Washer fluid pump not working

Tiny
ANDYEHELER
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I just replaced the washer pump on my SUV listed above XLT and still have no fluid spraying. I cleared the tubes with compressed air, so I'm thinking it is probably a fuse. However, I'm having trouble finding which fuse the washer pump uses, all diagrams I have found have no label for it. The fuse I thought may have been involved, 37(30A), is working fine. The manual doesn't mention fuses for the washer pump at all. The button you press to start the washer pump still engages the wipers as it should, but the wiper motor does not start. I'm at a loss at this point. Any help would be appreciated.
Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 11:34 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

The power comes from the wiper motor. The switch on the stalk sends a signal to the motor and then off to the pump.

Do you have a voltmeter to do some checks? This guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

I attached a wiring diagram for you to view and when you are ready, we can do some checks. Check out the images (below).
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
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  • 40 POSTS
I do have a volt meter. Thanks
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, go to the wiper motor. The gray/brown wire should have voltage with the switch commanding washer. Verify that voltage.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
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  • 40 POSTS
I will try to do that when I get home from work. Thank you.
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
  • MEMBER
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Hello, I checked the wires to the wiper motor, there is no Gray/Brown wire in the bundle. Is the diagram for a 2006 Ford Explorer XLT?
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Yes, it is.

It is located t pin 12 on the wiper motor itself. Clean off the wires as they may have dirt on them from all the years.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 4:21 PM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Sorry for the late reply, the gray/brown wire has 11 volts when I turn on the key, and the voltage didn't change when I pressed the washer switch.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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It should have 0 volts until you push the switch.

It sounds like you need a multifunction switch. You need to remove a couple screws for the clam shell around the column. Then remove the 2 halfs.

Once you do that, there are 2 screws that hold the switch to the column. Easy removal. There should be 2 wire connectors you have to loosen as well.

Roy

Removal and Installation

CAUTION: Do not remove the ignition lock cylinder and the ignition switch at the same time or damage to the column can result.

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.

ImageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

2. Remove the 2 screws and the steering column opening cover.
3. Remove the 3 screws and the upper and lower steering column shroud.
4. Disconnect the multi-function switch electrical connector.
5. Remove the 2 multi-function switch screws and the multi-function switch.
To install, tighten to 3 Nm (27 inch lbs.).

6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 5:29 AM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
  • MEMBER
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I must be testing the wrong wire then. I think I must have been testing a wire that turned on accessories or something. I'll retest once I have someone who can help me press the switch. I already bought and installed a new multi-function switch two days ago, and the problem persists. Hmm
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 6:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You need to test the wire I highlighted in the diagram. If it is hot without pressing the switch, the switch is bad, new or not.

Roy
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 6:50 AM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
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I want to make sure I test the correct wire. It's still Gray/Brown, right? And where should I be testing it? And I keep everything plugged in and the key on?
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 9:10 AM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
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I actually have the wiper motor disconnected right now if it's easier to test the voltage this way.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You can check it disconnected, yes.

Test it for voltage. There should be no voltage unless the washer button is pushed.

Roy
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
  • MEMBER
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Can you please confirm this is the wire? I've also included where I'm testing it in relation to the wiper motor.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You said you disconnected the plug at the wiper motor. If you did, you check it right there at the connector, not back in the harness.

Roy
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
  • MEMBER
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I tested at the harness in the first picture. It was 0V and did not change when pressing the wash switch. However, I plugged it in and tested it at the harness as in the second and third pic. It was 10.8V when not pressing the wash switch and 0V when pressing the wash switch. I'm trying to get a video.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, then the switch is a ground.

Hook the connector back up and then test the wire to the pump. Check for voltage when the switch is pressed.

Roy
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
ANDYEHELER
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Where would I test that? Is it the blue/white or gray/orange in your diagram? Do I go to the washer pump motor itself to test it or at the wiper motor?
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You could go right to the pump or the blue/white wire at the connector. It should have voltage with the switch commanding washers. Do this with the connector connected to the wiper motor.

Roy
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 10:40 AM

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