Rear window washer pump

I have searched the forum but cannot find history of anyone checking/replacing the washer pump for the rear window. I have a 55 plate TD4 Freelander SE. For no apparent reason the washer pump for the rear window has stopped working. The washer bottle is full and the wiper works as it should. The fuse in the fuse box is good. I cannot hear the pump operating so I suspect either the pump has failed or the electrics to/from the pump need attention. According to my Haynes manual the reservoir has two pumps fitted at the bottom. Access to both pumps can only be achieved by removing the entire front bumper which then allows access to the reservoir fixings,permitting its removal for examination and servicing of both pumps. This seems an awful lot of work just to get to the pump and wonder if I am missing the obvious! Has anyone managed to carry out this fairly simple task without having to dismantle the front of the vehicle? Any useful (non abusive) suggestions would be appreciated. Many thanks.

Hi,

You are right in the location being exactly as shown in Haynes.
I had a check for corrosion on the connections of mine when I had the front bumper etc. off when I was fitting extra lamps and wiring.

It may be worth checking if you can get access to the pumps by taking out the screws holding the inner plastic liner from the wheel-arch, and bending it up out of the way. I think this should be possible.

Haynes is talking about taking off the bumper probably to give complete access, enough to remove the tank. The pumps are at the bottom of the tank and slide upwards to remove them.

Did you check the correct fuse? - Fuse 1 is the rear washer pump.

Have you listened at the wheel arch to the sound the front pump makes, and then listen for the same sound for the rear one?

I've had problems in the past with the rear washer, but only due to the water in the long feed pipes freezing and a pipe joint coming adrift because of the pressure in the unfrozen part.

Good luck - hope this helps. A tratter dude will no doubt be along soon with instructions how to set fire to everything.

Singvogel.

Thanks for that and you are quite right, that is exactly what I was expecting would happen! I certainly will give your idea about the inner plastic lining a try. I had not thought of that. I will also have a listen for the pump. I did check Fuse 1 which I found normal. Not sure if that also covers the actual wiper which does work. Uuumm! Just looked at the weather. Perhaps I will leave it for a while!