How to Repair a Windshield Washer

Diagnosis and repair are easy, cheap and fast.

Introduction

Windshield washers are fairly reliable. When they fail, it's normally the result of a clogged nozzle or a dead pump. Here'due south how to diagnose and fix both problems.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Dielectric silicone grease
  • Washer fluid
  • Washer pump

Project step-by-step (5)

Pace 1

Cheque the Fuse

With the car parked in a quiet place, operate the window washer and listen for the whirring of the pump.

  • If there's no audio, head correct for the fuse box.
  • If the fuse is blown, information technology's usually a sign of a dead pump motor or one that's set to check out. If it blows again, supervene upon the motor.

Footstep 2

How to Notice the Fluid Reservoir and Pump

Almost car manufacturers mount the washer pump about or inside the washer fluid reservoir. To locate your reservoir, but follow the windshield washer hose. If your reservoir is in the engine compartment, access is simple. But many are hidden inside the front fender. Remove the bike and the cycle line fender liner. And so you'll have access to the reservoir and pump.

Find the windshield washer fluid reservoir diagram

Step iii

Clear Clogged Windshield Washer Nozzles

Articulate the clogged windshield washer nozzle with a pin, so utilise compressed air to accident the droppings astern through the hose.

  • If you hear the pump going but don't get fluid, you probably have chock-full windshield washer nozzles.

Lift the hood and trace the washer hose from the nozzles dorsum to the reservoir.

  • Somewhere along the route, y'all'll detect a plastic barbed connector or a round one-way cheque valve. Disconnect the tubing there and endeavour the washer once more.
  • If fluid squirts out, you know the nozzles are plugged. Clean the nozzles past pushing a pocket-size pin in to loosen any debris, then blow the clog back down the hose and out the end that y'all asunder.

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Step four

Check Power

If the fuse is good merely the pump doesn't run, disconnect the connector at the pump and cheque for power with a volt meter.

  • With the washer switch on, information technology should read 12 volts. If you don't hear the pump and the fuse is OK, the problem is usually a poor electric connection at the pump or a bad pump.

Remove the pump wire connector and take a friend operate the pump switch while you check for 12 volts with a digital meter at the connector.

  • If you don't have voltage, the problem is probably in the washer switch or the wiring. That's the time to have the vehicle to a pro.
  • If you have voltage, make clean the terminals and coat them with dielectric silicone grease.

Try the pump once again. If it works, your trouble is solved. If information technology doesn't, replace the pump. The main cause of pump failure is repeatedly running the motor while the reservoir is empty. Then endeavor to continue your reservoir full to avert dealing with replacing a bad 1.

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Check power with a washer pump connector

Step 5

Supplant the Washer Pump

Pull out the old pump and replace it with a new i, following the replacement procedures packaged with your new washer pump.

  • Check with an auto parts store for a "direct-fit," not a universal-way replacement. If i isn't available, purchase ane directly from the dealer.
  • If your reservoir is located inside the engine compartment, remove the retaining clips and lift out the unabridged unit of measurement and remove the washer pump.
  • If it's in the wheel well, just remove the pump. Some pumps are held in place by a rubber grommet, others with retaining rings or clamps. Follow the instructions included with your new pump for installation advice.

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Replace the washer pump diagram

Originally Published: October 15, 2019