Trystan Casey
The windshield washer pump is a small DC electric motor with an impeller-style pump submerged in the washer fluid. It is designed to transfer the washer fluid from the washer reservoir to the washer nozzles. The pump is electric and is usually placed at the bottom of a washer reservoir. The washer pump pulls very little current. The replacement procedure involves disconnecting the battery, removing the washer reservoir, and installing a new pump. The new pump is installed into the washer reservoir, and the reservoir is then reinstalled into the engine compartment. The harness is plugged into the washer pump, and the washer fluid line is connected to the reservoir. Finally, the washer fluid is refilled, and the vehicle is tested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of replacement | Replacing a windshield washer pump is not very difficult if there is good access to its location. In most cars, the pump just pops out and the new pump pops in into the rubber sleeve installed in the fluid reservoir. |
| Cost | A new windshield washer pump (motor) costs from $15 to $35. A repair shop may charge $50-$150 labor to replace it. The diagnostic fee is usually separate. |
| Common problems | Regular wear and tear, electrical system issues (e.g. blown fuse, faulty switch, or bad BCM), frozen washer fluid, and faulty wiring or other electrical issues can cause the windshield washer pump to malfunction. |
| Troubleshooting | Check for power and ground at the washer pump connector. If there is no or low voltage at the pump when the switch is activated, the electric circuit must be checked. |
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What You'll Learn
Windshield washer pump replacement
A windshield washer pump is designed to transfer washer fluid from the washer reservoir to the washer nozzles. The pump is electric and is usually placed at the bottom of the washer reservoir. Operating the pump with no washer fluid can cause the gears inside to seize up. Similarly, activating the motor with frozen fluid can cause the motor contacts to burn. Both scenarios can lead to an uneven fluid spray or a complete lack thereof.
To replace a windshield washer pump, follow these steps:
- Install a nine-volt battery saver into your cigarette lighter to keep your vehicle's settings current. If you do not have a nine-volt battery saver, you can skip this step, but you will have to reset all your vehicle settings afterward.
- Disconnect the battery. Open the vehicle's hood and remove the ground cable from the battery's negative terminal, disabling power to the ignition and windshield wiper systems. Remember to wear protective gloves when handling the battery.
- Locate the washer reservoir and remove the bolts securing it to the fender or body of the vehicle.
- Remove the connection to the washer pump. If there is a harness plug, remove it. If not, use side cutters to cut the wires.
- Remove the washer fluid line from the reservoir.
- Pull the washer reservoir from the vehicle and take out the washer pump.
- Install the new washer pump into the reservoir.
- Install the reservoir back into the vehicle, securing it to the fender or body in the engine compartment.
- Plug in the harness to the washer pump. If you had to cut the wires, strip the wires to the harness and the pump with a wire stripper. Insert butt connectors and crimp the wires.
- Install the washer fluid line to the reservoir. If you removed a clamp, use needle-nose pliers to reinstall it.
- Refill the washer fluid. If the fluid is concentrated, follow the instructions on the bottle to dilute it with distilled water.
- Test the vehicle. Operate the windshield washer pump switch and observe the nozzle for fluid. Listen for the pump activation and check the bottom of the reservoir for leaks with a flashlight. If the pump is still malfunctioning, there may be electrical issues or other problems.
The cost of a new windshield washer pump ranges from \$15 to \$35. Labor charges for pump replacement can vary from \$50 to \$150, with separate diagnostic fees. Additionally, online forums indicate that the cost of a replacement pump can be as low as \$16, while garages may quote significantly higher prices for the entire assembly replacement.
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Disconnecting the battery
To disconnect the battery, first, park your vehicle on a flat surface and turn off the engine. Make sure you have the necessary tools, such as a wrench or pliers, and put on protective gloves to safeguard your hands. Locate the battery and use a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal. This will disable the power to the ignition system and windshield wiper system.
It is important to note that disconnecting the battery may cause you to lose some of your vehicle's settings, such as radio presets, electric seat positions, and electric mirror positions. To avoid this, you can install a nine-volt battery saver into the cigarette lighter before proceeding. This will keep your vehicle's computer live and your settings current.
After disconnecting the battery, you can proceed with the washer pump replacement. Remember to locate the pump, detach electrical components and hoses, and unscrew the pump. Always refer to your vehicle's manual for specific instructions and take careful note of common issues, such as clogs, electrical failures, and pump damage.
Once you have completed the washer pump replacement, you can reconnect the battery by attaching the ground cable back to the battery's negative terminal. This will restore power to the vehicle's electrical systems.
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Checking for electrical issues
Disconnect the Power Source
Before inspecting the washer pump for electrical issues, it is imperative to disconnect the power source to ensure your safety and avoid any potential hazards. Disconnect the battery or turn off the power supply to the washer system.
Access the Washer Pump
The washer pump is typically located at the bottom of the washer reservoir. You may need to remove plastic fasteners, mounting bolts, or other components to access the pump. Refer to your vehicle's manual or a repair guide for specific instructions on accessing the washer pump in your car.
Inspect the Electrical Connectors
Once you have accessed the washer pump, locate the electrical connectors. Check for any signs of corrosion or damage on the connectors. Corrosion is a common issue, especially if the connectors are located in areas prone to moisture or water exposure. Clean or replace any corroded connectors as necessary.
Test the Voltage
To determine if the washer pump is receiving power, you can use a multimeter or a voltmeter to test the voltage at the pump connector. With the connector still attached to the pump, activate the switch and measure the voltage. If there is voltage (typically 12 volts) but the pump is not running, the pump itself may be faulty and needs replacement.
Check the Ground Terminal
The ground terminal is an important point to inspect as a loose or corroded terminal can lead to various electrical problems. Ensure that the ground terminal is secure and free from corrosion.
Test the Washer Pump Activation
Operate the washer switch or lever and listen for the distinct sound of the washer pump activating. If you don't hear the pump running, it may indicate a lack of power supply to the pump or a possible malfunction.
Inspect the Wiring
Examine the wiring for any signs of damage or faulty connections. Carefully disconnect the wires from the washer pump and, with the help of an assistant, operate the washer switch to check for power and ground at the connector. If there is no power, the issue may lie in the wiring or other electrical components.
Check for Other Electrical Components
The washer system may include other electrical components such as a relay, a control module, or a body control module (BCM). Ensure these components are functioning correctly and are not exhibiting any signs of corrosion or damage.
Remember, if you are uncomfortable performing these checks or if the problem persists, it is best to consult a certified mechanic or a professional with experience in automotive repair.
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Replacing the pump motor
The washer pump is electric and is usually placed at the bottom of a washer reservoir. When replacing the pump motor, it is important to first disconnect the device from its electricity and water supply. This can be done by opening the vehicle's hood and taking the ground cable off the battery's negative terminal, disabling power to the ignition and windshield wiper system. It is important to wear protective gloves when removing any battery terminals.
Next, the bolts securing the washer reservoir to the fender or body of the vehicle must be located and removed. If there is a harness plug on the washer pump, it should be removed. If there is no harness plug, side cutters can be used to cut the wires. The washer fluid line should then be removed from the reservoir.
The next step is to pull the washer reservoir from the vehicle and remove the washer pump from the reservoir. The new pump can then be installed into the washer reservoir. The reservoir can then be reinstalled onto the fender or body in the engine compartment.
Finally, the harness should be plugged into the new washer pump. If wires were cut, they will need to be stripped with a wire stripper, and butt connectors with heat shrink tubing should be inserted. The washer fluid line can then be reinstalled, and the reservoir should be refilled with fluid.
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Testing the vehicle
Prepare the Vehicle
Before beginning the testing process, ensure you have installed a nine-volt battery saver into the cigarette lighter. This step is important as it keeps your vehicle's computer live and maintains current settings. If you do not have a battery saver, you can still perform the test, but you will need to reset all your vehicle's settings afterward.
Turn on the Ignition
Turn the ignition to the accessory or run position. This step ensures power is supplied to the washer pump system, allowing you to test its functionality.
Operate the Washer Pump
Engage the windshield washer pump switch or lever. This action should activate the pump, causing washer fluid to be transferred from the reservoir to the washer nozzles. Listen carefully for the sound of the washer pump activating, as this indicates the pump is functioning.
Check for Fluid Leakage
Use a flashlight to inspect the bottom of the reservoir where the pump is located. Check for any signs of washer fluid leakage. Leakage could indicate a faulty pump or a problem with the fluid hose.
Observe Fluid Spray
Pay close attention to the washer nozzles as you operate the pump. Observe whether the fluid is being sprayed evenly and adequately. An uneven or weak fluid spray could indicate a partially blocked hose or a failing pump.
Check Voltage (Optional)
If the washer pump is still malfunctioning, you can use a multimeter to check the voltage at the pump connector while it is still connected to the pump motor. This process is known as back-probing. If there is 12 volts present, but the pump is not running, it indicates a faulty pump, and the connector should be checked for corrosion. However, if there is no or low voltage, the electric circuit may have an issue.
Seek Professional Help
If you have completed the above steps and the washer pump is still not functioning correctly, there may be other underlying issues. At this point, it is advisable to seek assistance from a certified mechanic who can diagnose and rectify any remaining problems.
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