RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.7L VIN D (2005)
Windshield Washer Reservoir: Description and Operation
Except on SRT-10 and diesel models, the molded plastic washer fluid reservoir (1) is integral to the engine coolant overflow bottle (4) located on the
right rearward facing surface of the engine cooling module shroud in the right front corner of the engine compartment. On SRT-10 and diesel models, the
molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is separate from the engine coolant overflow bottle and is mounted on the rearward facing surface of the left
vertical member of the radiator support in the engine compartment. These reservoirs are constructed of a translucent plastic that allows the fluid level to
be inspected without removing the reservoir caps.
A round bright yellow plastic cap (2) with a rubber seal snaps over the open end of the washer reservoir filler neck and can be easily distinguished from
the coolant overflow bottle cap (3) by an International Control and Display Symbol icon for "Windshield Washer" and the text "Washer Fluid Only"
molded into it. The cap hinges on and is secured to a molded-in hook formation on the top of the reservoir just behind the filler neck when it is removed
for inspecting or adjusting the fluid level in the reservoir.
Except on SRT-10 and diesel models, the washer reservoir is secured to the cooling module radiator shroud with two integral tabs at the bottom, and
through two integral mounting brackets with two screws at the top. The two bottom tabs are inserted into two slots near the bottom of the shroud, while
the two screws secure the mounting brackets to integral mounting points near the top of the shroud. On SRT-10 and diesel models, the washer reservoir
is secured with two screws through integral mounting brackets to the left vertical member of the radiator support.
There are separate, dedicated holes on the lower rearward facing side of either reservoir provided for the mounting of the washer/pump motor unit (6)
and the washer fluid level switch (5). A snap post receptacle for the washer pump and a routing trough for the washer hose are molded into both
reservoirs to allow for mounting of the washer pump/ motor unit without the use of fasteners.
Except on SRT-10 and diesel models, the washer reservoir is serviced only as a unit with the engine coolant reserve bottle. A washer reservoir cannot be
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the unit must be replaced. The washer pump/motor unit, the washer fluid level switch, their rubber grommet seals, as
well as the reservoir filler cap are each available for individual service replacement.
The washer fluid reservoir provides a secure, on-vehicle storage location for a large reserve of washer fluid for operation of the washer system. The
washer reservoir filler neck provides a clearly marked and readily accessible point from which to add washer fluid to the reservoir.
The washer/pump motor unit is located in a sump area near the bottom of the reservoir to be certain that washer fluid will be available to the pump as the
fluid level in the reservoir becomes depleted. The washer fluid level switch is mounted just above the washer pump inlet nipple in the sump area of the
reservoir so that there will be adequate warning to the vehicle operator that the washer fluid level is low, well before the washer system will no longer
operate.
