Windshield Washer Reservoir: Description and Operation

Fig.14 Washer Reservoir - Except V-10 & Diesel Engine:

WASHER RESERVOIR
Except on models equipped with an optional V-10 or diesel engine, the molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is mounted on the right rearward facing surface of the cooling module radiator shroud in the engine compartment. On models with the V-10 or diesel engine, the molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is mounted on the rearward facing surface of the left vertical member of the radiator support in the engine compartment. The reservoir is a molded unit constructed of a translucent plastic that allows the washer fluid level to be inspected without removing the washer reservoir cap. The most visible component of the washer reservoir is the filler cap unit, which is secured to and hinges on a hook feature that is integral to the filler neck near the top of the reservoir. The bright yellow plastic filler cap snaps over the filler neck opening and seals the reservoir opening with an integral rubber gasket. The filler cap is labeled with an International Control and Display Symbol icon for "Windshield Washer" and the text "Washer Fluid Only" that are molded into it and highlighted in black against the yellow plastic cap for visibility.

There are dedicated holes near the bottom of the rearward facing side of the reservoir provided for the mounting of the washer pump/motor unit and the washer fluid level switch. A snap post receptacle molded into the reservoir allows for mounting of the washer pump without the use of fasteners. The reservoir also features an integral hose routing trough on its rearward facing side. Except on models with a V-10 or diesel engine, the washer reservoir is secured to the cooling module radiator shroud with three integral tabs, two at the bottom and one at the top. The two bottom tabs are inserted into two slots near the bottom of the shroud, while the upper tab slides into an integral channel-like slot near the top of the shroud. A molded lock feature on the forward facing surface of the reservoir engages a molded depression on the rearward facing surface of the radiator shroud when the reservoir is fully seated on the shroud, locking the unit securely in place. On models with a V-10 or diesel engine, the washer reservoir is secured with two screws through integral mounting tabs to the left vertical member of the radiator support. On many models, a molded plastic coolant recovery container or a coolant pressure container must be detached from the top of the cooling module and moved aside to access the washer fluid reservoir for service. This may be accomplished without opening or draining the engine cooling system.

The washer fluid reservoir provides a secure, on-vehicle storage location for a large reserve of washer fluid for operation of the washer system. The washer reservoir filler neck provides a clearly marked and readily accessible point from which to add washer fluid to the reservoir. The washer/pump motor unit is located in a sump area near the bottom of the reservoir to be certain that washer fluid will be available to the pump as the fluid level in the reservoir becomes depleted. The washer pump/motor unit is mounted in the lowest position in the sump. The washer fluid level switch is mounted just above the sump area of the reservoir so that there will be adequate warning to the vehicle operator that the washer fluid level is low, well before the washer system will no longer operate.