The windshield wiper pump is the element that allows the windshield cleaning system to flow fluid from the reservoir through the hoses. This motorized device keeps the liquid under pressure, so that it can be sprayed from the hoses and nozzles that are located in front of the windshield and rear window. The cleaner helps the mechanical action of the wiper blades to remove rain, dirt and other debris that interfere with the driver's visibility. If the fluid does not come out when you activate the system, just top up the tank or clean the pipes and sprayers, but in more complex cases it is necessary to change the pump. This article describes some methods to troubleshoot problems with the wiper system.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Check the Liquid
Step 1. Check that the tank is not dirty
If dust has accumulated on the bottom of the tank, remove it from the car and clean it carefully; when you install it again, connect all the cables and hoses you had disconnected.
Step 2. Verify that there are no cracks, leaks, or breaks in the plastic or rubber hoses connecting the sprayers to the tank
Replace any damaged tubes.
Part 2 of 4: Add more Liquid
Step 1. Refill cleaning fluid if needed
- Prepare the solution following the manufacturer's directions and fill the tank to the correct level; to facilitate operations you can use a funnel.
- Choose a specific cleaner that doesn't freeze over the winter.
Part 3 of 4: Clean the System
Step 1. Remove dust from sprayers, hoses or filters
Use a long pin or thin wire to probe ducts or remove dirt clogs; subsequently, rinse the treated areas.
Step 2. Ask a helper to start the engine
Then let it activate the liquid ejection system, to allow the flow to completely expel the last traces of dust and deposits.
Detach one hose at a time to make sure the wiper fluid flows through it; if the ducts are clean or new, but the liquid is not flowing, there may be an electrical problem
Step 3. Try an alternative cleaning method
Instead of removing the wiper fluid reservoir from the car to clean it, fill it with water and suck out all the fluid; repeat the operation several times until the water runs clean. This "trick" is very useful to avoid the effort of taking apart a tank that is often difficult to reach.
Part 4 of 4: Solving Other Problems
Step 1. Check the direction the sprinklers are pointing
It can happen that the flow of the liquid goes beyond the center of the windshield; in this case, it adjusts the inclination of the nozzles.
- Sprayers are sometimes inserted into the arms of the wiper blades or recessed into the hood. Some cars are equipped with two pairs of sprayers; one for the left side and one for the right side; others instead have out of phase nozzles arranged on a base.
- Those mounted on the wiper arms should not need adjustments, because they are already centered and follow the movement of the blades.
- The individual sprinklers can be adjusted by manually moving the tab to which they are connected; if there is no tab, use pliers.
- Adjust the fixed nozzles by loosening the fixing nut that blocks the whole sprayer and which is generally located under the hood; rotate the sprayer so that the flow is directed to the windshield and hold it steady as you tighten the nut.
- You can change the direction of the adjustable ones using a screwdriver, wrench or pliers. If these tools cannot grip the element, insert a thin needle or wire into the nozzle and move it in the direction you prefer without forcing it; otherwise you could break or move the entire sprayer.
Step 2. If this does not solve the problem, inspect the pump power supply
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Turn off the engine.
Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Step 7Bullet1 -
Look for the windshield washer pump on its reservoir; it could also be attached to the wiper blade motor.
Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Step 7Bullet2 -
Disconnect the electrical connector from the pump.
Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Step 7Bullet3 -
Start the car engine and ask a helper to activate and keep the sprinklers running.
Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Step 7Bullet4 - Use a phase detector to understand if the pump is receiving electricity; when the current reaches the element, you can also hear a soft noise and feel vibrations.
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If the pump is not getting electricity, there may be a blown fuse. Open the car's fuse box to check for this possibility; find the one that protects the windshield washer pump and, if applicable, replace it.
Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Step 7Bullet6 -
It may be necessary to take the machine to a repair shop or an auto electrician to troubleshoot electrical problems or repair wiring, especially if the system is activated with a button mounted on the steering column.
Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Step 7Bullet7 -
If the pump is receiving electricity, but is not letting the liquid flow, it may need to be replaced. Disassemble it and change it with a new one; you will probably also need to replace the gasket between the reservoir and the pump itself.
Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Step 7Bullet8
Advice
- In winter, check that the nozzles are not blocked by snow or ice.
- You can buy a new pump or hoses from auto parts stores.
- You can use compressed air to blow the dust out of the sprayers.
- Consult your vehicle owner's manual to find out how to replace the pump or a blown fuse.
