How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Ford F-Series

How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Ford F-Series. Introduced in 1948, the Ford F-Series are full-size pickup trucks. Often used as work trucks, one thing you should do is keep the windshield clean for easier viewing of the road. Using the fluid in your windshield washer reservoir helps you keep it clean. If you have just filled the reservoir and found you don't have fluid, check for a leak, then fix or replace the reservoir.

Shop for a new windshield washer reservoir after finding the part number for your Ford F-Series, 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 Ford F-Series--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 Ford F-Series truck is the black-capped reservoir located near the bottom center of the engine compartment. It's in the shape of a square and may be on the radiator support, air cleaner bracket or fender apron depending on the model, year and optional equipment.

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 Ford F-Series truck is equipped with air bags.

Remove the wiring on the pump motor. Then using a small pry tool, unlock the connector tabs. Take off the washer hose and using a screwdriver unscrew the attaching screws and nuts. You should then be able to lift the reservoir assembly out of the truck.

Use a pair of pliers and remove the windshield washer pump. Attach the pump to the new windshield washer reservoir and put the assembly back in your Ford F-Series truck.

Attach the screws and nuts, washer hose and lock the connector tabs. Put the wiring back on the pump motor and replace the seals with new ones. Finally, reconnect the negative cable to your battery and fill the new reservoir with windshield washer fluid.