4000 Washer Pump Problem

[Richard van der Hoff]

keithbedard at verizon.net wrote:
> Recently, my wiper fluid was working intermittently.  Now, it does not work 
> at all.  I then swapped from a parts car with an excellent pump (tested in 
> car before removal - worked great).  I checked the two wires going to the 
> pump, and the wiring is visually good.  (I have misplaced my multi-meter, but 
> when I locate it, I will check voltage to wires).  When you normally pull the 
> washer level to activate it, the nozzles squirt, and you get a few strokes of 
> the wipers.  Interesting, that when I now pull the lever, motor is silent, 
> and wipers don't move, either!  And then, when I remove the two wires to the 
> washer motor and pull the washer lever, the wipers stroke!  I have read in 
> the Archives that there is a check valve that may be where the hose connects 
> to the reservoir tank, but it is not there.
> 
> Any BTDT's?  A bad ground somewhere?  Is there a fuse or relay for the 
> windshield washer?

It sounds to me very like a faulty washer stalk. They're a bit renowned
for getting gunked up and gradually failing. A bad connection on the
stalk would give all the symptoms you describe.

I'd really try and track down that multimeter - or go and pick one up
for a fiver on the high street - and see what the voltages are across
the washer pump connector, both open circuit and with it plugged in.

Cheers

Richard