1997 Ford Explorer Front windsheild washer not working

TKAUFMAN

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
V8
AWD
AUTOMATIC
128,000 MILES

When we push on the washer control, nothing happens. We also do not hear the motor engaging. So we replaced the motor and the washer still is not working. Checked and replaced fuses. Again without success. Put motor in rear just to be sure in was a good one and it worked fine there. Not sure what to do next. Any suggestions?

4 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello
Thanks for the donation

It sounds like you may have a faulty switch. You said that you checked the fuses, did you check the relays as well? If not, one of the relays ( believe your vehicle has 2 relays for washer) is sticking or has become faulty. You can use the horn or a/c relay from the relay and fuse box near the battery to swap out the relay for easy testing. If the relay is good then suspect faulty control switch.

Post your results and I will follow up.

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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 1:08 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

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From: bluelightnin6
To: tkaufman
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 2:09 am
Subject: Your question has been answered.

Thank you for the donation. Your question has been answered. You can find it at https://www.2carpros.com/forum/here-vp428029.html#428029 .

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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 1:32 AM

TKAUFMAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Swapping out the relays had no effect -- However, I was able to get the washer to work intermittently although infrequently-- pushing in and holding the washer button while also putting just a little pressure on the control handle (up/down or in an out) got the washers to come on -- it worked when initiated with the wipers in the off position or the run position -- but it did not work all the time, and often took multiple tries with the button held in continuously for 10-15 seconds at a time before it worked, and again not everytime.

It appears as though it is a bad control column handle -- do you agree

quote="bluelightnin6"]Hello
Thanks for the donation

It sounds like you may have a faulty switch. You said that you checked the fuses, did you check the relays as well? If not, one of the relays ( believe your vehicle has 2 relays for washer) is sticking or has become faulty. You can use the horn or a/c relay from the relay and fuse box near the battery to swap out the relay for easy testing. If the relay is good then suspect faulty control switch.

Post your results and I will follow up.

Thanks for using 2carpros. Com![/Quote]

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Sunday, January 4th, 2009 AT 4:33 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Yes, that was my diagnosis in the first posting. I stated that it sounds like a faulty switch, which is what you are talking about. The relay test was just to rule out the easier fix before purchasing anything. If you need removal/installation instructions for the switch just let me know.

Hope this helps.
Thanks for using 2carpros. Com!

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Sunday, January 4th, 2009 AT 4:53 PM