Windsheild washer problems?!?

[janikphoto]

OK, the washer won't spray anymore when the button is hit, but it's still got a full fluid resevoir and all the fuses look good (though I didn't know exactly which fuse controlled this feature they ALL looked ok). So, I thought the motor might be bad and tried sending 12 volts directly to it. Well, it started pumping just fine...

So did I miss a fuse or is there a problem in the washer button? Obviously if the pump will work with 12v applied to it, well, it's not the pump. Did other 98 models have this problem? I don't want to pay big$$$ to fix it at the dealer and I don't really want to add my own custom switch to bypass the bad stock switch to make it work again. I'd like to have the factory switch work the washer with an easy fix. Will I be that lucky?!? Any tips?

 

[jimbo74]

my moms 96 is very tempermental probably like yours...if you hold it down try to turn the wipers on by turning it at the same time...also the interior switch is probably dirty inside...sometimes if i just hold it down for longer than usual it works fine too

 

[JDraper]

There is a relay along the right front frame rail (between the motor and the radiator) that controls the pump. You might want to make sure it is working. I had one go out in my '01 and Ford put a new one in under warranty. They are quite susceptible to mud .

 

[janikphoto]

Well, both ideas seem like they would be good to try. I'll hunt down the relay, though I don't think it's a mud-related issue. My wife doesn't off-road too much. It probably just wore out. And if the new relay doesn't work, I'll try spraying some electronics cleaner in the control switch to clean the contacts.

So, can you give me very specific details of where the relay is? I know with my old GMC there were about 6 relays in a row. Is this relay the only one in the area or are there others near it? Is it the size and shape of a normal bosch-style automotive relay? Any other tips?

I'm glad to hear that it MIGHT just be a relay. That's an easy fix...

 

[jt1970m]

I know its pretty obvious but have you checked the lines and made sure they are not clogged or pinched? I feel pretty dumb giving you that answer but sometimes these simple things do happen.

 

[Texan01]

My 95 did that, I took the wiper switch apart and made it better, if you have some patience and some contact cleaner and a pencil eraser you can fix the switch.

There's a cap at the end of the signal lever that pops off and a phillips screw under it, take the screw out and gently pull the wiper twist knob off the actual wipe/wash switch is the white plastic thing covered in grease with a bunch of contacts on it, the one you are looking for is the one off to the side that looks all bent-up that's the wash contacts, give a bit of a bend where it's got a crease in it and hit it with some contact cleaner and the erasor to get it shiny again. reassemble and test.

might not be as good as new but should work better.

 

[JDraper]

Originally posted by janikphoto
Well, both ideas seem like they would be good to try. I'll hunt down the relay, though I don't think it's a mud-related issue. My wife doesn't off-road too much. It probably just wore out. And if the new relay doesn't work, I'll try spraying some electronics cleaner in the control switch to clean the contacts.

So, can you give me very specific details of where the relay is? I know with my old GMC there were about 6 relays in a row. Is this relay the only one in the area or are there others near it? Is it the size and shape of a normal bosch-style automotive relay? Any other tips?

I'm glad to hear that it MIGHT just be a relay. That's an easy fix...

The comment from the Ford tech to me was that the relay was supposed to be a sealed unit, but mine were apparently not, so I got it filled with mud. Rainwater would have done the same thing eventually.

The relay is part of a group of relays on the inside of the frame rail. It is a standard shape. I believe my X has two relays together with room for 2 more. They are mounted in an open topped black connector box. I don't have access to my truck right now to give you a better description.

 

[janikphoto]

Sorry it took me so long to reply, but it's been a busy week. Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm gonna check for the relay and also try to take the switch apart following the suggestions above. And I know the lines aren't clogged because it will spray when I send jumper wires over to the pump from the battery. So it must be the switch or the relay... As soon as I get some time, I'll check it out. It hasn't been that much of a problem the last couple weeks here in TX. Since it's been raining so much, the windshield gets more than enough water on it to keep it clean...

 

[janikphoto]

One more question... You guys that had problems with your switch: Did it work very poorly/intermittent or just not at all until you cleaned the contacts and bent the metal thingy? Cause mine won't work at all through the switch which leads me to believe that it is the relay that is bad. I would think the faulty switch would still trigger the washer pump SOMETIMES... I'm gonna try to locate this realy tonight or tomorrow if I have time...

 

[taxx]

Relay -

that is what went out on mine. Water from the road can get to it also. Here is where you can find the relay box on the 4.0:

Open the hood and take the lid completely off the airbox. disconnect it from the hose so you can get it out of your way. Grap the bottom part really hard and pull with all your might! Be careful not to smash your hands or fingers on the engine compartment when it busts loose. now you see that little rectangular box on the inside (toward the fan) of the bracket that the airbox mounts to? that is the relay box. Take the lid off. There are a couple smaller relays (I think only 2) one is the winshield washer and the other is the fog lamp relay (if you have fogs). Before you buy a new relay I would try swaping them around to see if your fogs stop working and your washers start.

good luck.