If after filling the windshield washer reservoir on your Ford Focus you discover that there is no fluid, you can deduce that you have a leak and you need to fix or replace the reservoir. You may change the windshield washer reservoir on a ford focus yourself or take it to a mechanic.
As you may already know, the windshield washer reservoir holds washer fluid until you need it for your windshield. That is why it is necessary that this piece is in excellent condition.
Steps to change the windshield washer reservoir on a Ford Focus
You can order a new reservoir to replace the old one from your Ford Focus parts supplier. Some dealers have parts available for purchase or may have a spare depot in stock; otherwise ask them to order one for you.
- Turn off the car and remove the keys from the ignition. Pull the hood release handle located under the instrument panel of your Focus. Then you should get out of the car, walk to the front, look under the center of the hood and locate the auxiliary release latch. Turn it to the left to open the hood. Hold the hood open using the prop bar on the edge of the engine compartment.
- Locate the windshield washer fluid reservoir, which is next to the battery, near the right edge of the Ford Focus’s engine compartment.
- Remove the left front fender line and fender to get to your Focus’s windshield washer reservoir. To do this, unscrew the top three or four bolts that are visible with the hood open and the pair under the front of the car where the front bumper cover and fender meet.
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- Remove the headlight and you will have to unscrew one more screw closer to the firewall. This will give you full access to the windshield washer reservoir. Remove the hose and any other wires, then unscrew the reservoir. You should then be able to lift the tank of your Focus.
- Screw on the new windshield washer reservoir to install it. Reattach the hose and other wires, including those for the electrical system, and reposition all the joints. Once this is complete, reassemble the headlight, fender duct, and fender by reversing the order from step 4 and continuing to step 3.
Advice
If you’re driving a 2008 or 2009 Focus, the windshield washer reservoir is on the other side of the compartment, to the left of the engine coolant reservoir. Check for a crack in the tank that may be repairable. To increase your chances of finding the leak, pour a little windshield washer fluid into the reservoir.
