Yes, there’s a fuse for the windshield washer pump. So, when the windshield washer pump isn’t working, you should look for the fuse. Locating the Windshield washer pump can be a tricky exercise, though. Especially, for beginner drivers and owners of modern-day vehicles, finding many hood-bound auto components isn’t a walk in the park. How the windshield washer pump works and is connected in many vehicles differs.
Where is the Windshield Washer Pump Fuse Located?
In most cars, you’ll find the windshield wiper fuse in a fuse junction box located beneath the left side of the dashboard. In most Toyota models, the fuse is a 25 or 30-ampere overcurrent protector and it’s close to the driver’s left knee. Typically, you’ll see a ’wiper’ label on the fuse, telling you that it works to protect the windshield wiper from electrical surge or overcurrent. If this fuse gets burnt, you’ll notice that the washer pump won’t work.
The windshield washer pump fuse is the same fuse that provides and controls the power to the wiper motor. Depending on your car’s make and model, the fuse name and rating differ. For example, in KIA models, the fuse 8(20A) you find in the fuse block is the windshield washer pump fuse.
If you drive a 2015 Pilot Touring, your reading of the owner’s manual can sometimes be misleading. It is the fuse 38 (30A) that provides power and protects the wiring of your washer motors and wiper. Note that the 30-amp fuse for the headlight washer motor isn’t the fuse for a windshield washer pump.
For GMC terrain owners, the windshield washer pump fuse is located in the main fuse box at the bottom of the front hood. You’ll see a fuse labeled 39(20A). It is a yellow component, sitting to the left or right –depending on your position- of another blue fuse.
Regardless of the vehicle, the windshield washer pump fuse is not responsible if the wipers work but the washer fails to. In other words, you won’t have to worry about the fuse if the washers don’t run on command but the wiper motors do. The issue is not the fuse, you may need to dig deeper.
Why is the Windshield Washer pump not working?
There are several reasons your car’s windshield washer pump won’t work. The most common causes include the following:
Burnt fuse
As I have noted earlier, a problem with the fuse will definitely leave your windshield washer pump vulnerable. Once it burns, the washer and pump won’t run. However, if the washer motors run but the wiper doesn’t, a burnt windshield washer pump fuse not working isn’t the problem.
What’s the Fix? The best thing to do is to replace the burnt windshield washer pump fuse. The process of installing a new fuse is straightforward and seamless. While replacing the new fuse, be careful not to cause damage to other components or fuses in the box.
Shorted wiper motor assembly
A shorted wiper motor assembly can cause the windshield washer pump not to work. There are two issues here. It is likely the wiper motor wiring is shorted. Alternatively, the entire wiper motor assembly may have gone bad. Whichever is the case, you’ll notice that the fluid doesn’t get to the windshield washer nozzles.
What’s the Fix? You’ll need to find the location where the short circuit occurs in the wiring system. Get a new wire and replace it. Depending on the windshield washer pump’s fuse amperage and the rating of your vehicle, you have to get a recommended wire. Before installing the new wire, take off the insulation at its ends. Soldier the ends to the new wires. Ensure to switch on the circuit breaker to check if the installation is successful.
In case the entire wiper motor assembly is bad, you’ll need to replace it.
Faulty windshield washer motor
A faulty windshield washer motor can cause the windshield washer pump not to work. This is a logical statement to make. The motors provide power to the windshield washer pump and once the power supplier is bad, the washer pump won’t work. Besides, the fluid may not spray onto the windshield washer nozzles or won’t spray evenly. You may also notice that the pump won’t engage when you enable the system.
What’s the Fix? The thing to do is to troubleshoot and replace the windshield washer pump motor. The good news is that it doesn’t cost a fortune to get this done.
Failing Switch in the passenger cabin
The switch in the passenger cabin that triggers the wiper into action can be the culprit. Check if the switch is loose, stiff, or burnt. You won’t be able to put the switch in an ‘ON’ position if it’s bad.
What’s the fix? You’ll have to replace a stuck or spoilt switch. If it is a case of a loose switch, you’ll only need to tighten it and get it back to work.
FAQs
How can I locate the windshield washer pump fuse in GMC Terrain?
- Open your car hood
- Locate the fuse box beneath the front hood
- Locate the two black clips at either adjacent side of the box
- Unlock the clips by pressing them
- Remove the fuse box cover
- Check the fuse diagram on the back side of the cover
- Take off the fuse remover and head to the inside of the fuse box
- Look for the yellow fuse, marked 39(20A).
There you have it! This is the windshield washer pump fuse for your GMC Terrain.
Final Thoughts
I’m sure there’s no confusion as to whether a windshield washer pump has a separate fuse that protects it against overcurrent. That being said, a burnt fuse can trigger the windshield washer pump not to transfer fluid from the reservoir to the windshield’s washer nozzles. You won’t want to drive in wintry, snowy, or icy conditions without a good windshield washer pump fuse.
