electrical
Washer Pump
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
6
Steps
10
✓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 the removal and replacement of the windshield washer pump on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine, located in the driver's side front wheel well.
Warnings
ℹ️The washer reservoir will drain when the pump is removed. Have towels or a drain pan ready.
⚠Do not run the washer pump dry before or after installation as this can damage the motor.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Flathead screwdriverEssential
PliersEssential
Trim removal tool
Drain pan or towelsEssential
Torque wrench
Parts
- Windshield washer pump × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Washer fluid hose (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt
Preparation
- Turn off the vehicle and ensure it is on level ground
- Turn the steering wheel fully to the right to access the driver's side wheel well
- Place towels or a drain pan under the driver's side front wheel well area
Procedure
- 1Remove driver's side front wheel well liner clipsRemove the plastic push clips and fasteners securing the front portion of the driver's side inner fender liner. You only need to remove enough clips to fold back the liner and access the washer reservoir. Typically 3-4 clips near the front edge of the wheel well are sufficient. Use a trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver to carefully pry out the center portion of each push clip, then remove the entire clip.
- 2Fold back the wheel well linerCarefully pull back the inner fender liner to expose the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The reservoir is a translucent white or blue container mounted in the front corner of the wheel well. Ensure you have clear access to the bottom of the reservoir where the pump is located.
- 3Disconnect the washer pump electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector attached to the washer pump at the bottom of the reservoir. Press the release tab on the connector and pull it straight off the pump. The connector may be stiff due to dirt or corrosion, but avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
- 4Disconnect the washer fluid hoseLocate the rubber hose connected to the outlet of the washer pump. Use pliers to squeeze and slide the hose clamp away from the pump connection point, then twist and pull the hose off the pump outlet. Be prepared for washer fluid to drain from both the hose and the reservoir. Allow fluid to drain into your catch pan or towels.
- 5Remove the washer pump from the reservoirThe pump is typically held in place by a twist-lock or friction fit grommet. Rotate the pump counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn while pulling outward, or simply pull firmly straight out depending on the design. Once the locking tabs disengage, remove the pump and its rubber grommet from the reservoir. Additional washer fluid will drain from the opening.
- 6Install the new washer pumpInspect the rubber grommet on the new pump for damage. If reusing the old grommet, ensure it is clean and not cracked. Insert the new pump into the reservoir opening, aligning any tabs or slots. Push firmly and rotate clockwise 1/4 turn if equipped with a twist-lock design, or simply push straight in until it seats fully and the grommet seals against the reservoir.
- 7Reconnect the washer fluid hosePush the rubber hose firmly onto the pump outlet until it is fully seated. Slide the hose clamp back into position over the connection point, ensuring it is secure. Tug gently on the hose to verify it will not pull off.
- 8Reconnect the electrical connectorPush the electrical connector onto the washer pump terminals until you hear or feel it click into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the connector body.
- 9Refill the washer fluid reservoirOpen the hood and locate the washer fluid reservoir cap (marked with a windshield/washer symbol). Add windshield washer fluid until the reservoir is full to the indicated maximum fill line, which requires approximately 3.5 quarts.
- 10Reinstall the wheel well linerPosition the inner fender liner back into place and reinstall all push clips. Ensure each clip is fully seated and the center pin is pushed in to lock the clip. Verify the liner is secure and will not contact the tire during steering.
Reassembly
- Ensure all wheel well liner clips are fully seated and the liner is secure
- Verify the washer fluid hose connection is tight and the hose clamp is properly positioned
- Double-check that the electrical connector is fully engaged with the pump
Verification
- Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine
- Activate the windshield washer system and verify fluid sprays from both nozzles with adequate pressure
- Listen for abnormal pump noise or grinding that could indicate air in the system or pump failure
- Check under the vehicle and in the wheel well area for any fluid leaks from the pump or hose connections
- Verify the washer fluid level has not dropped excessively, which would indicate a leak
- Test the system several times to ensure consistent operation