Owner's Problem Description
The owner reports that the windscreen washers on their 1999 Ford Focus have stopped functioning after exposure to cold weather. They attempted to use the washers when they were frozen, which may have caused the issue. Despite pressing the controls for both the front and rear washers, no sound is heard from the washer motor located under the nearside front wing. The owner inquires about a possible fuse for the washers and what steps to take next.
Professional Technical Analysis
This 1999 Ford Focus is experiencing a failure of the windscreen washer system, particularly after cold weather conditions where the washers were potentially frozen. The vehicle is equipped with a standard electrical washer pump located under the nearside front wing and controlled by a multifunction switch. The owner has already checked for a fuse, specifically fuses 43 and 55, but these did not resolve the issue. A systematic diagnosis is needed to determine if the pump is operational and whether the problem lies within the wiring, the pump itself, or the control switch. The washer pump typically should receive battery voltage (approximately 12V) when activated. If voltage is present at the connector and the pump is silent, this indicates a pump failure. If there is no voltage, further investigation of the wiring and switch is required. The current condition of the vehicle raises safety concerns, as inoperative windscreen washers can impair visibility in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the age of the vehicle and potential corrosion of electrical connections should be considered, which may contribute to operational failures. Given these factors, a thorough electrical diagnosis is critical to pinpoint the root cause and ensure reliable operation.
Possible Causes
Most common causes (ordered by frequency):
- Washer Pump Failure: The washer pump, located under the nearside front wing, may have experienced thermal or mechanical failure due to freezing conditions. If the pump does not activate when voltage is applied, it is likely defective and requires replacement. Typical symptoms include no noise from the pump when the washer switch is activated, indicating it has failed to operate. The standard operating voltage for the washer pump should be 12V when activated. - No sound from the washer pump when the switch is engaged, visual inspection shows the pump is not activated.
- Wiring Issues: Damaged or corroded wiring harness connections to the washer pump can prevent proper operation. Checking the continuity of the wires from the multifunction switch to the washer pump connection is essential. Any breaks or poor connections in this circuit can lead to voltage loss, which would prevent the pump from receiving the necessary power to operate. - Visual inspection of wiring shows signs of wear or corrosion; continuity test reveals breaks in the circuit.
- Multifunction Switch Failure: The multifunction switch that controls the washer pump may have failed internally. If no voltage is present at the washer pump connector when the switch is activated, this indicates a potential failure in the switch. Testing the switch for continuity and proper function is necessary to confirm this diagnosis. - No voltage at the washer pump connector during activation of the switch, suggesting the switch may be defective.
Diagnostic Steps
Professional Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose the issue. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
- STEP 1 - Initial Inspection: Start with a visual inspection of the washer pump and its connections. Check for any signs of damage or corrosion around the pump and wiring. Ensure that the pump’s harness connector is secure and free of debris. This step is crucial to identify any obvious issues that may prevent the pump from operating.
- STEP 2 - Voltage Check: With the ignition in the RUN position, activate the washer switch and measure the voltage at the washer pump connector. You should see battery voltage (approximately 12V). If voltage is present, but the pump does not operate, the pump is likely defective. If no voltage is measured, continue to the next step.
- STEP 3 - Wiring Continuity Test: If no voltage is present at the washer pump connector, check the continuity of the wiring from the multifunction switch to the pump. Use a multimeter to measure resistance; it should show near zero ohms for a good connection. Any significant resistance indicates a wiring issue that needs to be addressed.
- STEP 4 - Multifunction Switch Testing: If wiring is intact and no voltage is detected, test the multifunction switch for continuity. Disconnect the switch and use a multimeter to ensure the switch functions correctly when activated. If the switch fails this test, it will need to be replaced.
