Windshield washer pump no power

This one is a real headscratcher for me and my 2000 Windstar SEL. about 2 years ago the pump that supplied windshield washer fluid to the rear window stopped working. Then a year and a half later, the pump supplying washer fluid to the front windshield stopped working.

I figured the pumps just pooped out and went and bought a new one so at least i have washer fluid available for the front. Went and bought the appropriate pump looked exactly like the old one, installed it and yet again no fluid.

The lines have been checked for blockages and are all clear. Cleaned out the reservoir that holds the fluid even though it was barely dirty. Checked the fuses that deal with washer pumps and they are all fine.

There simply isn't any power getting to the pumps.

What happens when i push for washer fluid to spray: the wiper arms will move like normal, no sound comes from the washer pump.

Anyone have an idea of where the problem might lie? It would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

A broke student

My '96 diagrams may be slightly different...but that is all I have access to.
There is a windshield washer relay,....the '96 windstar has this in the engine compartment fuse/relay box.
This relay is what actually delivers the power to the washer fluid pump.
The "multifunction-switch" which has the wipers, turn signals and washer switch is all 1 unit.
I have pictures that show how to change this on the '96 in the pictures that the link in my signature takes you to.

There is always the possiblility of a broken wire or poor connection in one of the plugs

Then there is the "General Electrical Module" (GEM) which is different on your 2000....but if it was used on the '96, they most likely used it on your 2000 (It might be called FEM for Front Electrical Module on the 1999 and newer windstar).
The GEM/FEM are solid state devices and more $$$ so let's focus on the cheaper solutions....which are more likely to fail anyhow.

A

Wiswind is right, there is one relay for the front wipers and one for the rear it is located inside the junction box in the engine compartment. Try swapping it with a similar one and see if the problem is fixed.

Try that first, if it doesn't works I can upload the electric diagrams for you.

Oscar.

Wiswind you were dead on when it came to a broken wire. I brought my Windstar in for the 11S16 recall (lca and rear body mount reinforcement brackets)

They did a trace and locate for the power wire to the washer pump. Low and behold the problem lied in the wire where it passes over the cooling fans. The technician replaced just that section of wire and tada! it works :). I wish i could have figured that out on my own.

Thanks again to all you guys for being so helpful.



My '96 diagrams may be slightly different...but that is all I have access to.
There is a windshield washer relay,....the '96 windstar has this in the engine compartment fuse/relay box.
This relay is what actually delivers the power to the washer fluid pump.
The "multifunction-switch" which has the wipers, turn signals and washer switch is all 1 unit.
I have pictures that show how to change this on the '96 in the pictures that the link in my signature takes you to.

There is always the possiblility of a broken wire or poor connection in one of the plugs

Then there is the "General Electrical Module" (GEM) which is different on your 2000....but if it was used on the '96, they most likely used it on your 2000 (It might be called FEM for Front Electrical Module on the 1999 and newer windstar).
The GEM/FEM are solid state devices and more $$$ so let's focus on the cheaper solutions....which are more likely to fail anyhow.

A