2013-2018 Ford C-Max Windshield Washer Hose Replacement

My windshield washer quit working while my rear window washer continued to work without any issues. At first, I suspected the washer nozzles were clogged since that’s usually the most common problem when the washer stops spraying. The problem started with less fluid coming out over time until there was essentially no fluid coming out of my washer nozzles, but it turned out that the nozzles were clean after removing for inspection. After further inspection, I noticed there was washer fluid puddling in a couple of locations under the hood near the top of the passenger side fender.  but without anyone to help me activate the windshield washer, while a second person, inspected under the hood to see where the fluid was escaping… It was hard to tell where the break in the hose actually was located. If you have another person to assist, it may make finding the brake more simple.

In either case, I ordered the windshield washer hose online for about half the price of my local Ford dealer. They wanted $32 for the washer hose, Ford says the MSRP is around $17, and I purchased for around $15 ($13.90 + $.97 tax) with free shipping at fordparts.com (part # DM5Z-17A605-D).

Once it came time to do the job, I couldn’t find how to access the washer fluid reservoir. I couldn’t find any photos or instructional videos online on how to access the reservoir or the washer fluid line connections for replacement. I was able to find information on a similar year Ford focus for example, but the reservoir location and access was a bit different. That’s why I’ve made this video.

The washer fluid reservoir itself is found inside the front passenger side fender. Removal of the front passenger side wheel and wheel well cover (liner) is required for access to the washer fluid reservoir. Once the wheel well cover is removed look up and to the left inside the fender and you will find the reservoir and the washer pump connections. Remember, there are two separate hoses connected to the pump, including one for the windshield and one for the rear window. The line connector closest to the front of the vehicle was the one for the windshield.

First, I removed all of the clips, holding the washer hose onto the hood and body components using a clip removal tool (a fork or a screwdriver may work but not ideal). I then disconnected the hose from the nozzles and snaked the hose down through the fender to determine which hose needed to be removed from the pump because there are two. Once I determined the correct hose to remove, I rotated the white clip at the end of the washer hose fitting to disengage the clip from the locked position in order to remove the hose. Fluid started to come out so I used a bucket to try to catch some of that, but also temporarily placed the line back on the pump fitting in order to divert the fluid directly into the bucket.

Once the old hose was out, I found it easiest to put the new hose in by starting from the location under the hood, where the hose slides through the rubber gaskets, and then continue, snaking the new hose through the inner fender around the reservoir down to the pump. Afterwards, I connected the hose to the nozzles and at the end pressed in all the clips.

Tools needed: 19 (or 19.5 mm due to expansion) socket to remove the lug nuts, a clip remover to get all the clips out holding in the hose, a flat head screw driver to turn the white locking clip at the end of the hose, a torx 30 driver to remove the wheel well cover, and I forgot to show in the video a nut driver may be needed as well for some of the bolts holding the wheel well cover in place.