98 XLT washer fluid problem

[MichaelFilmore]

Hey guys,


I have a 98 Explorer XLT. About 2 weeks ago it stopped dispensing washer fluid in the front. It works fine in the rear. There are no sounds or anything when I try to use it in the front. I looked in the manual for a fuse, but, all I see are for the wipers. Could this be a fuse issue? Or do you think it may be something more. If anyone has any suggestions or the same issue and could give me some information it would be greatly appreciated.


Regards,

M. Filmore

 

[gijoecam]

My money would be on the wiper stalk not making contact, but without doing some more troubleshooting, it's only a guess...

Looking at the schematics, it's a fairly complex system... the switch on the stalk sends the wash signal to the Central Timer Module portion of the GEM. You could check for a connection through the switch by unplugging the GEM and looking for continuity between the correct two pins.... If the wipers trigger when you hit the button, we can rule out the stalk as it feeds the same signal input to the GEM.

The CTM/GEM sends the signal to the front washer pump relay located in Auxiliary Relay Box #1 (IIRC, it's under the dash, near the HVAC controls). The relay is fed from I/P fuse # 12 (7.5A mini), which sends the power out to the motor.

So, the first thing I'd do is pull the fuse panel cover and check the fuse. If it's good, I'd unbolt the washer fluid reservoir and access the motor connector. Check the BK/W wire for power when you're pushing the stalk to wash. If you have power, the motor is bad. If you don't, we need to look at the relay and/or the GEM signal triggering it.

Hope that helps!