How-to: Upgrade 2004-2009 Mazda 3 windshield washer nozzles to wide fan spray nozzles

[Yasmar]

I recently became the primary driver of our 2008.5 Mazda 3 (was my wife's car previously, she now drives the new CX-5), and after a horrible winter constantly cleaning road splatter off the windshield, I discovered I hate the OEM wiper nozzles on the 3. The CX-5 has nozzles that shoot a fan-shaped spray of washer fluid all over the window, so I decided to look into replacing mine.

I know there are aftermarket kits out there that have the fan spray, but the bottom of the nozzle (where the hose connects) on those ones points straight down. The 2004-2009 Mazda 3 has a 90 degree bend in the nozzle bottom, so the hose connects from the side. If you use one of the nozzles that point straight down, you would need a few bits-and-bobs to connect the hoses. I read one thread (somewhere, not sure which forum) where someone recommended cutting holes in the under-hood insulation layer where the hoses attach to the bottom of the nozzle, so that nothing kinks afterwards.

To simplify the process and keep things as clean under there as possible, I decided to look for a fan-spray nozzle with a 90 degree bend in the bottom part facing the same direction as the Mazda 3's. I finally found one: the 2008-2012 Ford Fusion nozzle is virtually identical to the 2004-2009 Mazda 3 one, except it has the fan-shaped spray pattern.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/13614887613_2f1c8a4197.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK6RKB) https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/13614717615_e8e92d48e4.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5ZdB)

I bought them through the local Ford dealership for about $10 each.





The steps to replace the nozzles:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/13614681235_6ccfe6c772_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5Npn)
To access the washer nozzles from the underside of the hood, you must remove some of the retainer clips holding the under-hood insulation layer to the hood. I just removed the circled ones first, then changed that nozzle, then re-attached this half of the insulation layer with the clips, then repeated the process with the other side. In other words, I never removed the insulation layer entirely, just took enough clips off half of it to reach that side's nozzle, then re-attached the insulation layer and repeated the process on the other side.

To remove the retainer clips, you can use a special tool that's made for it, like these:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/13614887873_0e3e5d1817.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK6RQ6) https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/13614875565_0d17826fd9.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK6NaT)



But I just used a hammer:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5102/13614688685_38bbb2f3ee_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5QBP)



It worked fine. Some of the clips will possibly break, but in removing 10, I only broke 1. You can re-use the ones that don't break. To replace the one that broke, I found a new one at PartSource for $1.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/13614688435_c9ce0114da.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5Qxv)
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/13614697523_372034d93f.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5Tfc)



Once you have the insulation layer out of your way, you can reach the underside of the washer nozzle, where the hose connects. Disconnect the hose. You may have to work at it, twisting a bit and using your fingernail... It's on there tight...

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/13614698213_b88a9c5709_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5Ts6)



The nozzle is held on with tabs you squeeze to allow it to pop up through the hole...

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/13614698023_bbc6813fc1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5ToP)



I used pliers, but you may be able to do it with your fingers...

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/13614688105_231a561a37_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5QrP)



Then pull the nozzle off the rest of the way from the top... Please ignore my dirty car...

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/13615037814_cfdac787fc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK7Cph)



This is the shape of the hole. Clean the area around the hole before installing the new nozzle, just to make sure there's no dirt or grit under the new nozzle where it contacts the hood.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/13615038194_065bd7b97b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK7CvQ)



And this is the new nozzle installed. Perfect fit! Just pop it in and reconnect the hose underneath, then re-attach the under-hood insulation, and do it all over again for the other nozzle.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/13614687395_a06474d01f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mK5Qez)



Here is a video of the two spray patterns, the Ford Fusion one on the left, and the original Mazda 3 one on the right.


http://youtu.be/pmxQqJHCwQI


I hope this is useful to somebody out there. In my searching, I couldn't find anyone referencing the 2008-2012 Ford Fusion nozzles as a direct replacement for the 2004-2009 Mazda 3 nozzles. I just discovered it by doing an image search for windshield washer nozzles, and looking for one that looked similar to the Mazda one, then trying to discover what the spray pattern of it was like. Even that was a crapshoot since I couldn't find any discussion of the spray pattern of the Fusion nozzle. At first I just bought the one to make sure the spray was a fan-type. I installed it and discovered it was exactly what I wanted, so went and bought the other one. They were about $10 each at the Ford dealership.

[Mr Wilson]

Great write-up!

[ryan2.3]

if anyone is thinking of doing this, i'd like to buy your 4 nozzle sprayers. I actually like them, and wanted to put a set in another car because the two nozzle ones are garbage.

[proDJtege]

This looks like a really good idea, considering the performance of our stock nozzles.

can anything be done about the hatch rear window nozzle pattern?

[Yasmar]

if anyone is thinking of doing this, i'd like to buy your 4 nozzle sprayers. I actually like them, and wanted to put a set in another car because the two nozzle ones are garbage.

If you PM me your address, I'll mail you my old ones free. I don't need them...

[Yasmar]

This looks like a really good idea, considering the performance of our stock nozzles.

can anything be done about the hatch rear window nozzle pattern?

I haven't found anything online about the rear window nozzle being fixable or upgrade-able. I wish, though... It's pretty lousy...

[ryan2.3]

The rear is sad, it's like a drippy faucet.

Also pm'd

[Yasmar]

if anyone is thinking of doing this, i'd like to buy your 4 nozzle sprayers. I actually like them, and wanted to put a set in another car because the two nozzle ones are garbage.

Oops...
After replying to you that you could have my old nozzles, I went looking for them and now I think I must have thrown them out. Can't find them anywhere. Sorry, man...

My new Ford Fusion ones only cost me ten bucks each, so if you really like the 4 jet Mazda nozzles you could check the price at a Mazda dealer and purchase them directly if no one else here responds to offer you theirs.

[RedRaptor]

Thank you for the write up. I've always liked the fan spray on our Ford Windstar back in the day. I'll be looking to do this in the summer time.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

This is awesome.

[hex]

OP, does the ford fusion nozzles spray above the windshield? that's what the video looks like. i would 100% do this, but i'd prefer my windshield washer fluid on my windshield and not on top of my car :)

[Jackal]

Looks like it sprays a fine mist. I wonder what that would be like in -25 degree weather.

[Yasmar]

OP, does the ford fusion nozzles spray above the windshield? that's what the video looks like. i would 100% do this, but i'd prefer my windshield washer fluid on my windshield and not on top of my car :)

I'm not sure. I haven't done it and then checked to see if my roof is wet. Will try it tomorrow to let you know... FWIW if any goes on top of the car, it can't be too much because the windows do get pretty soaked...

[Yasmar]

Looks like it sprays a fine mist. I wonder what that would be like in -25 degree weather.

I did the swap after the worst of our winter was past, so I can't answer that for you... I'm sure it'll be fine, though, as I've had other cars with similar spray and they were good in the winter too.

[Yasmar]

Here is a video and pics to show the new spray pattern and lack of overspray with both nozzles now changed to the Ford Fusion ones.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNg7Lh3oUuM


Pics:

The paper towel at the top is completely dry. Even the one just at the top of the windshield is mostly dry. The saturation is right where it is most effective. Works great!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/13695734283_d44f070eaf_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mSfdDH)


With the top two layers of paper towel removed, so you can more easily see the coverage in relation to the windshield...

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/13696051314_47d8db6057_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mSgQTL)

[vip3r87]

Here is a video and pics to show the new spray pattern and lack of overspray with both nozzles now changed to the Ford Fusion ones.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNg7Lh3oUuM


Pics:

The paper towel at the top is completely dry. Even the one just at the top of the windshield is mostly dry. The saturation is right where it is most effective. Works great!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/13695734283_d44f070eaf_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mSfdDH)


With the top two layers of paper towel removed, so you can more easily see the coverage in relation to the windshield...

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/13696051314_47d8db6057_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mSgQTL)


I hope that was no-name brand stuff...haha

great write-up man might have to do this myself. That or I may switch to the nozzles that are attached to the wiper blades themselves.

[Souls]

WOW, now that's how it's done, great write up. sticky

[hex]

Here is a video and pics to show the new spray pattern and lack of overspray with both nozzles now changed to the Ford Fusion ones.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNg7Lh3oUuM


Pics:

The paper towel at the top is completely dry. Even the one just at the top of the windshield is mostly dry. The saturation is right where it is most effective. Works great!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/13695734283_d44f070eaf_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mSfdDH)


With the top two layers of paper towel removed, so you can more easily see the coverage in relation to the windshield...

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/13696051314_47d8db6057_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mSgQTL)

Holy shit, a simple yes or no would've been good enough! Thanks though! I'll probably be doing this.

[soccerboy1491]

I def wanna do this too now lol. I hate the one on our cars, thanks!

[ziegs2020]

Nice upgrade. I always wondered what the wiper blades would do if you left them up and ran the switch.

[DLYDRVN]

This won't work for the 09 speeds tho will it? our jets aren't in the hood. So much sad...

[Katievn]

Excellent write up! My 07 was an easy switch, 60 seconds tops to get it on. Pulled back the insulator pad, didn't have to remove any retainer caps, popped in the new one and it worked like a charm. $9.48+tax at a local Ford.

[VoltZ]

Any idea if this works on the 2014 models as well?

[sQualie]

Great write-up, I absolutely HATE the original nozzles on my 05!
Do the Ford ones perform well while highway driving? The stock ones barely wet the bottom 1/3 of the windshield when I'm going 100+ and it's really annoying, feels like I have to squirt half a gallon of fluid to get the whole windshield clean.

[roachkillah]

awesome write up, i'm going to do this on my 08.

thanks.

[Yasmar]

Do the Ford ones perform well while highway driving? The stock ones barely wet the bottom 1/3 of the windshield when I'm going 100+ and it's really annoying, feels like I have to squirt half a gallon of fluid to get the whole windshield clean.

The Ford ones also don't spray very high at 100+ highway speeds, but still do the job. They are def not any worse than the original ones at those speeds, and sooooo much better the rest of the time that it is still worth it to switch them. Since our weather has changed in the last two months or so, I am thrilled every time I have had to use them compared to the old ones...

[brucewayne]

in

[cwp_sedan]

Just seeing this now. Great write-up!

It's nice to see people still modding where it counts.

[MikeyGT]

Awesome write up. I just saw this post now as well. Just in time as I need to change my wiper nozzle :)

[studum]

Anyone know of, or can point me to, a similar solution for Gen 2? I HATE the stock squirter. I did similar as the Gen1 mod in a previous vehicle but Gen2 are mounted in cowl not hood and I haven't torn it apart.

[baymoe]

Awesome mod. Just got the parts from Ford on Kennedy and 407. They had them for $9.22 a piece. Everything took less than 10 minutes to swap.

[ryan2.3]

Anyone know of, or can point me to, a similar solution for Gen 2? I HATE the stock squirter. I did similar as the Gen1 mod in a previous vehicle but Gen2 are mounted in cowl not hood and I haven't torn it apart.

isn't the gen 2 already a fan squirter? i was using my wifes this morning to move her car out of the driveway and it fanned... not as wide as the fusion but it was better than Gen 1 nozzles

also i did this over the weekend. $8 each on ebay. Great mod

[FMJ]

i hit "thank" to the OP twice, great write up + the video to demonstrate.

As for the rear, how about Fiesta or Focus Hatch?
i have never seen how they spray, but was just thinking inside Ford.

[Yasmar]

As for the rear, how about Fiesta or Focus Hatch?
i have never seen how they spray, but was just thinking inside Ford.

I haven't looked into upgrading the rear sprayer, but I should. The stock one sucks...

[trulankan]

sweet, need to do this. thanks for the write-up!

[davepolak]

nice :D

[k13]

I picked up the part from ford but the hose barb is pointing in the same direction as the spray nozzle. Was told there was no revision to the part? Am I missing something here?

[ryan2.3]

Mine were identical, maybe he fat fingered the part number on the computer, and gave you the wrong ones

[k13]

Mine were identical, maybe he fat fingered the part number on the computer, and gave you the wrong ones

Nope, same part number on the bag. 0_0

[k13]

Update: white oak ford and Dixie ford both have the wrong part for that part number! Meadowvale ford has the right part.

[Yasmar]

:like Glad to hear you got the right ones! Post here how you like them after install...


Update: white oak ford and Dixie ford both have the wrong part for that part number! Meadowvale ford has the right part.

[geobur]

Wow this is a great write up...I think I may do this. A simple cheap mod, that is definitely worth it. Although not going to lie I was pretty excited when I found out my car sprayed 4 streams when I first got it...way better than 2 streams. But a fan is definitely better.

[caliber2001]

Done that, much better than before 👍👍👍

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[npausuav]

Just did this a couple weeks ago.
I was able to go online and order the part from Ford, and someone called me from a local dealer and said they had the nozzles in stock, and i was able to go pick them up that day. These nozzles are WAY better than the OEM ones.

Thanks very much for the writeup and pictures! It was a very simple mod. :)