Pinpoint Test Ah: The Washer Fluid Level Low Message Is Inoperative/Always On

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln MKX and 2010 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may damage the connector.

NOTE: Failure to disconnect the battery when instructed will result in false resistance readings. Refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .

AH1 DETERMINE THE CONDITION
- Ignition ON.
- Does the LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL message display all the time?
- Yes: GO to AH5.
- No: GO to AH2 .
AH2 CHECK THE LOW WASHER FLUID INDICATOR OPERATION
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Washer Fluid Level Switch C138.
- Connect a fused jumper wire between the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side and ground.
  
  Fig 1: Connecting Fused Jumper Wire Between Washer Fluid Level Switch C138-1, Circuit CMC20 (VT), Harness Side And Ground
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Ignition ON.
- Wait one minute.
- Observe the low washer fluid indicator.
- Is the low washer fluid indicator on?
- Yes: REMOVE the jumper wire. GO to AH3 .
- No: REMOVE the jumper wire. GO to AH4.
AH3 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Negative Battery Cable.
- Measure the resistance between the washer fluid level switch C138-2, circuit GD123 (BK/GY), harness side and ground.
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Resistance Between Washer Fluid Level Switch C138-2, Circuit GD123 (BK/GY), Harness Side And Ground
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
- Yes: INSTALL a new washer reservoir. REFER to WIPERS AND WASHERS . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No: REPAIR circuit GD123 (BK/GY) for an open to ground. TEST the system for normal operation.
AH4 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: IC C220.
- Measure the resistance between the IC C220-5, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side and the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side.
  
  Fig 3: Checking Washer Fluid Level Switch Input Circuit For Open
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
- Yes: GO to AH7.
- No: REPAIR circuit CMC20 (VT) for an open. TEST the system for normal operation.
AH5 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID SWITCH
NOTE: Verify that the washer fluid reservoir is full and that the key has been cycled at least once prior to continuing with the pinpoint test.
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Washer Fluid Level Switch C138.
- Ignition ON.
- Wait one minute.
- Observe the low washer fluid indicator.
- Did the low washer fluid indicator turn off?
- Yes: INSTALL a new washer fluid reservoir. REFER to WIPERS AND WASHERS . TEST the system for normal operation.
- No: GO to AH6 .
AH6 CHECK THE WASHER FLUID LEVEL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: IC C220.
- Measure the resistance between the IC C220-5, circuit CMC20 (VT), harness side and ground.
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Resistance Between IC C220-5, Circuit CMC20 (VT), Harness Side And Ground
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
- Yes: GO to AH7 .
- No: REPAIR circuit CMC20 (VT) for a short to ground. TEST the system for normal operation.
AH7 CHECK FOR CORRECT IC OPERATION
- Disconnect the IC connector.
- Check for:
  - corrosion
  - damaged pins
  - pushed-out pins
- Connect the IC 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 IC . REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC) . 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.