Windshield Washer Reservoir: Description and Operation

The molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is integral to the engine coolant overflow bottle located on the left end of the air conditioning condenser module in the left front corner of the engine compartment. A single washer fluid reservoir is used for both the front and rear washer systems.

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 top of the reservoir just behind the filler neck when it is removed for inspecting or adjusting the fluid level in the reservoir.

There are separate, dedicated holes on the lower rearward facing side of the reservoir provided for the mounting of the washer/pump motor unit and the washer fluid level switch. A snap post receptacle for the washer pump is molded into the reservoir to allow for mounting of the washer pump/motor unit without the use of fasteners.

The washer reservoir is serviced only as a unit with the engine coolant reserve bottle. The washer reservoir cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the coolant reserve bottle/washer reservoir unit must be replaced. The grommet seals for the washer pump/motor unit and the washer fluid level switch, and the filler cap are each available for individual 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 washer/pump motor unit is located in a sump area near the bottom of the reservoir to be certain that washer fluid will be available to the pump as the fluid level in the reservoir becomes depleted. 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 front washer system will no longer operate. The ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) is programmed to suppress rear washer system operation upon illumination of the low washer fluid indicator so that the front washers can remain operational until the fluid level can be replenished.