Pinpoint Test AE: The Low Washer Fluid Level Message Is Inoperative/Always On
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. 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:
Verify that the washer fluid reservoir is full and that the key is cycled at least once prior to carrying out the pinpoint test.
- AE1 DETERMINE THE CONDITION
- Key in ON position.
- With the washer fluid reservoir full, observe the message center LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL message.
- Does the LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL message illuminate?
- AE2 CHECK CIRCUIT 82 (PK/YE) FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Disconnect: Washer Fluid Level Switch C138
- Disconnect: Instrument Cluster (IC) C2220
- Measure the resistance between the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit 82 (PK/YE), harness side and ground.
- Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
- YES : REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.
- NO : Go to AE6.
- AE3 CHECK CIRCUIT 82 (PK/YE) FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- Key in ON position.
- Measure the voltage between the instrument cluster (IC) C2220-9, circuit 82 (PK/YE), harness side and ground.
- Is any voltage present?
- YES : REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.
- NO : Go to AE4.
- AE4 CHECK CIRCUIT 82 (PK/YE) FOR AN OPEN
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect: Instrument Cluster (IC) C2220
- Disconnect: Washer Fluid Level Switch C138
- Measure the resistance between the instrument cluster (IC) C2220-9, circuit 82 (PK/YE), harness side and the washer fluid level switch C138-1, circuit 82 (PK/YE), harness side.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
- YES : Go to AE5.
- NO : REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.
- AE5 CHECK CIRCUIT 57 (BK) FOR AN OPEN
- Measure the resistance between the washer fluid level switch C138-2, circuit 57 (BK), harness side and ground.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
- YES : Go to AE6.
- NO : REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.
- AE6 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.
- Is the resistance less than 5 ohms with the reservoir empty, and greater than 10,000 ohms with the reservoir filled?
- YES : Go to AE7.
- NO : INSTALL a new washer fluid level switch. REFER to WIPERS & WASHERS article. TEST the system for normal operation.
- AE7 CHECK FOR CORRECT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC) OPERATION
- Disconnect the instrument cluster (IC) connector.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect the instrument cluster (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 instrument cluster (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.