How to Replace a Ford Escape Windshield Washer Pump
by Allen Moore
A working washer pump is a necessity for any automobile. Whether the vehicle is operated in the cold, where snow and ice must be cleared from the windshield or in a region where bugs, dirt and dust reduce visibility, the option to clean a windshield on the fly is something every driver needs. However, a washer pump, the device responsible for spraying washer fluid onto the windshield, is often taken for granted. That is, until it stops working.
Step 1
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, so that the right side front tire is turned inward.
Step 2
Remove the trim pins that hold the right front inner fender liner in place, using the pocket screwdriver to lift the cores from the pins. Once the cores are pulled up, you can pry the pins out by inserting the pocket screwdriver head under the head of the pin.
Step 3
Pull the inner fender liner out of the way.
Step 4
Use the socket set to remove the fasteners holding the washer bottle in place. Once they are removed, lower the bottle down in order to get at the pump, located either in the top or side, depending on the year of the Escape.
Step 5
Use the needle nose pliers to disconnect the washer hose from the pump. The hose should be held on with small hose clamps that can be released by compressing the tabs with the pliers and then pulling the hose away.
Step 6
Turn the washer pump and lift it out of the bottle. Use the pocket screwdriver to disconnect the wiring harness going to the pump.
Step 7
Connect the replacement pump to the wiring harness. Then insert it back into the bottle in the reverse of how the old one was removed.
Step 8
Reconnect the hose and then reinstall the bottle in reverse order of removal. Put the inner fender liner back in position and reinstall the trim pins.
Step 9
Top the washer bottle off with washer fluid and test.
Tips
- Washer nozzles, located at the base of the windshield, can become clogged with hard water deposits if the vehicle has ever used water instead of washer fluid. In the event this happens, take a small piece of wire (a round wound low “E” string for a guitar works great for large nozzles, a high “E” string works better for smaller ones) and clean the nozzle out. This will keep the fluid spraying evenly onto the windshield.
Things You'll Need
- Pocket screwdriver
- Socket set
- Needle nose pliers
- Replacement pump
- Washer fluid
Writer Bio
Allen Moore's career includes awards in poetry and creative fiction, published lyrics, fiction books and nonfiction articles as well as a master certification in automotive service from the Ford Motor Company. Moore is a contributing writer for RF365.com and various other websites, a ghostwriter for Rainbow Writing and has over a dozen works of fiction currently in print.
