Windshield Washer Reservoir: Description and Operation
WASHER RESERVOIRThe molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is secured with integral mounting tabs to keyed slots on the left side of the radiator fan shroud in the left front corner of 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. A bail strap that is integral to the cap secures the cap to the reservoir filler neck when it is removed for inspecting or adjusting the fluid level in the reservoir. There are separate, dedicated holes on the rear side of the reservoir provided for the mounting of the washer/pump motor unit and the washer fluid level switch.
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 unit 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 washer system. 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 washer system will no longer operate.