Windshield Washer Motor: Description and Operation

Washer Pump/Motor:

The washer pump/motor unit is located in a dedicated hole on the top of the sump area near the back of the windshield washer reservoir on the right front fender wheel house in the engine compartment. A small permanently lubricated and sealed electric motor is coupled to the rotor-type washer pump. An inlet nipple on the bottom of the pump housing passes through a rubber grommet seal installed in the dedicated mounting hole in the washer reservoir. A small barbed outlet nipple near the bottom of the pump housing connects the unit to the washer hose. The washer pump/motor unit is retained on the reservoir by the interference fit between the inlet nipple and the grommet seal, which is a light press fit. An integral electrical connector receptacle is located on the top of the motor housing.

An optional version of the washer pump/motor unit incorporates an integral washer fluid level switch. This version can be distinguished from models without the switch by a vent nipple at the top of the switch housing that is connected to a vent hose that is retained in an integral clip behind the filler cap near the top of the reservoir, and by a third terminal pin in the washer pump/motor connector receptacle. The washer pump/motor unit cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire washer pump/motor unit must be replaced.

The washer pump/motor unit is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a single take out and connector of the vehicle wire harness. The washer pump/motor is grounded at all times through a take out of the vehicle wire harness with a single eyelet terminal connector that is secured under a ground screw located near the right headlamp in the engine compartment. The washer pump/motor receives battery current on a washer switch sense circuit through the closed contacts of the momentary washer switch circuitry within the multi-function switch. When the pump motor is energized, the rotor-type pump pressurizes the washer fluid and forces it through the pump outlet nipple, the washer plumbing, and the washer nozzles onto the windshield glass. The washer pump/motor unit can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods.