Pinpoint Test U: The Low Washer Fluid Indicator Is Never/Always On: Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

U1 CARRY OUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATOR LAMP CONTROL ACTIVE COMMAND USING THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL
- Key in ON position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Instrument Cluster Active Command.
- Select the instrument cluster warning lamps and chime active command. Trigger the all lamps active command on and off. Observe the low washer fluid indicator.
- Does the low washer fluid indicator illuminate when triggered on and turn off when triggered off?
- Yes : GO to U2.
- No : GO to U10.
U2 RETRIEVE THE RECORDED SMART JUNCTION BOX (SJB) DTCs FROM BOTH THE CONTINUOUS AND ON-DEMAND SELF-TESTS
- Check for recorded SJB DTCs from the continuous and on-demand self-tests.
- Are any DTCs recorded?
- Yes : If DTC B1482 is retrieved, GO to U3.
- No : GO to U5.
U3 CHECK THE SJB WASHER FLUID LEVEL PID
- Key in ON position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: SJB Washer Fluid Level PID.
  Select the SJB washer input switch status and monitor the washer fluid level PID.
- Does the PID read LOW?
- Yes : GO to U4.
- No : GO to U9.
U4 CHECK CIRCUIT 81 (RD/LG) FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Disconnect: Washer Fluid Level Switch C138.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: SJB Washer Fluid Level PID.
  Select the SJB washer input switch status and monitor the washer fluid level PID.
- Does the PID read OK?
- Yes : INSTALL a new washer fluid level switch. REFER to WIPERS AND WASHERS . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
- No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
U5 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
- Disconnect: Washer Fluid Level Switch C138.
- Key in ON position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: SJB Washer Fluid Level PID.
  Select the SJB washer input switch status and monitor the washer fluid level PID.
- Connect a fused (10A) jumper wire between the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit 81 (RD/LG), harness side and ground.
  
  Fig 1: Connecting Fused (10A) Jumper Wire Between Washer Fluid Level Switch C138-1 And Ground
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Monitor the SJB washer fluid level PID.
- Does the PID read OK then change to LOW with the fused jumper connected?
- Yes : GO to U7.
- No : REMOVE the jumper wire. GO to U6.
U6 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH CIRCUIT 81 (RD/LG) FOR AN OPEN
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect: SJB C2280a.
- Measure the resistance between the SJB C2280a-17, circuit 81 (RD/LG), harness side and the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit 81 (RD/LG), harness side.
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Resistance Between SJB C2280A-17 And Washer Fluid Level Switch C138-1
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
- Yes : GO to U9.
- No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
U7 CHECK CIRCUIT 1205 (BK) FOR AN OPEN
- Measure the resistance between the washer fluid level switch C138-2, circuit 1205 (BK), harness side and ground.
  
  Fig 3: Measuring Resistance Between Washer Fluid Level Switch C138-2 And Ground
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
- Yes : GO to U8.
- No : REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
U8 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
- Measure the resistance between the washer fluid level switch C138 pin 1, component side and the washer fluid level switch C138 pin 2, component side, with the reservoir empty, and with washer fluid in the reservoir.
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Resistance Between Washer Fluid Level Switch C138 Pin 1 And Washer Fluid Level Switch C138 Pin 2
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms with the reservoir empty, and greater than 10,000 ohms with the reservoir filled?
- Yes : GO to U9.
- No : INSTALL a new washer fluid level switch. REFER to WIPERS AND WASHERS . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
U9 CHECK FOR CORRECT SJB OPERATION
- Disconnect all the SJB connectors.
- Check for:
  - corrosion
  - pushed-out pins
- Connect all the SJB connectors and make sure they seat correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
- Yes : INSTALL a new SJB. REFER to MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC MODULES . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
U10 CHECK FOR CORRECT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION
- Disconnect the instrument cluster connector.
- Check for:
  - corrosion
  - pushed-out pins
- Connect the instrument cluster connector and make sure it seats correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
- Yes : INSTALL a new instrument cluster. REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.