Windshield Washer Reservoir: Description and Operation

Fig.22 Washer Reservoir:

A single washer fluid reservoir is used for both the front and rear washer systems. The molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is concealed between the left front inner and outer fender panels, behind the inner fender liner in front of the left front wheel. The only visible component of the washer reservoir is the filler neck and cap unit, which extends through a hole in the left front wheel house extension panel into the engine compartment. A bright yellow plastic filler cap with a rubber seal and an International Control and Display Symbol icon for "Windshield Washer" and the text "Washer Fluid Only" molded into it snaps over the open end of the filler neck. The cap hinges on and is secured to a molded-in hook formation on the rear of the reservoir filler neck.

There are separate, dedicated holes on the outboard side of the reservoir provided for the mounting of the front and rear washer/pump motor units, and another dedicated hole on the front of the reservoir for the washer fluid level switch. The inboard side of the washer reservoir has an integral flange that is secured to the inside of the left front fender wheel house by two screws, while an integral molded tab engages a slot in the left front fender inner shield to support the outboard side of the reservoir. Another screw secures the reservoir filler neck to the left front fender inner shield near the front of the engine compartment. The left front fender wheel house inner liner must be removed to access the washer reservoir for service.

The washer reservoir cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. The washer reservoir, the grommet seals for the washer pump/ motor units and the washer fluid level switch, and the filler cap are each available for service replacement.

The washer fluid reservoir provides a secure, on-vehicle storage location for a large reserve of washer fluid for operation of the front and rear washer systems. The washer reservoir filler neck provides a clearly marked and readily accessible point from which to add washer fluid to the reservoir. The front and rear washer/pump motor units are located in a sump area near the front of the reservoir to be certain that washer fluid will be available to the pumps as the fluid level in the reservoir becomes depleted. The front washer pump/motor unit is mounted in the lowest position in the sump so that the front washers will operate even after the rear washer system will no longer operate. The washer fluid level switch is mounted just above the sump area of the reservoir so that there will be adequate warning to the vehicle operator that the washer fluid level is low, before the washer system will no longer operate.