windshield washer spray doesn't work?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
windshield washer spray doesn't work?
My windshield washer sprayer has been giving me trouble for the past two or three years. My mechanic has replaced the motor. Then I brought it back two times after it stopped working agian. But it worked when they tested it.
Now it is finally really dyeing. It has only rearly worked for minuets at a time for the last week. It is pretty cold out now though so I don't want to spend hours pulling everything appart outside in the snow.
I think it might be the combination windshield whipers/washer switch in the dashboard. The wiper part still works fine though. Should I get a new switch? Or is there somthing else I should be checking into?
Now it is finally really dyeing. It has only rearly worked for minuets at a time for the last week. It is pretty cold out now though so I don't want to spend hours pulling everything appart outside in the snow.
I think it might be the combination windshield whipers/washer switch in the dashboard. The wiper part still works fine though. Should I get a new switch? Or is there somthing else I should be checking into?
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
three possibilities for INTERMITTENT washer functions on a bronco depending on year, possibility #1, obviously the pump, #2 the washer switch itself, and #3 there is a level indicator in the fluid tank that will shut down the system if the tank is empty (this was problem in mine) to prevent pump from running dry. Easiest way to narrow down problem is when problem is occuring have someone hold washer switch on, check for 12V at pump, if you do have voltage at pump, replace pump assy, if no voltage, unplug the level indicator plug (from bottom of coolant/washer tank) and put a short across plug, then check for 12v again, if still no voltage, check switch and associated wiring. (note: just because windshield wipers come on when you press washer switch, do NOT automatically assume switch is good, it is a dual switch and half could be bad).
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood, WA
There's a 4th possibility, and I have a feeling that the Goat's car has that one, especially because I have the same problem, and diagnosed it beyond any doubt. The problem is with the connector that plugs into the tank and onto the washer motor's plugs. The jacks in that connector are just 2 thin pieces of copper rolled around to form an "O" embedded in some hard rubber, and over time they get loose and won't make a good connect. I already tried the stealership -- they could sell me some complete wiring harness, but not the connector itself. I also did some extensive online search, but came up empty handed. There's no fix (other than the complete harness) as far as I know, but there are various bandaids or hacks ( 
) to get the pump working.
) to get the pump working.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
That was the problem with mine, not the sensor itself, but the connecter that plugs into the side of the washer fluid tank got coolant/washer fluid in it, and corroded it, a little contact cleaner, and silicone dielectric grease took care of it. The hardest part was reproducing the problem, since it was so intermittent, every time I popped the hood to test it, it started working again. However thats why I mentioned unplugging it and shorting the level sensor out to rule that out as a possibility.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: END OF THE OREGON TRAIL
Originally Posted by aurgathor
There's a 4th possibility, and I have a feeling that the Goat's car has that one, especially because I have the same problem, and diagnosed it beyond any doubt. The problem is with the connector that plugs into the tank and onto the washer motor's plugs. The jacks in that connector are just 2 thin pieces of copper rolled around to form an "O" embedded in some hard rubber, and over time they get loose and won't make a good connect. I already tried the stealership -- they could sell me some complete wiring harness, but not the connector itself. I also did some extensive online search, but came up empty handed. There's no fix (other than the complete harness) as far as I know, but there are various bandaids or hacks ( ) to get the pump working.
) to get the pump working.
.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
If you are handy with a soldering iron, there are ways to fix this problem for good by changing the OEM connector to a different (more reliable) two-wire connector. I've done it to two Ford pump assemblies that have had a similar breakdown in conductivity.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood, WA
Thing is, that connector has several functions:
a) it transmits power to the washer motor
b) seals out water and dirt
c) stays in place
d) removable (even if it's a pain to do that )
Getting 3 out of 4 isn't that difficult, but getting all 4 properly without a correct connector is a bit tricky, at the very least. IMHO, the design is defective, either they should've used a blade type connector, or thicker plugs for more lasting contact.
a) it transmits power to the washer motor
b) seals out water and dirt
c) stays in place
d) removable (even if it's a pain to do that
)Getting 3 out of 4 isn't that difficult, but getting all 4 properly without a correct connector is a bit tricky, at the very least. IMHO, the design is defective, either they should've used a blade type connector, or thicker plugs for more lasting contact.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by greystreak92
If you are handy with a soldering iron, there are ways to fix this problem for good by changing the OEM connector to a different (more reliable) two-wire connector. I've done it to two Ford pump assemblies that have had a similar breakdown in conductivity.
Also I looked for the water level sensor illuzion was talking about but I couldn't find it. Am I correct in assuming ford only added this feature after my model year? (which is 1990 as far as I know)
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by aurgathor
The jacks in that connector are just 2 thin pieces of copper rolled around to form an "O" embedded in some hard rubber, and over time they get loose and won't make a good connect.
A Simular problem happened with the connector on top of my starter relay. I just crimped it tighter and rammed it on the relay and it has started every time since. I'm too scared to try on my bronco right now. The sprayer is working for now (maybee not, I probably broke the connection when I closed the door).
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood, WA
Hehehe, I've been doing that for a while, but after a couple of months (at most) they fail again.
What I'm trying to do is to put a very thin copper sleeve over the two plugs, but finding that in the right size is also not easy. If you don't care about water or dirt getting in there, you can use many other connectors without much problem.
What I'm trying to do is to put a very thin copper sleeve over the two plugs, but finding that in the right size is also not easy. If you don't care about water or dirt getting in there, you can use many other connectors without much problem.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore
Dont want to hi-jack this post, but would anyone know why in my resovior, the side that you pure the washer fluid into does not spill over to the side that feeds it out to the spray nosel? Basicly one side of my resovoir fills and the other does not, and the one side is filled to the top. and the other side is bone dry.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by aurgathor
Hehehe, I've been doing that for a while, but after a couple of months (at most) they fail again.