Problems with 98 Winshield Washer Pump

[Shane91Explorer]

Hey, I've been driving my sisters 98 for the past week, and I'm having problems with the windshield washer pump.

I get no washer fluid, and can't hear the pump. Prior to this problem the resevoir ran low. I get no fluid for the front or the back wipers.

Do both windows use the same pump? Is a bad pump the likely cause?

Thanks a bunch!

SD

 

[Stephen S]

The front and rear washers are separate. They each have thier own reservoirs and pumps. If the back one doesn't work, check the fluid level. If it's low, then fill it, then listen for the pump to run when you turn it on.

For the front one, a common problem lies with the button on the turn signal stalk. But again, check the fluid level, fill it if it needs it. If when you push the stalk button in to turn it on and you get nothing, then play with the button some. Twist it back and forth while pushing it in. This usually makes mine work. The problem is the goop grease that Ford uses in the switch covers the electrical contacts and prevents them from making contact.

The fix is taking the button apart and cleaning some of the grease out. There's a few threads here detailing the process. Just run a search.

 

[ok89]

Are there 2 tanks? Where is the tank for the rear wiper?

 

[Stephen S]

The rear tank is in the back of the truck, driver's side, in the jack compartment. The filler is located above the driver's side tail light and can be accessed by opening the rear hatch.

 

[rockymntnhi]

Ummmmmm ?

How come my 98' Sport only has One reservoir (under the hood ) The ft. and rear both work off the same one ?

 

[01EB5.0]

the newer trucks all use one tank...my 95 has 2, but ford changed it.

if the pump isn;t working, try jerking around the stalk a lot and ushing repeatedly on the button. SOmetimes mine was tempermantal and the one in my mom's 94 ford van is the same way. as for the rear it takes several times jabbing at the button to get fluid.

 

[Stephen S]

Ahh, I wasn't aware that the newer trucks only have one. My 95 has 2, so I thought that all the newer models (95-01) had 2. There I go thinking again. Sorry about that.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Yeah, Ford changed it in '97. Seems like my '96 is the last of many many things.

 

[C5 Pewter Coupe]

on my 01 the rear washer would spray liquid for about 1/2 a swipe, then it would stop and all the fluid would drain out of the tank.. Easy fix, just put the hose back onto the rear part of the motor, and just watch it blow off again.

So I took some bailing wire and crimped the hose onto the electric motor/pump and no more worries..