use it so I dont worry it is not working ATM
Dave ----
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 653
Likes: 105
From: New Dominion, PE
In my experience the most common thing to go bad is the little pump in the washer tank. It is so common for me that I usually just buy a new pump and install it. I have never installed a new pump in vain. I have had plugged lines between the tank and washer nozzles but caught them before buying a new pump.
The above being said you may want to check the fuses you mentioned or. You may want to get an assistant and have them press the switch to activate the pump and take a test light to see if you are getting power through the wires where they hook to the pump.
Good luck with it and keep us posted.
The above being said you may want to check the fuses you mentioned or. You may want to get an assistant and have them press the switch to activate the pump and take a test light to see if you are getting power through the wires where they hook to the pump.
Good luck with it and keep us posted.
plug in connector a wiggle and bada-bing! fluid sprayed. So the connector has some boogars inside. Another to-do...
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 803
I just had mine stop working. The truck was in storage for past 6 months. Had my wife start it and try the washer motor....nothing. I reached down under the washer fluid reservoir and gave the
plug in connector a wiggle and bada-bing! fluid sprayed. So the connector has some boogars inside. Another to-do...
plug in connector a wiggle and bada-bing! fluid sprayed. So the connector has some boogars inside. Another to-do...