The Ford Windstar minivan is equipped with a rotary-vane washer pump type and most problems with it may be traced to simple causes: Clogged nozzles, lines or hoses; damaged lines, disconnected wires or rusted electrical contacts.
Before you begin any tests, make sure the washer fluid on the reservoir is at the proper level. Then determine whether the washer pump is operating or not. Turn the ignition key to the "On" position, but do not start the engine. Ask a helper to operate the washer pump while you check it for any noises that might indicate it is operating.
Check the lines and hoses between the pump and nozzles if you can hear the pump working but no fluid is coming out. Look for a disconnected or damaged line or hose. Disconnect one of the hoses as close to a nozzle as possible. Ask a helper to operate the washer pump again. If fluid comes out through the line, the nozzle might be clogged. Insert a paper clip through the front of the nozzle to unclog it. If this does not fix the problem, replace the nozzles.
Disconnect the line at the pump, if there was no fluid coming out of the hose in the previous test. Have your helper operate the pump again. If there is fluid coming out of the pump, one of the lines is clogged. If no fluid comes out, replace the pump.
The Pump Does not Work
Check for incoming voltage at the pump, if it does not make any noise when the switch is activated. Ask a helper to operate the washer pump again and make sure voltage is reaching the pump using a test light. Also, check for a good ground at the pump.
If you confirm that voltage is getting to the pump and there is a good ground, replace the pump. Otherwise, says Ken Freund in The Haynes Automotive Electrical Manual, check the washer pump switch and wires for a possible open.
