Front washer fluid never worked… help

[seebryango]

2011 200 with 212k miles. Bought used 5 years ago and the front washer fluid (and headlamp washer I just learned existed) has never worked.

Rear washer fluid works. The wiper stalk will run wipers for the appropriate time when pulled for “cleaning mode” but nothing comes out of the nozzles.

Replaced windshield a year or so after purchase. Recently did some cowl weatherstripping replacement after having water ingress in to passenger footwell. I disconnected the tubing by the driver hood hinge and tried the wipers… no fluid

Also just learned that there are headlamp washers. Would those activate when cleaning the front glass?

Are the front wipers and headlamp washers run off the same pump? With the rear working and the front wipers moving when the stalk is pulled, I’m thinking electrical issue (bad pump, front washer relay/fuse). I already have 1 replacement pump but haven’t installed it yet.

Would passenger footwell/cabin air filter area water affect washer fluid pumping. From the parts diagram, I am seeing that there is a “windshield wiper computer” under the glove box. Thoughts?

 

[bloc]

Headlamp washers only activate when the headlights are on and you hit the button. Separate pump from the windshield, and the rear glass. Three pumps in total.

You can access the pumps by peeling back the wheel well liner in the front left wheel well. I'd try to see whether +12v is getting to each of the pumps when activated, and verify ground.

A few people have had issues with the windshield washer and it turned out to be the hose disconnected under the cowl cover. In that case they could hear the pump running and eventually notice fluid splashing out under the truck.

 

[seebryango]

Headlamp washers only activate when the headlights are on and you hit the button. Separate pump from the windshield, and the rear glass. Three pumps in total.

You can access the pumps by peeling back the wheel well liner in the front left wheel well. I'd try to see whether +12v is getting to each of the pumps when activated, and verify ground.

A few people have had issues with the windshield washer and it turned out to be the hose disconnected under the cowl cover. In that case they could hear the pump running and eventually notice fluid splashing out under the truck.

That was my next plan to test for 12v when activated. I wasn’t sure if the wheel needed to come off or what. I’ll give it a look tomorrow

The “button” you mention is a different headlamp washer button? Or pulling back on the stalk to clean the front glass?

 

[bloc]

That was my next plan to test for 12v when activated. I wasn’t sure if the wheel needed to come off or what. I’ll give it a look tomorrow

The “button” you mention is a different headlamp washer button? Or pulling back on the stalk to clean the front glass?

Yours might be a little different due to year model changes but the general idea should be the same.

 

[seebryango]

Yours might be a little different due to year model changes but the general idea should be the same.

View attachment 4086266

Good to know. Just tested and the Headlamp washers work as designed. So it’s just the windshield washer pump that’s the issue

 

[Sandroad]

Are you sure no fluid is dripping on the ground? I had a chipmunk decide to chew the washer hose in half.

 

[08URJ200]

When I purchased mine from the PO the front pump did not work. At first I thought the nozzles were clogged but eventually purchased the pump and replaced. As mentioned, you have to pull the wheel well liner on the DS. Pump is tucked up high in the fender up close to the fil spout. I decided not to pull the entire fender liner but just a few screws to allow room to work. It was tight but IIRC it was one 10mm bolt securing the pump and the electrical connector to supply power. Takes more time to remove the liner than replace the pump. Turned out that was my problem. Think I replaced in 2018 and its been working fine since.