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2021 TOYOTA RAV4

2.5L I4AWDCVTgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs415Labor595Torque3730Fluid9DTC940Battery1Maintenance0Recalls1
electrical

Washer Pump

for 2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
6
Steps
11

This procedure covers the replacement of the windshield washer pump on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gas engine. The pump is accessed through the driver's side front wheel well.

Warnings

Washer fluid will drain from the reservoir when disconnecting the pump. Have a drain pan ready to catch fluid.
ℹ️This procedure does not require battery disconnection or wheel removal, simplifying the job considerably.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Flathead screwdriverEssential
Panel removal tool set
Needle-nose pliersEssential
Drain pan or bucketEssential
Shop towelsEssential

Parts

  • Windshield washer pump × 1 — 85330-42020 or equivalent
  • Push-type retaining clips (if damaged) × 5 — 90467-07211 or equivalent

Fluids

  • Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn steering wheel fully to the right to access the driver's side wheel well
  3. Allow engine to cool if recently driven
  4. Gather drain pan and towels for fluid spillage

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access the driver's side wheel well liner
    From the driver's side front wheel well, locate the plastic inner fender liner. You will need to partially remove or fold back the front section of the liner to access the washer reservoir. Remove the push-type retaining clips along the front edge of the liner using a flathead screwdriver or panel tool. You do not need to remove the entire liner, just create enough access to reach behind it.
  2. 2
    Locate the washer reservoir and pump
    Behind the wheel well liner, locate the white plastic washer fluid reservoir mounted to the inner fender. The washer pump is a small cylindrical unit mounted in a grommet at the bottom of the reservoir. It will have two connections: an electrical connector on top and a fluid hose connection.
  3. 3
    Disconnect the electrical connector
    Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull it straight off the pump. The connector may be tight due to the grommet seal, so wiggle gently while pulling. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
  4. 4
    Prepare for fluid drainage
    Position your drain pan directly below the washer pump location. When you disconnect the pump, washer fluid will drain from the reservoir through the pump opening. Have shop towels ready to control spillage.
    Up to 3.5 quarts of washer fluid may drain. Ensure your drain pan has adequate capacity.
  5. 5
    Disconnect the fluid hose
    Using needle-nose pliers, squeeze and slide the spring clamp away from the pump connection point on the rubber hose. Once the clamp is moved back, twist and pull the hose off the pump outlet. Fluid will immediately begin draining.
  6. 6
    Remove the washer pump
    Grasp the pump body firmly and twist it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn while pulling outward. The pump is held in place by a rubber grommet that creates a friction fit. It may require moderate force to break free. Once rotated, pull the pump straight out of the reservoir along with the grommet.
  7. 7
    Install the new washer pump
    If the rubber grommet remained in the reservoir, remove it. Install the grommet onto the new pump, ensuring it seats properly in the pump's groove. Align the pump with the opening in the reservoir and push firmly while rotating clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks into place. The pump should sit flush and secure.
  8. 8
    Reconnect the fluid hose
    Push the rubber hose firmly onto the outlet nipple of the new pump until it bottoms out. Slide the spring clamp back into position over the hose connection, ensuring it sits in the proper groove on the pump outlet to prevent leaks.
  9. 9
    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the pump terminals until you hear or feel it click into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged.
  10. 10
    Reinstall the wheel well liner
    Fold the wheel well liner back into position and reinstall all push-type retaining clips. Ensure each clip is fully seated and the liner is secure with no loose sections.
  11. 11
    Refill the washer fluid reservoir
    Open the hood and locate the washer fluid cap (typically marked with a windshield/water symbol). Add windshield washer fluid until the reservoir is full, up to approximately 3.5 quarts. Use quality washer fluid appropriate for your climate.

Reassembly

  1. Double-check that all electrical connections are secure and locked
  2. Verify all wheel well liner clips are properly installed
  3. Wipe up any spilled washer fluid from components and ground
  4. Turn steering wheel back to center position

Verification

  • Turn the ignition to ON position (engine does not need to run)
  • Activate the windshield washer control and verify fluid sprays from all nozzles
  • Listen for smooth pump operation without unusual noise or grinding
  • Check for leaks around the pump connections and hose clamp
  • Verify the washer fluid level in the reservoir has not dropped excessively, indicating a leak
  • Test both front windshield washers and rear window washer (if equipped) to confirm full system operation

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