I drive a 2004 Ford Explorer Limited. I love the car, and so far driving it has been pretty hassle-free. But late last summer it gave me fits. I took my windshield washer system completely for granted until it suddenly stopped working.
Identifying the problem
The first step is to determine why the windshield sprayers won’t work. When I pressed the washer button on steering wheel column, I could hear the pump working but no washer fluid sprayed out. The washer fluid reservoir and it was full, so there had to be a clog somewhere.
Removing debris from washer lines
Disconnect the fluid lines from the pump and sprayer apparatus in the hood. No tools are required. The hoses are flexible rubber and attach to the pump and the sprayers with a hard, ridged plastic spigot.
Using an air compressor with a narrow tip, blow air through the washer lines from the pump attachment. You should be able to feel air flowing through the sprayer apparatus. Re-attach the washer lines to both the pump and the sprayers, and test the washer system.
Unfortunately for me, blowing out the windshield washer lines did not clear the clog and my sprayers still didn’t work. My Ford Explorer’s clog had to be in the washer pump or the reservoir itself.
Dismantling the pump and reservoir
Gather a 12-point socket, pliers, a large basin, a small flashlight, and a container of windshield washer fluid. Place the basin under the pump assembly. Using the pliers and the socket, dismantle the washer pump from the base of the fluid reservoir. Allow the fluid reservoir to drain into the basin.
Once fluid has drained inspect the seal at the bottom of the fluid reservoir. Inside the port that feeds to the washer pump there is a small plastic grate. In my Explorer, the grate was so clogged with debris that washer fluid didn’t drain at all.
Remove the grate from the reservoir and clean away any collected debris. Replace the grate, and then reattach the pump to the washer reservoir. Pour a small amount of new washer fluid into the reservoir and check for leaks.
Test for functionality
Test the washer system to see if the clog is cleared. Once I cleared the reservoir grate of debris, my sprayers worked magnificently. After making sure they worked, I finished the repair by filling the washer reservoir with new fluid, disposing of the old washer fluid, and putting away my tools.