RAM 1500 Truck 2WD V8-5.7L VIN 2 (2006)
Windshield Washer Pump: Description and Operation
The washer pump/motor unit (1) is located on the rearward facing surface of the washer reservoir, in the right (except SRT10 and diesel) or left (SRT10
and diesel only) front corner of the engine compartment. A small permanently lubricated and sealed electric motor is coupled to the rotor-type washer
pump.
A seal flange with a barbed inlet nipple (6) on the pump housing passes through a rubber grommet seal installed in a dedicated mounting hole of the
washer reservoir. A removable molded plastic filter screen (7) inserted into the inlet nipple prevents most debris from entering the pump housing. When
the pump is installed in the reservoir a barbed outlet nipple (5) on the pump housing connects the unit to the washer system through a short washer
reservoir hose.
The washer pump/motor unit is retained on the reservoir by the interference fit between the barbed pump inlet nipple and the grommet seal, which is a
light press fit. The top of the washer pump is also secured to the washer reservoir by the use of a snap post (2) on the motor housing and a snap post
receptacle molded into the reservoir that allows for mounting of the washer pump without the use of fasteners. An integral connector receptacle (3) on
the top of the motor housing connects the unit to the vehicle electrical system.
The washer pump/motor unit cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire washer pump/motor unit must be replaced.
The washer pump/motor unit features a small Direct Current (DC) electric motor. The motor is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a
single take out and two-cavity connector of the right (except SRT10 and diesel) or left (SRT10 and diesel only) headlamp and dash wire harness. The
motor is grounded at all times through another take out of the right (except SRT10 and diesel) or left (SRT10 and diesel only) headlamp and dash wire
harness. On models except SRT10 or diesel, a single eyelet terminal connector is secured by a nut to a ground stud located on the right front fender inner
shield in the engine compartment. On SRT10 or diesel models, an eyelet terminal connector is secured by a ground screw to the left front fender inner
shield in the engine compartment.
The motor receives battery current on a washer pump/motor control circuit. The washer pump/motor control circuit is energized through a high side
driver within the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) whenever the TIPM receives an electronic message requesting washer system operation from
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. The EMIC monitors a resistor multiplexed hard
wired input from the momentary washer switch contacts within the multi-function switch on the steering column to determine when it should issue the
electronic message requesting washer system operation.
Washer fluid is gravity-fed from the washer reservoir to the inlet side of the washer pump. When the pump motor is energized, the motor spins the rotor
within the washer pump. The spinning pump rotor pressurizes the washer fluid and forces it through the pump outlet nipple, the washer plumbing, and
the washer nozzles onto the windshield glass.
The washer pump/motor unit and the hard wired motor control circuit from the TIPM may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and
methods. However, conventional diagnostic methods may not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the EMIC, the TIPM, the CAN data bus or the
electronic messages used to control the operation of the washer pump/motor unit. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the washer
pump/motor unit, the EMIC, the TIPM, the CAN data bus, and the electronic messages for washer pump/motor unit control requires the use of a
diagnostic scan tool.
