Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 972

Fig. 19: Rear Washer Nozzle 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

The fluidic rear washer nozzle (1) is constructed of molded plastic. The rear washer nozzle is secured by two 
integral latch features (3) within a mounting hole integral to the Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) on 
the outer liftgate panel above the liftgate glass opening. The domed outer surface of the washer nozzle is visible 
on the exterior surface of the CHMSL lens, and the nozzle orifice (5) is oriented downward towards the liftgate 
glass. 

A rubber gasket (2) seals the nozzle to the outer surface of the CHMSL lens. The washer plumbing fitting (4) 
for the washer nozzle extends behind the lamp and is concealed between the liftgate inner and outer panels. 

The rear washer nozzle cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if ineffective or damaged, it must be replaced. 

OPERATION 

REAR WASHER NOZZLE 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

  

The rear washer nozzle is designed to dispense washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the outside of the 
liftgate glass. Pressurized washer fluid is fed to the nozzle from the washer reservoir by the washer pump/motor 
through a single hose, which is attached to a barbed nipple on the back of the rear washer nozzle. A fluidic 
matrix within the washer nozzle causes the pressurized washer fluid to be emitted from the nozzle orifice as an 
oscillating stream to more effectively cover a larger area of the glass to be cleaned. 

FRONT WASHER NOZZLE 

The two front washer nozzles are designed to dispense washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the outside of 
the windshield glass. Pressurized washer fluid is fed to each nozzle from the washer reservoir by the washer 
pump/motor unit through a single hose, which is attached to a barbed nipple on each washer nozzle below the 
inner hood panel. A fluidic matrix within the washer nozzle causes the pressurized washer fluid to be emitted 
from the nozzle orifice as an oscillating stream to more effectively cover a larger area of the glass to be cleaned.

The integral check valve in each nozzle prevents washer fluid from draining out of the washer supply hoses 
back to the washer reservoir. This drain-back would result in a lengthy delay after the washer switch is actuated 
until washer fluid was dispensed through the nozzles, because the washer pump would have to refill the washer 
plumbing from the reservoir to the nozzles. Such a drain-back condition could also result in water, dirt, or other 
outside contaminants being siphoned into the washer system through the washer nozzle orifice. This water 
could subsequently freeze and plug the nozzle, while other contaminants could interfere with proper nozzle 
operation and cause improper nozzle spray patterns. In addition, the check valve prevents washer fluid from 
siphoning through the washer nozzles after the washer pump stops operating. 

When the washer pump pressurizes and pumps washer fluid from the reservoir through the washer plumbing, 
the fluid pressure unseats a diaphragm from over a sump well within the nozzle by overriding the spring 
pressure applied to it by a piston. With the diaphragm unseated, washer fluid is allowed to flow toward the 
nozzle orifice. When the washer pump stops operating, the spring pressure on the piston seats the diaphragm 
over the sump well in the nozzle and fluid flow in either direction within the washer plumbing is prevented. 

REMOVAL 

REAR WASHER NOZZLE 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 20: Identifying Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), Integral Latch Features & Barbed 
Nipple 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.  

2. Remove the Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) (1) from the liftgate outer panel. Refer to 

REMOVAL .  

3. Disconnect the rear washer supply hose from the barbed nipple (3) on the back of the rear washer nozzle. 

4. From the back of the CHMSL housing, depress the two integral latch features (2) of the nozzle, and push 

the nozzle out through the face of the lamp lens.  

FRONT WASHER NOZZLE 

Fig. 21: Identifying Underside Of Hood & Front Washer Nozzle 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. From the underside of the hood (1), remove the push-in retainers that secure the hood silencer pad to the 

inner hood reinforcement as necessary to access the front washer nozzle (2) hose connections.  

2. Disconnect the hose from the barbed nipple of the front washer nozzle.  

3. From the underside of the hood, release the integral latches of the front washer nozzle and push the 

nozzle out through the mounting hole toward the top side of the hood.  

4. Remove the nozzle from the top of the hood panel.  

INSTALLATION 

REAR WASHER NOZZLE 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 22: Identifying Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), Integral Latch Features & Barbed 
Nipple 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Be certain that the rubber gasket is installed around the base of the rear washer nozzle and that it is in 

good condition.  

2. Insert the nozzle nipple (3) through the mounting hole from the face of the Center High-Mounted Stop 

Lamp (CHMSL) lens (1) with the nozzle orifice oriented downward.  

3. Using hand pressure, press the nozzle firmly and evenly into the mounting hole until both integral latch 

features (2) are fully engaged on the back of the CHMSL housing.  

4. Reconnect the rear washer supply hose to the barbed nipple of the nozzle.  

5. Reinstall the CHMSL onto the liftgate outer panel. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

6. Reconnect the battery negative cable.  

FRONT WASHER NOZZLE 

Fig. 23: Identifying Underside Of Hood & Front Washer Nozzle

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Wipers/Washers - Service Information - Nitro