Non-functioning windshield washer pump...

[jbanna]

I'm trying to fix my daughter's 97 Saturn SC1, which has a non-functional windshield washer pump. I have bypassed the switch with a full 12 volts at the pump and it works; I have tested the voltage supplied to the pump when the column switch is depressed, and it registers between 10 and 11 volts; the wipers function properly, but no fluid (or pump noise) when the column switch is depressed. Anyone fixed this problem yet?

[sierrap615]

i'm thinking you have a high resistance problem. i assume when you tested for power to the pump you did it disconnected? opening a circert to test can cause false reading, for the most accurate reading, you need to tap into the complete circert. easist done by backprobing the connectior. i use these T-pins, i get them at school. i don't know where they get them. they are a little like the pins for a tack-board. be careful not to damage the weather seal, carefully insert the T-pin between the wire and the seal, you should be able to feel the pin hit the connection inside the connectior.

[jbanna]

That may be the case, but I am not sure why I would have a resistance problem, unless there is a separate relay in the wiper motor that controls the washer pump. You are right that I checked the voltage with the plug removed; I'll have to try it with the plug still attached. An interesting thing happened today though - it just started working! So, until it screws up again, I can't really do much testing....

[sierrap615]

it may just be a loose for chafted wire causing an intermittent problem