Windshield Fluid Dispense

Tiny
BP827
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  • FORD EXPEDITION
I have a 2000 Expedition and the front windshield fluid will not dispense. I can't hear the motor trying to pump when I push the switch/plunger on the end of the turn signal arm(but the wipers do actuate). The rear pump and wiper works. The relay under the hood is good. Did not try replacing the fuse as the same fuse controls other items which are working. I brought it to my friendly Goodyear guy who order a new motor but that evidently did not work(I need to confirm that he did try to connect the new motor. What do I try next? Could it be a wire harness? Thanks, Brian
Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 12:10 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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Hi Brian,

Check if power is being supplied to the pump when it is activated. Test if the ground is good if power is available.
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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
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This is an interesting followup. I went out and took a relay from another spot, pulled out the relay for the windshield water pump and put in the relay from the area that worked ie. The relay was good. However, the pump did not activate. I switched back the relays to their original positions. I then tried my rear wiper and windshield water. Neither worked, but they did before I did the relay switch. And when I try to activiate the fluid for the rear window, the fluid squirted on the front window. Yes, activating the rear fluid actually shot the fluid from the front reservoir on to the front window. Wow. What is happening? THanks, Brian
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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
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Hi Brian,

You have switched the wire and hose at the tank and one of the motor is faulty.
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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 7:37 AM
Tiny
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. But the rear windshield washer worked, then I did the relay change(see my last note). So the only thing I did was do the relay swap, and did not change the wire/hose? Now what? Thanks, Brian
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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi Brian,

If that is the case, then I guess the switch is the thing to check, maybe someting inside had gone loose and is now causing the wrong connections when operated.
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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
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"switch" meaning on the turn signal indicator located on the steering column, where I push for front window fluid and twist to get rear window fluid?
Thanks, Brian
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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 2:20 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi Brian,

That is what I mean.
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Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
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Do you have access to the steps involved in getting at the switch in the turn signal arm on the steering column? Thanks for sticking with me on this issue. Brian
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Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi Brian,

No problem, I would stick with you till you have no more questions to ask ;)

I don't have any videos to show but to remove the switch, you need to remove the steering wheel and the covers.

If it is equipped with Air Bags, you need a correct torx bit and have to be careful when handling the air bag.

If you are not mechanically inclined, I would suggest getting it done by the pros.
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Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 AT 8:23 AM
Tiny
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I am mechanically inclined. There is no air bag in the steering wheel. Do you have the steps to remove the steering wheel and cover? Thanks, Brian
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Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi Brian,

At the lower cover of the steering thers should be a screw, loosen it and pry the centre cover off.

At the centre you would see a nut, loosen it but do not take it off first. Pull at steering wheel (alternating on force on either side) upwards to release it from the tapered shaft.

When steering wheel is loose, turn it to straight ahead position and mark the position. Reinstallation should be at this position to prevent the steering wheel to be off centre after installation.

Remove the nut to take out the steering wheel.

Remove both upper and lower cover and you could get at the light and wiper switch.
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Thursday, July 17th, 2008 AT 9:16 AM

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