Diagnose and Fix Bad Windshield Washer Pump
A car with windshield wiper fluid not spraying can be annoying and unsafe. A vehicle that has working wiper fluid is able to clear the windshield of smudge, smearing, and outside elements easily while driving. It’s important to have the windshield wiper fluid system working properly. If the windshield wiper fluid is not spraying or the windshield washer nozzle is not working on your car, these steps should help with diagnosing and fixing what’s wrong.
How to Diagnose a Windshield with Wiper Fluid Not Spraying
1. Diagnosing the Sprayer Nozzles
How to diagnose a windshield washer sprayer nozzle that’s not working
- Check the Washer Fluid Level
Confirm the windshield washer fluid reservoir has washer fluid and add fluid if it is low.
- Disconnect the Washer Fluid Hose
If the nozzle or sprayer does not spray fluid with a full tank of washer fluid, find the washer fluid hose, disconnect it, and place it to the side in a position to release fluid.
- Test the Washer Fluid Hose for Leaks
With the hose disconnected from the washer fluid tank, press the washer fluid button and see if fluid exits the hose. If fluid exits, the problem lies further in the system. No fluid exiting means there is a damaged hose or fluid is frozen in the hose.
- Test the Sprayer Nozzles
Spray air into the nozzles by applying an air nozzle to the hose leading to the sprayer nozzle. If fluid sprays out of the nozzles, the hose is clear, and it may clear the lines of any elements like dirt or ice. If the fluid does not spray out of the nozzles, the hose could be damaged or clogged.
- Inspect the Sprayer Nozzle Hose Line
If washer fluid did not exit the nozzle after conducting this test, pull back the shield under the hood cover and inspect the hoses for looseness, damage like tearing, or any disconnection from the nozzle.
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Diagnosing the Washer Pump for Why the Wiper Fluid is not Sprayi
Note: You will need a test light to diagnose the washer fluid pump
Diagnosing the Fuse
- If the washer fluid pump doesn’t work, find the interior fuse panel on the driver side
- Look for the washer fluid amp
- Place the key to the ON position
- Connect a test light to the ground
- Press the test light to the markings on the fuse and see if each side has an electrical connection
- If one or no sides of the fuse has a connection, the fuse is blown
- If there is power at the fuse, check the power for the washer pump
Diagnosing the Washer Pump
- Remove the wheel well shield protecting the tank reservoir
- Disconnect the electrical connector
- If the center terminal does not test for power but there is power at the fuse, there is an issue with the wiring between the pump and the fuse
- The other terminal is ground and should not have power until the washer button is pressed. If there is power at the ground and center terminal, the washer fluid pump needs to be replaced
Replace the Washer Pump Yourself with How-to Videos
Replacing a windshield washer fluid pump is generally an easy repair that novices can do. Fix a car with wiper fluid not spraying and replace a defective windshield washer pump and other windshield parts yourself with step-by-step instructions in 1A Auto’s how-to videos
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