flush out dead /clogged screenwash pump /tank ( Focus TDCi)

[BREAK=removing tank - awkward]Removing fluid from tank,
then lift tank from car.

NOT technical.. just time consuming



reservoir/tank + pump are generally located in the inner wing area.

before removing tank check pump doesn't make ANY sound..,
check fuses..!!

I removed the under bonnet liner, and unplugged the rubber supply hose, and tried BLOWING down the hose ( there MAY be a non-return valve stopping this)

I DO NOT recommend sucking.. as it can be pretty foul stuff


safely jack-up car, remove road wheel for better access.

on the focus , I used a T30 Torx key to remove inner wing plastic retaining clips, then wriggled plastic liner free.



once liner is off you SHOULD be able to see SOME of the rubber supply hose(es) - front and REAR screen often share the 1 pump.

I pulled apart one of the hose couplers, and let the system drain into a filtered container ( a bowl is fine.. as you can filter the fluid on re-installing)




[BREAK=New Page]

once as much fluid has drained as possible,
try and dislodge the pump ( lower tubing), as this will cut down the weight unsupported when unbolting the tank.

unbolt all supporting bolts / screws,
there MAY be a "hook" into the chassis too ( was on Focus)

once free - carefully lower - as there may be hoses + pump wiring to deal with

planning ahead and having a means of supporting the tank at a mid-height is good here

once all is clear move tank away from car and tip last few trapped parts of fluid into your catch tray / bowl

[BREAK=half-way..!!]

remove the pump , and it's rubber seal,
wash out tank with clean water,


try plugging 1 end and shaking to get out little bits of crud.

on the FORD there is a "mesh /grille" cast into the rubber seal, it was SOLID with blue gunge from the screenwash ( common issue)

so pump was BONE DRY

this meant pump wouldn't run needless to say this was discovered when the local FORD garage was shut

so a strip down of the pump ensued

[BREAK=PUMP -basics]

















I've used a funnel and proper filter screen for the crud-catching, but pouring through an OLD tee shirt would do the job


ince all clean,
reassemble grommet / seal into tank and twist pumpback into place,
re-wire the loom into place, then offer tank into car, connecting tubes as they will reack,
loosely hang tank onto car and put a little NEAT WATER into the tank, then test the pump..,
( A LOT Less work if you've made a mistake t this point)

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