How is/ does the washer on the tail gate work? I have the windshield washer working now but the tailgate washer stile doesn't work. Does it use the same pump as the windshield uses or is there a different system.

 

It feeds from the same bottle, but a different motor. The motor for the rear runs from underneath the washer bottle (have a look under the bumper) you'll see a tube coming out of the bottom of the reservoir going to a motor in next to it in a clamp. From the motor the hose runs up beside the relay box/ diagnostic port through to the back of the car.

Does the wiper wipe a few times when you press the washer button in? If it does, then it is not the switch.

If you can hear a pump running when you push the button, check the filter/valve in the back of the car (located in the panel next to where your spare tire goes)

 

+1 On the info above. Usually a line is leaking and not letting the fluid bact to the window nozzle. Run the pump and look for the leak.

 

I'll have some one run the pump while I stand next to the washer tank so I can try to hear it. There is a small round device next to the washer tank that might be it but it has two hoses next to it that just end on the inner fender so that might be the issue although there is no wet spot.

Are the attached pictures of any of this system?

 

Everything you have pictured is normal for this system. The round thing is a filter for the front washers, and the T piece splits the water between the front washer, and headlight washer systems. The two hoses that go nowhere is supposed to be like that, they are not used.


To locate the washer motor for the rear window you have to look under the car at the bottom of the reservoir. Stick your head under the front bumper and it is really easy to spot.

There will be one black hose coming out from the very bottom of the reservoir, this is about 5 inches long and goes into the rear washer pump.

 

That "blue" thing under the hood has a mate in the rear of the wagon under the floor on the passenger side. I'm pretty sure it's a filter and at their age they are pretty cruddy and may be clogged so best to pull it and try blowing through it. There is also a check valve mounted up near the nozzle on the back hatch but I don't remember exactly where. I had to pull mine because it was clogged and haven't replaced it yet.

Stock location for the wagons rear washer pump in picture.
It's so much easier to get to if you pull the bumper off !!