How To Repair A Windshield Washer - The Family Handyman

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How To Replace Your Windshield Washer Pump in 1 Hour or Less

Total Time:1 hour or lessComplexity:BeginnerCost:$20-$150

By Samuel Rosenmayer

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Dec. 19, 2024

Follow along as we break down windshield washer fluid pump replacement.

Time

1 hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$20-$150

Introduction

Skip the expensive repair bill and learn how to replace a windshield washer pump yourself with this simple DIY project.

If you’re pressing your windshield washer button and nothing sprays out to clean those stubborn dead bugs, it might be time to learn how to replace a windshield washer pump.

To determine whether your windshield washer pump needs to be replaced or if the fuse is faulty, try spraying the windshield wiper fluid. If you hear a clicking noise, it indicates that power is reaching the system, but the pump is not functioning correctly. This suggests that the pump is likely the issue. If there is no sound when the washer is activated, there is probably no power getting to the pump, and a fuse needs to be replaced.

How does replacing a windshield washer pump differ by make and model?

We asked this question to auto service specialist Alan Gelfand. He deals mostly with German-made vehicles, but he was able to generalize the key differences you’ll find in most vehicles:

• Vehicle design – “Replacing a windshield washer pump varies based on the design of the car,” says Gelfand. “For instance, the BMW 3 Series require you to remove the front bumper or wheel well liner to have access to the pump while others like the Volkswagen Jetta has easier access since you can remove the washer fluid reservoir.”
• Pump location and design – This depends on vehicle design. Some washer pumps have integrated filters that would need to be cleaned or replaced during the process, says Gelfand. Some pumps have specialized connectors that differ in layout while some you would need specific tools to detach safely.
• The number of washer fluid reservoirs connected to the pump.
• Electrical setup –  There is typically a two-wire connection, but it’s complicated in newer vehicles by the pump being integrated with the vehicle’s computer system.

When to call a pro

Replacing the pump itself isn’t difficult, but getting to it is another story. It will most likely require you to jack up the car and remove the wheel or the front bumper to access the windshield washer fluid pump. Most of the time, the pumps are attached to the windshield wiper reservoir, usually located near the front left or right wheel of the vehicle.

If you cannot find or feel uncomfortable doing the work to access the windshield washer fluid pump in your vehicle, bring it to a reliable mechanic to install a new pump.

Tools Required

• Car jack
• Jack stand
• Panel clip pliers
• Screwdriver
• Tire iron
• Torque wrench

Materials Required

• Bucket
• funnel
• Nitrile gloves
• Siphon
• Windshield washer fluid
• Windshield washer pump

Project step-by-step (8)

Step 1

Where is the windshield washer pump located?

Open your vehicle’s hood and locate the windshield wiper fluid reservoir. Underneath it, you will find the windshield washer pump connected to the reservoir. Most vehicles require removing a front wheel and the wheel splash shield to access the windshield washer pump.

Step 2

Jack up the vehicle

To prevent the vehicle from rolling, apply the emergency brake and place wheel chocks or wood blocks around the rear tires. Then, use a tire iron to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel.

Identify the jack points for your vehicle in the owner’s manual. Once the jack point has been identified, use a car jack to raise the car until the tire no longer touches the ground and you can safely fit a jack stand underneath it.

Lower the car slowly onto a jack stand. Stop lowering when the jack stand supports the weight of the vehicle. Leave the jack in place to provide additional support while working on the vehicle.

Finally, fully loosen and remove the lug nuts, then pull the tire off.

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Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Do It Right, Do It Yourself! Step 3

Remove the splash guard

Use panel clip pliers or a screwdriver to remove the clips and/or small screws to disconnect the wheel splash guard from the vehicle.

Step 4

Disconnect the pump and drain the fluid

Use a siphon to remove all the windshield washer fluid from the reservoir. You can also drain the fluid by disconnecting the line that goes into the pump and placing a bucket underneath to catch it.

Pull off both fluid lines going into the pump and note which line goes into each side. The fluid line on the left is connected to the rear windshield wiper, and the one on the right is connected to the front windshield wiper. Take a picture with your phone to avoid mixing them up.

Step 5

Disconnect the electrical connector

Unclip the electrical connector attached to the pump. Then, remove the old pump by pulling it up and out.

Step 6

Install new pump

Place the new pump in position on the reservoir, connect the electrical connector to the pump, and attach the fluid lines to their correct ports. “My tip for those wanting to DIY this process,” says Gelfand, “is to always remember to use original equipment manufacturer pumps so you’re sure you’re using compatible and reliable ones. If you use aftermarket parts, you may come across issues with improper fit or the part failing prematurely.”

Step 7

Fill up the reservoir

Open the hood and the windshield wiper fluid cap. Use a funnel to fill the reservoir with windshield wiper fluid. Check the pump for any leaks.

Step 8

Reassemble the vehicle

Before putting the car back together, turn it on to test whether the front and rear windshield wiper sprayers are working correctly.

Install the splash guard back into its original position and secure it back into place with the clips and screws. Then, reinstall the wheel. Jack up the car enough to remove the jack stands, then slowly lower the car back down to the ground.

After the car is on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.

FAQ

How do you drain the windshield washer fluid reservoir?

Detach the fluid lines from the windshield washer pump and place a bucket underneath to catch the fluid draining. You can also use a siphon to remove all the fluid from the reservoir.

How much does it cost to replace a windshield washer pump?

Windshield washer pumps cost between $20 and $150, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. If you’re getting it installed by a professional mechanic, add the pump cost to the labor cost of removing your wheel and other components, and the total cost can quickly rise over $300 on some vehicles.

How can you tell when your windshield washer pump is bad?

The most common sign is when the windshield wiper sprayer is activated but no fluid sprays out. Sometimes, fluid comes out but sprays unevenly, which is another indication that the pump is bad.

About the Expert

• Alan “Ollie” Gelfand is the owner of German Car Depot, an independent automotive service center based in Hollywood, Florida.