How to Change Out a Washer Fluid Pump on a 2005 Escape

A clean windshield is a must.

Washer fluid pumps are the heart of a 2005 Ford Escape's windshield washer system. The pump takes washer fluid from the reservoir and feeds it up through the washer lines where it sprays through the nozzles and onto the windshield. If the pump fails, the rest of the system is useless. Replacing a pump on your 2005 Ford Escape is a little tricky but can be accomplished by anyone with basic mechanical skill and a few tools. Expect to spend about an hour performing this work.

Things You'll Need

• Lug wrench
• Floor jack
• Jack stand
• Pocket screwdriver
• Socket set
• Replacement washer pump
• Torque wrench
• 1 gallon washer fluid

Instructions

1. Loosen the lug nuts on the right, front wheel of the 2005 Escape. Raise the right front up with the floor jack and support it on a jack stand. Remove the lug nuts and wheel by hand and set them aside.

2. Use the pocket screwdriver to remove the fasteners holding the inner fender skirt in place. Set it to the side. Make sure not to lose the fasteners.

3. Disconnect the washer pump from the side of the washer fluid reservoir using the socket set and then pull it out by hand, taking care to disconnect the fluid lines. The fluid in the reservoir will begin pouring out. Wait for the fluid to stop before continuing.

4. Disconnect the old pump from the wiring harness. Connect the replacement pump to the wiring harness and then insert the replacement washer pump in the reservoir in reverse of how you removed the old one. Make sure to reconnect the washer lines as well. Use care not to allow any washer fluid to get into the wiring connection.

5. Reinstall the inner fender skirt, wheel and lug nuts. Lower the Escape back onto the ground with the floor jack and tighten the lug nuts to 75lbs/ft with the torque wrench.

6. Fill the washer fluid reservoir with fluid and test the system. Look for any leaks while testing.

Tips & Warnings

• This can be performed without removing the right front wheel if you are slender and nimble; however, it is much easier to do without the wheel in the way.

References

• "Ford Escape 2001 Thru 2007: Haynes Manual"; Ken Freund; 2007