Washer Reservoir

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the windshield washer fluid reservoir on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Windshield washer reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Washer pump grommet (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Push-pin retainers (if broken) × 5 — Ford push-pin retainer set

Fluids

• Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn off ignition and remove key
3. Allow engine to cool if recently driven
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts during pump disconnection
5. Turn steering wheel to full right lock for better access to driver's side wheel well

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using an 8mm or 10mm socket (depending on terminal type), loosen and remove the negative battery cable from the battery. Secure cable away from battery post.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove driver's side front wheel (optional but recommended)
   For improved access, remove the driver's side front wheel. Loosen lug nuts, raise vehicle with floor jack at proper jacking point, support with jack stand, and remove wheel completely. This step can be skipped if adequate access is available through wheel well.
3. 3

   Remove front section of wheel well liner
   Locate and remove the push-pin retainers securing the front section of the driver's side inner fender liner. Typically 5-7 retainers secure the front portion. Pull liner away to expose washer reservoir. Use trim removal tool to prevent breaking retainers.
4. 4

   Drain washer fluid reservoir
   Place drain pan beneath reservoir area. Disconnect the lower washer fluid hose from the reservoir or pump outlet. Allow fluid to drain completely into pan. This minimizes spillage during removal.
5. 5

   Disconnect washer pump electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the washer pump (mounted to bottom or side of reservoir). Press release tab and pull connector straight off pump. Note connector orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Disconnect washer hoses
   Disconnect the fluid outlet hose(s) from the washer pump. Depending on configuration, there may be one or two hoses (windshield and headlight washers if equipped). Press hose retaining tabs and pull hoses straight off pump fittings. Have shop towels ready to catch residual fluid.
7. 7

   Remove reservoir mounting fasteners
   Locate the reservoir mounting bolts or bracket bolts (typically 2-3 bolts). Remove these fasteners using a 10mm socket. The reservoir may be mounted with a combination of bolts at the top and a lower support bracket.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove washer reservoir from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the reservoir out through the wheel well opening. Angle the reservoir as needed to clear any obstructions. The reservoir neck extends upward into the fender, so it may need to be tilted and rotated during removal.
9. 9

   Transfer washer pump to new reservoir
   If pump is functioning properly, remove it from old reservoir by twisting counterclockwise and pulling straight out from rubber grommet. Inspect grommet for damage and replace if cracked. Install pump into new reservoir by pressing firmly into grommet until fully seated, then twist clockwise to lock.
10. 10

    Install new washer reservoir
    Position new reservoir into fender cavity, ensuring neck aligns properly with filler opening. Align mounting holes and install mounting bolts. Torque bracket bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect washer hoses and electrical connector
    Push washer fluid hoses onto pump outlet fittings until they click into place. Tug gently to verify secure connection. Reconnect electrical connector to pump, ensuring it locks fully with an audible click.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel well liner
    Position inner fender liner back into place and secure with push-pin retainers. Replace any broken retainers with new ones. Ensure liner is properly seated and does not interfere with tire movement.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and reconnect battery
    If wheel was removed, install wheel and torque lug nuts to 150 lb-ft in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose connections are fully seated and secured to prevent leaks
2. Verify electrical connector is fully engaged with no gap visible
3. Check that wheel well liner is properly secured and will not contact tire during turning
4. Double-check battery terminal connection is tight and corrosion-free

Verification

• Fill washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid to proper level (approximately 3.5 quarts)
• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
• Activate windshield washer system and verify fluid sprays properly from all nozzles
• Check for leaks around pump connections, hoses, and reservoir seams while system is operating
• Verify washer pump operates quietly without unusual noise
• Check that low washer fluid warning light (if equipped) functions correctly when fluid level is low
• Test steering through full range of motion to ensure wheel well liner does not contact tire

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