electrical
Washer Reservoir
for 2012 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master 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
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn front wheels fully to the right for better access to driver side wheel well
- Gather drain pan and position near driver side front wheel area
Procedure
- 1Access the wheel well linerRemove 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.
- 2Disconnect washer pump electrical connectorLocate 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.
- 3Disconnect washer hosesDisconnect 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.
- 4Drain reservoirPosition 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.
- 5Remove reservoir mounting boltsLocate 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.
- 6Remove washer reservoirCarefully 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.
- 7Transfer 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.
- 8Install new reservoirPosition 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.
- 9Reconnect hoses and electricalPush 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.
- 10Reinstall wheel well linerPosition 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.
- 11Fill reservoir and testFill 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
- Ensure all push pins are fully seated in the wheel well liner
- Verify the reservoir fill cap is properly tightened
- 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