RAM 3500 HD Truck 2WD L6-6.7L DSL Turbo (2008)
Windshield Washer Reservoir: Description and Operation
Description
DESCRIPTION
Except on 5.9L diesel vehicles, the molded plastic washer fluid reservoir (1) is integral to the engine coolant overflow bottle. On gas vehicles, the
reservoir (4) is located on the right rearward facing surface of the engine cooling module shroud in the right front corner of the engine compartment. On
5.9L diesel vehicles, 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. On 6.7L diesel, the molded plastic washer fluid reservoir is again
integral to 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 bright yellow plastic filler 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 diesel vehicles, 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 diesel vehicles, the washer reservoir is secured through an
integral post formation at the bottom into a bracket at the base of the left vertical member of the radiator support and with two screws through integral
mounting brackets to the front end structure.
There are separate, dedicated holes on the lower end of each reservoir provided for the mounting of the washer/pump motor unit (6) and the washer fluid
level switch (5). An integral molded receptacle for the washer pump and a routing trough for the washer hose are molded into each reservoir to allow for
mounting of the washer pump/motor unit without the use of fasteners.
Except on 5.9L diesel vehicles, the washer reservoir is serviced only as a unit with the engine coolant reserve bottle. A washer reservoir cannot be
repaired and, if ineffective 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.
