3.5L V6 EcoBoost4WDAUTOMATICgasturbo
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Founding sponsor spot is openYour name on every procedure for this vehicle, permanently.Sponsor — $99 →
electrical

Washer Reservoir

for 2012 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
11
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Remove and replace the windshield washer fluid reservoir on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Washer fluid will spill during removal. Have drain pan and towels ready.
ℹ️The reservoir is located in the driver side front fender area, behind the wheel well liner.

Tools required

7mm socketEssential
10mm socketEssential
Socket wrenchEssential
Flathead screwdriver
Panel removal tool
Drain pan or bucketEssential
Shop towelsEssential

Parts

  • Windshield washer reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Washer pump (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

  • Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn front wheels fully to the right for better access to driver side wheel well
  3. Gather drain pan and position near driver side front wheel area

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access the wheel well liner
    Remove the plastic push pins securing the front portion of the driver side inner fender liner. You'll need to remove approximately 4-6 push pins to create enough access to the washer reservoir. Pull the liner back to expose the reservoir.
  2. 2
    Disconnect washer pump electrical connector
    Locate the electrical connector on the washer pump at the bottom of the reservoir. Press the tab and pull the connector straight off the pump. The connector may be dirty from road debris.
  3. 3
    Disconnect washer hoses
    Disconnect the washer fluid supply hose from the pump outlet. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the retaining clip if equipped, then pull the hose straight off. If there is a fluid level sensor hose on top of the reservoir, disconnect it as well. Washer fluid will drain from the hoses.
  4. 4
    Drain reservoir
    Position the drain pan beneath the reservoir. Use a siphon or allow the fluid to drain through the disconnected pump outlet. You can also remove the fill cap to speed up draining. Expect approximately 3.5 quarts of fluid.
  5. 5
    Remove reservoir mounting bolts
    Locate the mounting bolts securing the reservoir to the fender structure. There are typically 2-3 bolts accessible from the wheel well. Use a 10mm socket to remove these bolts completely. Support the reservoir as you remove the last bolt.
  6. 6
    Remove washer reservoir
    Carefully maneuver the reservoir out through the wheel well opening. You may need to angle it to clear the fender structure. The washer pump remains attached to the reservoir unless you're replacing it separately.
  7. 7
    Transfer washer pump (if reusing)
    If the new reservoir doesn't include a pump, remove the pump from the old reservoir by twisting counterclockwise and pulling it out. Install the pump into the new reservoir by aligning the tabs and twisting clockwise until it locks. Ensure the rubber grommet seals properly.
  8. 8
    Install new reservoir
    Position the new reservoir into the fender cavity, angling it through the wheel well opening. Align the mounting holes with the fender structure. Thread in the mounting bolts by hand first, then tighten with a 10mm socket in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
  9. 9
    Reconnect hoses and electrical
    Push the washer hose firmly onto the pump outlet until it clicks or seats completely. Reconnect any level sensor hoses to the top of the reservoir. Reconnect the electrical connector to the pump until you hear it click into place.
  10. 10
    Reinstall wheel well liner
    Position the inner fender liner back into place and reinstall all push pins. Ensure the liner is properly seated and secured to prevent vibration or rubbing.
  11. 11
    Fill reservoir and test
    Fill the reservoir with approximately 3.5 quarts of windshield washer fluid through the fill neck under the hood. Start the engine and test the washer system by activating the washers. Check for leaks at all hose connections and around the pump.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all push pins are fully seated in the wheel well liner
  2. Verify the reservoir fill cap is properly tightened
  3. Straighten front wheels after completion

Verification

  • Test washer system in all modes (windshield and rear if equipped) to confirm proper operation
  • Check for leaks around pump connections, hoses, and reservoir seams
  • Verify fluid level is at MAX line on reservoir
  • Inspect wheel well liner for proper fitment with no loose sections
🔧Stuck on this washer reservoir? Take it to The Diag Desk.A human with 20+ years in the bay answers about YOUR Ford within 24 hours — never AI. $25, and you're not charged unless you get an answer.Ask a tech →

More procedures for this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
Stuck on this repair? Take it to The Diag Desk — ask a master tech about this exact car → real human answer within 24h, never AI
⚠ STILL BEHIND THE PAYWALL
The 2012 Ford F-150 repair data is incomplete because no one has sponsored it yet. For $99, we generate the full step-by-step procedures, then fact-check them with a second AI pass and your expert review. Your name on every procedure, permanently.
The same data would cost $169/mo from Mitchell1 or $30/year from ALLDATAdiy — and you'd be renting access, not freeing it. Sponsor once, free forever.
Sponsor the Ford F-150 — $99 →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →