electrical
Washer Reservoir
for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
12
✓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.
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the windshield washer fluid reservoir on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
Warnings
⚠Washer fluid is toxic if ingested. Dispose of old fluid properly according to local regulations.
ℹ️The washer reservoir is located in the front driver side fender area behind the front wheel well liner.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
Drain pan or bucketEssential
Shop towelsEssential
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Parts
- Washer fluid reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Washer pump (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Push pin retainers (if broken) × 5 — Ford part number W705840-S439
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn off ignition and remove key
- Allow engine to cool if recently operated
- Gather all tools and new parts for inspection
Procedure
- 1Remove driver side front wheelLoosen the lug nuts on the driver side front wheel. Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and support with jack stands at the manufacturer-recommended jacking points. Remove the lug nuts completely and remove the wheel to access the fender liner.
- 2Remove fender liner fastenersLocate and remove the plastic push-pin fasteners securing the front portion of the driver side inner fender liner. There are typically 6-8 push pins along the front edge and wheelhouse opening. Use the trim removal tool to pry the center pins up, then remove the entire fastener. Carefully pull back the fender liner to expose the washer reservoir.
- 3Drain washer fluidPlace a drain pan or bucket beneath the washer reservoir. Disconnect the electrical connector from the washer pump by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Disconnect the washer hose from the pump outlet by squeezing the quick-connect fitting and pulling the hose free. Allow all fluid to drain into the pan.
- 4Disconnect washer pumpIf reusing the washer pump, twist it counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull it straight out of the reservoir grommet. If the pump or grommet is damaged, note this for replacement. Set the pump aside if reusing.
- 5Remove reservoir mounting fastenersLocate the reservoir mounting bolts at the top and bottom of the reservoir. Remove the mounting bolts using a 10mm socket. There are typically two bolts securing the reservoir to the fender structure. Support the reservoir as you remove the final bolt.
- 6Remove reservoir assemblyCarefully maneuver the washer reservoir out through the fender liner opening. Angle the reservoir as needed to clear the fender structure and wheelhouse. Inspect the old reservoir for cracks, damage, or contamination.
- 7Prepare new reservoirIf installing a new washer pump, insert it into the new reservoir grommet and twist clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks in place. Ensure the pump is fully seated and secure. If reusing the old pump, inspect the grommet in the new reservoir and install the pump in the same manner.
- 8Install new reservoirPosition the new reservoir into the fender area, routing it through the fender liner opening. Align the mounting holes with the fender structure. Install the reservoir mounting bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to secure the reservoir.
- 9Reconnect hose and electrical connectionsPush the washer hose onto the pump outlet until the quick-connect fitting clicks into place. Tug gently to verify it is secure. Reconnect the electrical connector to the washer pump, ensuring it clicks fully into place.
- 10Reinstall fender linerPull the fender liner back into position along the wheelhouse. Reinstall all push-pin fasteners by inserting the body of the fastener into the holes, then pressing the center pins down until flush. Replace any broken fasteners with new ones. Ensure the liner is properly seated and secure.
- 11Reinstall wheelMount the wheel back onto the hub and install the lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
- 12Fill reservoir with washer fluidOpen the hood and locate the washer fluid filler cap near the driver side of the engine bay. Pour approximately 3.5 quarts of windshield washer fluid into the reservoir until it reaches the full line. Do not overfill.
Reassembly
- Ensure all fender liner fasteners are properly installed and secure
- Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to manufacturer specification
- Check that all electrical connections are fully seated
- Confirm washer hose is properly connected with no leaks
Verification
- Start the vehicle and activate the windshield washer function from inside the cabin
- Verify washer fluid sprays properly onto the windshield from both nozzles
- Check for any leaks around the reservoir, pump, or hose connections
- Inspect the fender liner area to ensure no interference with tire movement
- Test washer function at various spray durations to confirm proper operation
Related trouble codes on this vehicle
Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.
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