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Rear window washer not working properly

Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
No water spray on rear window. When pressing the button, you can hear the motor running. Removed hose connection at pump located at reservoir in engine compartment on passenger side.
Unhooked hose and put vacuum pump at rear wiper hose - determined that hose clogged or kinked. From wiper hose goes into rear headliner. I would like a diagram of the route to the engine compartment. Look under the car on passenger side - no hoses. Does it run inside car along rail?
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Thursday, June 9th, 2022 AT 5:53 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If you applied a vacuum at the pump, you won't be able to draw anything through the hose.
The rear washer hose contains a check valve, which is located in the hose that passes through the liftgate in the rear of the vehicle. It prevents back flow from that point.

If you apply a very low air pressure at the pump location, you should be able to blow air through the hose. Did you try that?

As far as the hose routing, I attached a pic below.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Friday, June 10th, 2022 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Hi, I removed the hose at the pump (the one nearest the front passenger fender wall). I then removed the rubber tubing from the rear washer blade that goes to the nipple on the hatch door. I then put the vacuum pump on the nipple an applied vacuum. The vacuum held.

On the diagram, I am assuming the water line is inside the car along the passenger rail?
Thanks for the help!
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Saturday, June 11th, 2022 AT 12:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, that shouldn't happen. As you thought, something is clogged. As far as the location is concerned, yes, it is inside and requires the removal of the panels.

Since we know it's plugged, try blowing air through it from the reservoir location. Just use low pressure. I wouldn't go over 3 PSI. Hopefully, it will clear out a clog for you.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, June 11th, 2022 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
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  • 57 POSTS
Removed hose to pump and pump is squirting fine. Put compressor to hose but could clear clog. Will have to remove stuff. Thanks again for all the help!
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2022 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. If you aren't able to blow through the hose, unfortunately, it's time to start taking things apart. If I had to do it, I would suggest starting in the rear of the vehicle and working forward. When you find connections, disconnect one at a time to see if you are able to blow air through it. Once you can, you should be able to limit where the problem is happening.

Let me know if you have questions or if I can help.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2022 AT 9:21 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Unplugged hose to pump and run the pump. These things can shoot pretty far! ;)
Poked 5lbs compressed air nozzle into line and checked rear nozzle. Nothing. Must be a very bad clog or maybe pinched hose somewhere. Good news is that it didn't rupture and leak all over! Thanks again.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 2:43 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I have a feeling it might be the check valve. Do me a favor, disconnect it, and see if you can blow through the hose.

I attached a pic below showing the location.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 9:22 PM
Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Okay! Thanks a lot! So that valve is in the hatch door, right?

On another note, the rear wiper motor had stripped the plastic worm gear assembly and I replaced it with a new motor assembly. It worked for a couple weeks and now it is not working. The motor being new I focused on the fuses and relays. The fuses were ok and the two relays 8 and 10 in the fuse box in the engine compartment seemed to be good. I can feel both clicking and even swapped both with others in the box. I am thinking the new motor is a lemon and have to recheck it. Do you concur? Will back probe the connector when I look for the check valve. Thanks again!
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

There is a good chance the wiper motor is bad. And yes, the check valve should be in the hatch.

As far as the wiper motor is concerned, certainly, check to see if it is getting power when you have the switch on. If it is getting power and has a ground, it should run. If it doesn't, the motor is bad. I don't know where you got it, but if it was online, you would be surprised how many bad parts are being sold.

Regardless, let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 9:58 PM

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