Washer not Washin'!
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Washer not Washin'!
Hi All....first post. Did a search but found nothing like my problem. 98 explorer XLT. No windshield washer front or rear. Wipers OK. Put 12v from battery directly to the pump. Pump is fine. Fuse #12 7.5 amps is fine. Don't think it's the multi-function switch cause the rear doesn't work either and it has a separate button on the dash. Is there a relay that controls this pump? Owners manual shows relays in the relay box under the hood but they are called #8-rear wiper motor,#1-wiper park,#3-wiper hi/low,#8-rear wipedown,#10-rear wipe up. These are the only relays that have anything to do with wipers. Owners manual shows no relay labeled washer pump or anything like it. It does show one relay labeled #4 PCM power relay. Could this possibly mean 'Pump Control Module'? (just guessing) This should not be this difficult to troubleshoot. Any ideas?
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Pauline, South Carolina
PCM is Powertrain Control Module (i.e. the computer that controlls your vehicle). I don't believe there is a relay for the washer pump. Those pumps don't pull that many amps. When you ran 12V straight to the pump, did you go through the normal ground? When you activate the switch, using a DC volt meter do you see any voltage on the wire going to the pump? Have you looked under the dash to make sure something is not unplugged? It could still be a switch problem with both switches, or it's possible there is a broken wire issue.
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Jerry,
I ran one wire to the positive and one to the neg of the battery. The pump ran fine. When I used the multi-meter I saw some voltage at the pump but it was not a clean 12v that's why I thought there might be a relay loading it down. I have another pump. When I plugged it in same result. Thank's for your response!
I ran one wire to the positive and one to the neg of the battery. The pump ran fine. When I used the multi-meter I saw some voltage at the pump but it was not a clean 12v that's why I thought there might be a relay loading it down. I have another pump. When I plugged it in same result. Thank's for your response!
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Pauline, South Carolina
Then you could also have a grounding issue, as your test provided and alternate ground from normal. If you are seeing some voltage, then obviously the wire is not broken. It could be bad contact in the switch, or if you were measuring the voltage through the pump ground, it could still be a bad ground.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
Dont know if yours is the same, but the 97 EVTM shows fuse 12 is wired to the front washer pump relay. The coil side of the relay is wired to the GEM, switched side is wired to the front washer pump motor.
The relay is in "auxiliary relay box number 2" behind passenger side headlight.
The relay is in "auxiliary relay box number 2" behind passenger side headlight.
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I hope I'm not too late to put in my 2 cents. I just joined and read about your problem. I have an Eddie 2000 and just went thru a washer pump problem myself. When you find the secondary relay box (as per XLT's instructions), you will find 2 smaller relays in the box that control the pump for both the rear and and front washer(same pump, polarity is reversed thru the relays). If one of the relays is non-functioning/damaged, it may affect the whole system. When one of the pump switches is activated you should hear/feel a clicking sound from the relays. I would start by first cleaning/lubrcating the contacts and see if that helps. If not try switching the relays (interchangeable) to see if you get some sort of reaction. The wireing diagram is on the relays if you want to individually check them, although if the contacts inside are pitted you may see a connection, but not enough current may go thru to activate the pump. Go luck and I hope this helps!
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From: Salem USA
I have the problem with the rear wiper, expect it is also coupled with the problem that the wiper will not work at all sometimes.... Sometimes when I go out and lift the wiper out of its holder and go then hit the switch again it will work. Or if I don't do anything days later it will work....then not
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The rear wiper is very tempermental. I have taken it apart more than once and thoroughly cleaned and lubricated it. It would work for a couple of weeks and then quit. Now when it doesn't want to work I hit it directly on the shaft and she starts up....a pain when it's raining. Also I believe that it is in series with a couple for switches for the tailgate and the rear window. If one of those doesn't make a good contact, then nothing works. Hope this helps.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: ut
Maybe off subject, but as for the rear wiper, make sure the nut holding the wiper arm on the motor shaft is tight. I've seen these come loose a couple of times where the motor is turning, but the wiper arm doesn't move.
I'm agreeing with Jerry on the washer motor. Either a ground issue or relay. There's the good possibility of contamination on the contacts up there where the relay's are. How about a test light on the connector going to the pump? A light will "load" the circuit, where a meter won't load it properly.
I'm agreeing with Jerry on the washer motor. Either a ground issue or relay. There's the good possibility of contamination on the contacts up there where the relay's are. How about a test light on the connector going to the pump? A light will "load" the circuit, where a meter won't load it properly.
Last edited by sjwoody; May 6, 2006 at 08:45 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Nashville
My girlfriend's 2003 Explorer sport has the same "no washer" problem. Neither front nor rear washers work thru the switch, they just quit one day. Putting 12v to the pump shows it works fine. The wipers work, the pump fuse is fine, but meter and test light checks of the wiring at the pump show no voltage at all when the washer switch is pressed. Anyone found a fix??
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