How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Dodge Ram
by Editorial TeamUpdated November 07, 2017Items you will need
Windshield washer reservoir
Seals
Washer fluid
Coolant
Catch pan
How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Dodge Ram. The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck, introduced in 1981. Take care of your truck, including the things you should do for your own safety. For example, making sure your windshield is clean, so you can see the road better. Keep your windshield washer fluid filled and check the reservoir for leaks to accomplish this. If you locate a leak, fix or replace the reservoir.
Shop for a new windshield washer reservoir after finding the part number for your Dodge Ram, which depends on the year of your truck. See the Resources section for places to start your online search.
Select a level surface to work on your Dodge Ram--be sure there's plenty of room. After putting your truck in park, turn it off, put on the emergency brake and exit the truck. With your right hand, reach in and pull the hood release.
Access the engine compartment by releasing the auxiliary release latch under the hood. Raise the hood until the hydraulic lift kicks in and opens it fully.
Find the windshield washer reservoir. The reservoir in the Dodge Ram is located in the front left corner of the engine compartment just below the air cleaner filter.
Pour fluid into the reservoir to locate the leak, and if it's small, you may be able to patch it, otherwise, replace the whole reservoir. Disconnect the battery's negative cable and wait 90 seconds before stating to work, if your Dodge Ram is equipped with air bags.
Slide underneath the truck to release the radiator drain plug and drain the engine coolant in a pan and properly dispose of the toxic substance. Put the plug back in patch and then remove the upper radiator hose from the radiator to have better access to the washer fluid reservoir. Detach the washer hose from the washer pump.
Undo the wire harness connectors and the washer fluid level sensor from the washer pump. After releasing the mounting tabs, take out the reservoir by pulling it upwards and away from the radiator fan shroud.
Pull the windshield washer pump out of the reservoir. Attach the pump to the new windshield washer reservoir and put it back in your Dodge Ram. Then, redo the mounting tabs, reconnect the wire harness connectors and the washer fluid sensor. Reattach the hoses and replace the seals with new ones.
Reattach the radiator hose. Remove the radiator cap, refill it with coolant and then put the cap back on.
Reconnect the negative battery cable to your Dodge Ram and fill the new reservoir with windshield washer fluid.
Tips
Drain the reservoir into a catch pan, if there's any fluid left in the tank, before uninstalling it. You can buy premixed windshield washer fluid--diluted window cleaner--or make your own by adding about three cups of window cleaner per one gallon of distilled water.
Warnings
Avoid frozen fluid in your windshield washer reservoir and your washer lines by using weather appropriate fluid in the wintertime that includes both cleaner and ice remover.
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