widshield washer
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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widshield washer
i have a 2000 xls 4.0l ohv my windshield washer in the front does not workthe rear washer does work i have changed the pump but the front stilldoesnot work both front and rear works off the same pump i also changed themulti function switch for other reasons but still no washer in the frontif you push the button about 30 time it will work once or twice but thatsit any clues on the cause of this problem would be great because we havebeen geting alot of snow so all that dam salt gets all over the windowwith no way af washing it</PRE>
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 856
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
Check the nozzles and lines to the front washer. I waxed many cars and gotten wax in the spray heads, when it dries it makes a great dam. A very thin wire usually cleans it out. You can also disconnect the line and blow through it to see if there is a pinch or blockage. Just some thoughts.
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
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I had exactly the same problem on my 1998 Expedition. After studying the wiring diagram I was able to troubleshoot and correct the problem rather quickly and inexpensively.
The problem is acutually the rear washer pump relay. Because the rear washer is working and the front is not it would seem logical that the problem is with either the front fuse or relay but this IS NOT the case. When the washer system is idle (not being used) the front and back washer pump relays send ground to the pump. When you activate the front washer pump, it reverts one of wires going to the pump to +12, and the pumps spins forward and sprays the front windshield. When the pump is done, the relay switches that wire from +12 back to ground. The exact opposite occurs when you activate the rear washer pump, ie the other wire going to the pump now gets the +12 and the pump runs backwards and flows fluid to the rear window.
The problem with your truck is that the rear washer pump relay is NOT switching to ground, so when you activate the front washer relay, its wire is changing from ground to +12 but the other wire (coming from the rear pump relay) has not switched to ground and therefore the pump has only +12 without ground and cannot run forward. Trust me on this one.
To determine which relay is the rear washer, either find a good electrical diagram or have someone active the rear washer and you should be able to hear/feel the relay clicking. Pull the relays out to confirm that it was the correct one (ie no more clicking and no more rear washer fluid or pump running). This relay is usually located in a plastic box with removable top under the hood of the vehicle. You can buy a replacement relay from any auto parts store for $10.00. Problem solved.
The problem is acutually the rear washer pump relay. Because the rear washer is working and the front is not it would seem logical that the problem is with either the front fuse or relay but this IS NOT the case. When the washer system is idle (not being used) the front and back washer pump relays send ground to the pump. When you activate the front washer pump, it reverts one of wires going to the pump to +12, and the pumps spins forward and sprays the front windshield. When the pump is done, the relay switches that wire from +12 back to ground. The exact opposite occurs when you activate the rear washer pump, ie the other wire going to the pump now gets the +12 and the pump runs backwards and flows fluid to the rear window.
The problem with your truck is that the rear washer pump relay is NOT switching to ground, so when you activate the front washer relay, its wire is changing from ground to +12 but the other wire (coming from the rear pump relay) has not switched to ground and therefore the pump has only +12 without ground and cannot run forward. Trust me on this one.
To determine which relay is the rear washer, either find a good electrical diagram or have someone active the rear washer and you should be able to hear/feel the relay clicking. Pull the relays out to confirm that it was the correct one (ie no more clicking and no more rear washer fluid or pump running). This relay is usually located in a plastic box with removable top under the hood of the vehicle. You can buy a replacement relay from any auto parts store for $10.00. Problem solved.
Last edited by jhdavis; Mar 25, 2006 at 12:45 PM.
