Wndshield Washer Pump 1996 Chev 1500

[markqc]

I noticed this morning that my windshield washer pump was not pumping the fluid. When I parked I noticed that the pump was not running at all. What needs to be removed inorder to get a look at the pump and wiring? Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Mark

[ChevyWonTon]

Mark,

This is almost certainly a failed pump motor, which is snapped into the side of the fluid reservoir in almost all cases these days. The motor can get corroded, and the motor brushes also wear out. A less likely cause would be a problem with the wiper motor electronics, which controls the pump operation. I've replaced my '93 fluid pump motor because the brushes wore out, and it was an easy job.

I think your pump motor is on the back side of the reservoir tank, so you'll need to unbolt the reservoir to get to the pump motor. You will likely need to drain out most of the fluid at this time; otherwise, it will pour out when you remove the pump. Once the tank is loose and empty, you should be able to unplug the connector from the motor and then pry the pump motor and pump assembly out of the pocket it snaps into. (They are tight, so be careful not to break the reservoir tank trying to pry the motor out. You also might need to snap the motor out BEFORE removing the connector, depending on where the connector goes into the motor.) Pull the rubber hose loose from the pump outlet.

Install the new pump and motor in the reverse order as disassembly, making sure to include the rubber seal (either comes with the new pump or you need to re-use the old one - I don't remember) between the pump and the tank. Remount the reservoir and you're done!

[markqc]

Thanks for your reply. I'll check it out this weekend.

Mark

[oldchevy]

I had similar problem with my c1500 91' but it would work only sometimes and then the wipers did not work normally and the delay was crazy.

The problem was the pulse modulator. It's mounted to the fire wall. Everything worked fine after that. Got the modular at the parts store for about $30. If the pump replacement does not fix the problem, try the modulator.

[markqc]

Thanks for your response. I changed the wiper circuit board a couple of years ago if that's what you mean.

I did try to get the tank out but ran out ouf time to finish. How do you pull the tank out. I removed the bolts that were holding the metal housing but it looked like there is one more bolt behind the headlight or turn signal light. I guess I will try removing the light to get the last bolt out and see if I can get enough room to lift the tank.

Thanks,
Mark

[ChevyWonTon]

Originally Posted by markqc

How do you pull the tank out. I removed the bolts that were holding the metal housing but it looked like there is one more bolt behind the headlight or turn signal light.

Mark, your '96 must be a lot different than my '93, as my clear plastic ws/washer tank is all by itself on the driver's side fender with only two bolts holding it to the fender through the tabs molded into the two sides of the tank. There's nothing within a quarter mile of the washer tank to get in the way!

Sorry to lead you on a wild goose chase, but it's easy ONCE YOU GET THE TANK OFF!

[markqc]

Chevy Won Ton,

I finally got around to changing the pump. On my 1996, there is a plastic storage box above the tank, so that needed to be removed first. No problem there. My problem was in the end quite simple. Typical GM engineering!! There is a metal bracket that mounts to the inside of the grill near the side marker. The bolt that holds this bracket protruded right through the sheet metal and into the "covering" of the washer fluid tank which prevented the free movement of the tank. Once I removed this bolt the tank pulled right out and the pump was easy to change.

Thanks for your replies,
Mark