How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Ford Mustang
by Editorial TeamUpdated November 07, 2017Items you will need
Windshield washer reservoir
Pry tool
Screwdriver
10mm socket wrench
Pliers
Seals
Washer fluid
Pan
How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Ford Mustang. Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang is a classy convertible or coupe. Keeping your windshield clean should be a top priority for your safety. Using your windshield washer fluid helps you do this, so make sure you fill your washer reservoir often. Check for leaks, if you try to use the washer fluid and find there isn't any and you recently filled it.
Learn the part number of your windshield washer reservoir--which depends on the year of your Ford Mustang. For example, the part number you need for a 1994-1997 Ford Mustang is LRS-17618B. See the Resources section below for a place to buy a new reservoir.
Work on your Ford Mustang in your driveway, if it's relatively flat. Back in, so you have easy access to the hood. Put your car in park, turn it off, remove the keys, put on the emergency brake and locate the hood release, which is on the left side of the steering wheel under the instrument panel.
Release the auxiliary latch located under the hood, in the center, to open your hood fully. Raise it and use the support rod to hold the hood securely while you work.
Look in the engine compartment and locate the windshield washer reservoir. The reservoir in the Ford Mustang is located in the bottom left corner next to the power distribution box. Older Ford Mustangs--before 2005--have the reservoir on the right edge of the engine compartment next to the power distribution box.
Find the negative cable connected to the battery and disconnect it. Check if your Ford Mustang has air bags. If it does, wait at least a minute and a half before doing any work.
Remove the wiring on the pump motor. Then, using a small pry tool, unlock the connector tabs. Take off the washer hose from the washer pump motor.
Take off the front splash shield--using a screwdriver and a 10mm socket wrench--by unscrewing the three tapping screws, the two 10mm bolts and the five clips with screws. Next, pull the shield out a little, so you can take out the rubber plug. You should then be able to remove the splash shield.
Unscrew the screws or nuts holding the reservoir and lift the reservoir assembly out of your Ford Mustang. Pry out the motor retaining ring, using a pry tool. Then, pull the seal, motor and impeller from the reservoir using pliers. Reverse the order and attach all these to the new windshield washer reservoir.
Put the new windshield washer assembly back into your Ford Mustang and attach the screws or nuts that hold the reservoir in place. Reassemble the front splash shield by reversing the order in Step 7.
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.
Tips
Check for a repairable crack in your Ford Mustang's reservoir by pouring some fluid in to find the leak. You may be able to repair the reservoir, rather than replace it, if the crack is small enough. Before you remove the reservoir, set a pan under your car to catch any fluid that may still be in it. Running the washer pump without fluid can damage it and replacing the pump can be harder than replacing the reservoir. Therefore, always keep your windshield washer reservoir filled.
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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