Winshield Washer Won't Squirt

[Dave Bacharach]

Reservoir is full, I can hear the motor humming when I activate it, but no squirts. Clogged line? And if so, how would I unclog it?

 

[andyglym]

You could just have polish/wax in the washer jet ball. The plastic jet does clip out, may just need a clean.

 

[Andrew H Chapman]

I had the same trouble, but with the valve - the white thing about 3cm long underneath the sound proofing that connects the pipe to the washer jets. I'd fitted a new washer jet which made no difference, so I stuck a small screwdriver into the hole in the valve and heard a click and it worked after that. The valve is designed to prevent water running back through to the tank. Not sure what I did with the screwdriver, but there's no sign of a leak anywhere and it works fine now. Be careful if you slip the washer jet out. The plastic retaining clip breaks off very easily. Slide it forwards or backwards until it drops through. Best attack it from underneath after enough of the sound proofing is removed to get access.

 

[t-tony]

If you pull the washer pump out of the bottle you will see a plastic filter which should stop larger particles getting into the pump. However this fin filter itself can clog up with slime and grime which builds up in the reservoir. Clean the filter and remove and flush out the reservoir before refilling with clean fluid.

Tony.

 

[Silvertip]

Same problem, I disconnected both valves under the bonnet and the pipes connected straight to jets, works great without the valves!
Most vehicles don’t have a valve there, so cannot believe it is required?
Correct me if I am wrong

 

[Dave Bacharach]

Thanks, all! Will try cleaning the pump filter and changing the reservoir first, since that seems simplest. I'll let you know how that works out. Will probably go at it tomorrow or next day.

 

[Braz86]

I had this issue, changed the check valves and nothing. Replaced the pump and all was good. Just because the pump makes a noise doesn't mean it's working properly. They are under a tenner on ebay

 

[t-tony]

You can buy w/washer non-return valves on eBay for little money.

Tony.

 

[Fender2004]

You can buy w/washer non-return valves on eBay for little money.

Tony.

I’m sure that they aren’t that expensive form the dealers

 

[t-tony]

You're probably right Allan, I've never had to buy one ever to be honest. Usually an airline is all I need but not everyone has a compressor (I sometimes take it forgranted tbh.)

Tony

 

[Mint]

I had exactly this problem and mine was caused by sludge and slime clogging the filter in the washer reservoir. The fix was to remove the reservoir and pump and give it all a good clean. An easy and free repair

 

[Silvertip]

Thanks Tony, just bought two non return valves from eBay, like you said little money

 

[Dave Bacharach]

I had exactly this problem and mine was caused by sludge and slime clogging the filter in the washer reservoir. The fix was to remove the reservoir and pump and give it all a good clean. An easy and free repair

Thanks Silver. Question: How does one get the pump out. Brute force? I emptied the reservoir and can see the small intake end, but I can't see how to get the pump out without simply prying it. Pumps here are also pretty cheap on ebay, so if I can get it out, I can clean it up and then check it with a glass of water.

 

[Mint]

...Question: How does one get the pump out. Brute force? ...

Yes, on mine, a 2002 the pump just pulled out. The filter is attached to the pump.

 

[nevz4]

Check filters in reservoir, mine was full of slimey sludge as was reservoir

 

[t-tony]

If you can hear the pump running when you operate the washers it's most likely what @nevz4 says. Easy fix. Pop the pump out of the bottle with a large flat blade screwdriver and clean the filter. Compressed air is great for this if you have access and know how to be careful near skin.

Tony.