Expert ReviewedHow to Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer Pump Four Parts:Checking the washer's conditionAdding more washer fluidCleaning the washerFixing other issuesCommunity Q&A A washer pump in a car's windshield wiping system moves washer fluid from a reservoir through hoses. The motorized pump pressurizes the fluid to allow it to be squirted from the hoses through nozzles onto the front and/or rear windshield of a car. The washer fluid helps windshield wipers get rid of rain, dirt, or other objects that can interfere with a driver's visibility. If your washer fluid is not being sent out when activated, the solution could simply be filling the washer system's reservoir with more fluid or cleaning the nozzles and hoses. In more severe cases, the washer pump may need to be replaced. Here are steps to troubleshoot a windshield-washer pump. Check the washer fluid reservoir for dirt. Look for cracks, leaks, or breaks in the plastic or rubber hoses connected to the washer reservoir.

Add more washer fluid if necessary. Mix a washer fluid solution according to the fluid product. Fill the pump's reservoir to the necessary level with the solution. Use a funnel to help you. Use a formulated, non-freezing washer fluid in the wintertime.Neutral Running Shoes Meaning Unclog dirt from nozzles, hoses or screens.Blackout Curtains French Doors Have someone else turn on your car's ignition. Kittens For Sale In NigeriaAsk them to activate the washer system to send out fluid. Let the washer fluid solution flush the system of remaining dirt or deposits. Detach hoses one at a time to make sure that washer fluid is exiting through them. If hoses are clean or new but fluid is not reaching them, the cause could be an electrical problem.

Try an alternative cleaning method. Check the aim of your washer nozzles. They should squirt fluid above the windshield's center. Adjust them if necessary. Washer nozzles may be found on the windshield wiper arms. The nozzles could also be on the car's hood panel and aimed separately at the windshield. Other nozzle configurations are having one nozzle for the left and right sides of the car or having adjustable offset nozzles arranged on a base. Washer nozzles on wiper arms should not need adjusting because they are already centered and move with the arms. Individual nozzles may be adjusted by moving a tab connected to each nozzle by hand. If no tabs are present, gently adjust the nozzles with pliers. Adjust fixed nozzles by loosening a retaining nut for the entire nozzle body. Find the nut under the car's hood. Turn the nozzle so it sprays as much of the windshield as possible. Hold the nozzle in place and tighten the nut. Nozzles that can be adjusted in their body can be aimed properly with a screwdriver, wrench, or pliers.

If the tools cannot grab onto the nozzle, insert a thin needle or wire into the nozzle's opening. Move the nozzle in the direction you want, but do not force it or your wire or needle could break and get lodged in the nozzle. Check your washer pump's power if the fluid is still not appearing when activated. Turn off the car's power. Look for the pump on or in your washer fluid reservoir. It may also be attached to your windshield wiper's motor. Unplug the washer pump's electrical connector. Turn the ignition back on. Have someone else activate the washer and keep it on. Use a test light to see if the pump is receiving power. You can also listen for a humming sound and feel for a vibration from the pump to see if it is powered. If it is not getting power, check for a blown fuse. Access your car's fuse box, find the fuse for your washer pump, and replace it if necessary. You may need to take your car to a professional mechanic or auto shop to fix wiring or electrical problems, especially if the washer is activated by a button on the car's steering-column.

If the pump does receive power but still does not send out fluid, it may need replacing. Take the pump out from its location and replace it with a new one. You will also want to replace the seal that the pump goes through into the tank. Make sure nozzles are not blocked by snow or ice in the winter. Find a new washer pump or hoses at a car parts store. Compressed air can also be used to unclog dirt from washer nozzles. Consult your car's owner's manual for help with replacing your washer pump or a blown fuse. When your windshield washers won't spray, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the cause and repair options. This is a guide about windshield washers not spraying.All ArticlesQuestionsArchivesNewestOldestMost HelpfulLeast HelpfulMost AnswersFewest AnswersBest AnswersRelevanceQuestion: FlagBy elizbetz0I have a 1989 240 DL Volvo wagon. The washer fluid does not spray. I have changed the fuse, filled the washer fluid tank, and have tentatively poked the nozzles with a needle.

Anyone with any ideas? Answer By ivaj2814 Flag0My wife ran the washer fluid tank dry on her 2008 Ford Escape and informed me a week or two later. I filled the tank and nothing but a few sprinkles would come out of the sprayers every 5 or 10 seconds. I could hear the motors so knew it wasn't the motors. I traced where the hose hooked up at the bottom of the tank and unplugged it. There is a small screen filter between the hose and tank that had coagulated washer fluid of some sort. Used a toothbrush to clean the screen and hooked it back up. Reply By dgrovessja Flag0That's fantastic I am having exactly the same and yes mine ran out a couple weeks ago to  thanks I'll try all that x Reply Question: FlagBy Jonjon0My windshield washer doesn't spray. How can I fix that to were it does? Answer Flag0Clean nozzlesNd lines Reply By sophia_zahier Flag0Windshield washer only squirts a tiny amount of water not squirting out tried with toothpick to see any blockages nothing happened advise please Reply Question: Flag1I have a 2006 Honda CRV.

The windshield washer spray only dribbles out when activated. If I release the hood latch, it works great. The nozzles seem to be clearing the hood, no water on hood. Is there a ground involved here? By Bob Answer By Heidi B. Flag0I have the same vehicle but it's a 2000. Same issue also except mine doesn't work with hood open. Sounds like there is something kinking the line when your hood is closed. Check the line, follow it from reservoir to nozzle, should see a dent or some sign of being closed off. What I am going to try is using a compressed air sprayer (as in electronic duster, just air in s can) & disconnect nozzle & should see bubbling in reservoir (fill 1st) if clears line. If not few other things t try b4 replacing lines. Oh ya, 1st off make sure you hear pump running. In your case pump seems to be running. Reply By wilker74 Flag0Did you ever fix this Bob? it's the most bizarre thing. Mine works fine when hood open...98% shut...but when hood is shut it slows to a dribble. No obvious sign of the hood interfering with tubing.

Reply Question: Flag1I have a 2008 Ford Edge and both of the front washers will not spray, but the back one will. Does anyone know why this would happen or what I need to do to fix it? By Ashley Answer By DottieNM Flag0It's possible they're clogged with dust/dirt (happens frequently here in the desert). Try inserting the sharp end of a needle or small safety pin into the hole of each. Wiggle the needle/pin very gently, wipe away any debris, and then try spraying again. If you wiggle the needle/pin too hard, you could change the direction of the spray or possibly break it. Reply Question: Flag1I just picked up my truck from having the power steering cooler, radiator, steering shaft, and ball joints fixed. Now, my dashboard shows the wipers' indicator on. The wipers work, but the fluid won't pump out. I filled it up to the brim to make sure I had fluid, still nothing. Did the technician do something accidentally that can be fixed easily on my own? Should I bring it back only to find out something else is "faulty"?

By Joseph Answer By Luann DeLuca Flag0You paid good money to have all those repairs done to your car - bring it back! Don't try to find out what the problem might be. That is part of the problem - no one is held accountable for their workmanship. Reply By Louise B. Flag0By all means take it back and ask, although I think it is unlikely that the pump was damaged by the other repairs; I suspect it was time for it to die. Reply Question: Flag0I have a 2011 VW Jetta S. My wipers work fine on all settings. But when I pull the wiper stem (on steering column) to get washer fluid to spray, nothing comes out. The wipers don't move or even try. I hear no sound or anything. By Dylan Answer By Louise B. Flag0You have checked the reservoir to see that there is fluid in it, right? Sometimes the nozzles get pointed in some direction other than at the windshield. You could check that, but I would think that you would have noticed this. There is a little pump that pumps the washer fluid; perhaps it is worn out, in which case you need to take it to a shop and have it repaired.

Reply By robin p Flag0Hi Dylan, did you get a solution to this problem? I am having the same issue with my 2011 Jetta. I thought it was low on fluid but when I pull the trigger for washer fluid I get no fluid and wipers don't activate either. I'm hoping it's a fuse. I just wondered what your solution was if you don't mind sharing.Robinrobin311 AT comcast.net Reply Question: Flag0How do I clean the nozzle? By Wheat H. Answer By Louise B. Flag0Locate the nozzle and be sure it is pointed in the correct direction. If the holes are clogged, you can just poke them out with a needle or something similar. Reply Question: Flag0My windshield washer fluid is not spraying on the windshield, but puddling out on the ground. It is not a leak, but when I push the button in the car to spray you hear the pump and then see the fluid on the ground under the car. By Renee Answer By Suzie E. Flag0Go to a parts store. Ask if they can go outside to help figure out what hose is leaking. This is an easy fix. Pull the hose off.