2003 SEL Windstar Window Washers Problem

[agape]

I have been working on my son's 2003 SEL windstar non-working window washer problem. Neither the front or rear washer pumps will work. (Wipers work) Fuses are good. Thought maybe lines were frozen since this is Minnesota, but they are all clear. {Can't do an electrical test where wires connect to the pumps without dropping the washer container which is a pain to get at. )

In consultation with a Ford dealer Tech he said it is most likely in the switch mechanism on the steering column.

Since the wipers, dimmer, turn signal, washers ect. are all controled by the one lever, my question is are there separate switches for each operation or does replacing the one part containing the lever include all the switches? I have not yet removed the column cover, but wanted to have some information before I began to do any electrical tests there. Thanks for any help you can give me.

[northern piper]

On my 2000 this happens every once in a while. When you activate the switch to pump the fluid can you hear the pump trying to pump? I know with ours when the fluid has stopped it's always been a plugged/kinked line not the pump or the switch. While I haven't helped too much I just don't have faith that any advice from Ford is going to be "the first thing I'd check". I'd be looking at the pump area for a corroded connector/wire.

Piper

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by agape

I have been working on my son's 2003 SEL windstar non-working window washer problem. Neither the front or rear washer pumps will work. (Wipers work) Fuses are good. Thought maybe lines were frozen since this is Minnesota, but they are all clear. {Can't do an electrical test where wires connect to the pumps without dropping the washer container which is a pain to get at. )

In consultation with a Ford dealer Tech he said it is most likely in the switch mechanism on the steering column.

Since the wipers, dimmer, turn signal, washers ect. are all controled by the one lever, my question is are there separate switches for each operation or does replacing the one part containing the lever include all the switches? I have not yet removed the column cover, but wanted to have some information before I began to do any electrical tests there. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Hi
On my '96 I have twice pulled the wiper/signal switch and re-soldered a small wire that activated the washer. After the second break, I replaced the switch.

As to your question about the switch: it is a multi-function, one piece deal with several different contacts inside. As I said, I have had mine apart a couple of times but be careful to watch carefully where the pieces fall out of if you take it apart . If you can get to the pump plug, you could test for continuity there.

With that said I have just lost the front washer, not the rear. Perhaps as both of yours are inop you have a pump issue. My rear washer is controlled from a completely different switch than the front - in my case the rear switch is on the center console. There is only one pump so that might direct your troubleshooting. Rockauto.com has them for $12-$15 so it would not be a pricey replacement if that is the problem.

Best of Luck