Windshield Washer Pump
A small electric pump that draws fluid from the washer reservoir and sprays it onto the windshield.
The windshield washer pump is a small, 12-volt electric pump mounted directly into the side of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Its sole purpose is to pressurize and pump washer fluid from the tank through rubber hoses to the spray nozzles mounted on the hood or cowl, allowing the driver to clean dust, dirt, and road grime off the windshield.
When the driver activates the washer switch on the steering column, the body control module or switch sends electrical power to the washer pump. The pump's internal impeller spins, drawing fluid from the reservoir and pushing it through the delivery lines. On SUV and hatchback models, a dual-outlet washer pump is often used, which can spin in forward or reverse directions to pump fluid to either the front windshield or the rear window.
Common failure modes for windshield washer pumps include electrical motor burnout (often caused by running the pump when the reservoir is dry), internal seals leaking fluid into the electrical connector, and freezing. If water or low-quality washer fluid is used in freezing temperatures, the fluid will expand, cracking the pump body or seizing the impeller.
If the washer system fails to spray fluid, but the reservoir is full, the pump should be inspected. Symptoms of a bad pump include a complete lack of spray combined with silence under the hood when the switch is activated. Replacing the pump is a relatively simple service that involves accessing the reservoir (often located behind the front bumper or fender liner), unplugging the electrical connector and hoses, and popping the pump out of its rubber grommet seal.