It is usually rare for a windshield washer system to malfunction, but many people panic when this happens. This is understandable, because this system in the car always ensures a clear view when driving. If no fluid comes out of the windshield washer nozzles when you switch it on, the reasons can be different. You can find out what these are and how you could react to them in this article.
The windshield washer system is not working properly – what can you do about it?
There are some common signs that indicate a windshield washer system is not working. For example, the washer fluid may not spray evenly, or at allWindshield washer fluid on the windshieldcome. It may also be that the windshield washer pump does not engage when you activate the system. In addition, there are some possible reasons for the system not functioning properly. However, most commonly it is a ruptured or clogged hose that either reduces fluid flow or stops it completely. Other causes that hinder the normal operation of your car's windshield washer system include clogged spray nozzles, blown fuses, pump failure, frozen fluid or any fault in the electrical system.
When was the last time you tested or used antifreeze or washer fluid on your windshield washer system? The first step is to check your car's washer fluid reservoir for these essential fluids. On most cars, it is a clear container located in the engine compartment. It usually has a light blue plastic cap with a windshield image engraved on it. If you can't find it, you should check the car's owner's manual. The reservoir could be empty due to human error or a leak in the washer hose itself, so check that too. If you still notice that windshield washer fluid is not coming out of the nozzles, the following steps can help you fix the problem yourself.
Run the windshield washer system with antifreeze and refill the fluid reservoir
Fill your reservoir with the correct washer fluid or antifreeze, although water is not recommended. Tap water often contains contaminants that can clog your jets and cause them to freeze at low temperatures. It doesn't matter what climate you live in. Additionally, using tap water is not a good idea and should be your last resort.
After adding the washer fluid, you should wait about 10 seconds for it to start. If nothing comes out, you should check that the reservoir, nozzles and hoses are OK, as running the pump for too long without fluid can also damage them. If everything seems fine but still nothing comes out, it's time to take the following action.
Windshield washer system not working due to frozen washer fluid
Your washer fluid can freeze in sub-zero temperatures without antifreeze. This may be because you accidentally left summer windshield washer fluid or tap water in your reservoir. Either way, it can't stay there. In this case, keep in mind that the liquid can freeze not only in the container, but also in the hose and nozzles. There are several ways to deal with such a problem:
- Run your engine to help unfreeze the fluid. However, this can take anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours depending on how cold it is outside.
- If you have a warm garage, you can leave your car inside and wait for the ice to melt.
- Pour hot water onto the sides of the container. Once it warms up you can remove the reservoir and remove the summer fluid/water. The washer fluid pump should now be able to function normally again.
Identify the causes of clogged windshield washer nozzles
Clogged spray nozzles are often the reason why the windshield washer system in your vehicle doesn't work. These are located in the lower area of the windshield, where dead insects, dust, pollen, limescale or polish often accumulate. The impurities can then be collected by the rainwater running off, which then gets caught in the nozzles and gradually clogs them.
In older vehicles, drivers used to be able to easily clean the nozzles themselves by inserting a fine needle into the holes without any effort. However, modern cars are equipped with so-called “fan nozzles” or “micro-jets” that produce a wider and finer spray jet. With each pumping process, a larger area is wetted with mopping water. At the same time, the finer nozzles tend to clog more quickly. This is how you can clean the windshield washer nozzles:
- Using compressed air spray, blow a concentrated jet of air into the nozzles to remove the dirt.
- If that doesn't work, you can still try to poke through the hole opening with a needle.
- You can also use an old toothbrush and warm water to clean your jets. Dip the brush into the water and scrub vigorously in and around the nozzle to remove dirt and debris that could be causing a clog.
Identify a blown fuse and replace it if necessary
The fuse that controls the pump in your windshield washer system may have blown. First, you need to find the fuse box and determine which one is responsible for operating the system. The windshield washer pump in the car also requires electricity to work. If the fuse is blown, the circuit will be interrupted and it will not be able to pump out the liquid. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or fuse box cover to find the exact location of the washer fluid pump fuse. If the fuse has blown, you can replace it with a new one with the specified amperage.
To check the fuse, pull it out of the vehicle's fuse box using a suitable puller or needle-nose pliers and hold it up to the light. If the metal strip is broken in the middle, it is a blown fuse. You need to replace this with one with the same amperage and therefore the same color. It doesn't matter which direction you insert the fuse. In most vehicles, a puller is located either in the interior fuse box or in the engine compartment. Use it to check or replace fuses in your vehicle.
Windshield washer system not working due to defective pump?
The electric pump that supplies fluid to the windshield washer nozzles may have failed in your car. You can make a quick diagnosis by doing a noise test. To do this, park your vehicle in a quiet place and start it after opening the driver's door or car windows. Turn on the windshield washer system while standing outside your vehicle. You should hear the pump whirring. If there is no sound, it means that the pump in your vehicle is not working.
If you turn it on but your windshield washer system isn't working, you should check the pump fuse first. However, if the fuse hasn't blown, you can check whether the pump is getting any power at all. To do this, remove the electrical connector from the pump and connect it to a multimeter. A multimeter like this should read about 12 volts when you turn on the windshield washer system. This indicates that the pump in your vehicle has failed and needs to be replaced. If the multimeter reads very low or zero volts, this indicates a fault in the wiring or electrical connection. You should accordingly inspect all electrical connections and cables that supply power to your pump for damage.
Replace/unclog a damaged/clogged hose
If the pump is working but the windshield washer system still won't turn on, you should check for leaks or damaged hoses. If they are cracked, loose or leaking, they must be replaced accordingly. A replacement is also recommended if the elasticity of the rubber hose at the connection point to the nozzle decreases. The hoses can also easily have fallen off due to vibrations in the engine compartment.
If you discover bite marks or something similar, it is highly likely that a rodent has had its time in the engine compartment of your vehicle. It is then important to carefully inspect all other cables and hoses for damage, including the electrical wiring for the windshield washer pump. However, you don't have to disassemble the engine compartment to look for a leaking hose. Park your vehicle on a dry sidewalk and turn on the windshield washer system for a few seconds. Then look directly under the front of your vehicle. If a puddle forms, there is a leak, otherwise the problem lies elsewhere. However, keep the air conditioning turned off, as condensation in the car is also drained from the evaporator coil underneath the vehicle.
This is what you can do if the hose is clogged
In rare cases, a dirty or pinched hose can be responsible for the windshield washer system in your car malfunctioning. To diagnose, first open the hood and pull the end of the hose from a windshield washer nozzle, then turn on the washer system. You should see fluid pouring out of the hose. If there is little or no flow and the pump is working, then there is probably a blockage somewhere in the hose. Check the entire hose and clear any blockages. If you see washer fluid spraying out of the disconnected hose when you turn on the windshield washer system, but it doesn't flow when the nozzle is connected, it means the windshield washer nozzles are clogged.
Also read: “HOME-MADE WINDOW DE-ICER: AFFORDABLE REMEDIES & TIPS TO PREVENT ANNOYING ICE SCRAPING IN WINTER!”
