Washer Fluid Not Working - What Should I Check First?

Maintenance and Repairs
1

I’ve been having some trouble with my windshield washer fluid, and it just won’t spray when I need it. I’m hoping to tackle this problem myself before having to take it to a shop. Here are the symptoms I’ve noticed:

  • The washer pump makes a noise, but no fluid comes out.
  • I checked the reservoir, and it’s full.
  • The nozzles seem clear when I inspect them, but maybe I’m missing something?

Before I start digging deeper into this issue, I’d appreciate any advice on what to check first. Is it possible that a fuse is blown? Or could it be a problem with the pump itself? Any troubleshooting tips or common issues I should look into would be extremely helpful! Thanks in advance for your insights.

2 Likes
2

First things first, you should always check the fluid level in your washer reservoir. It’s the most common reason for it not working!

3

I never think of that! I once had a full tank, but the lines were frozen. Check the weather too!

4

If the fluid level is fine, look at the nozzles. They can easily get clogged with dirt or debris. A needle can help clear them out!

5

Totally agree! I had the same issue once, and it took minutes to clean them and fix the problem.

6

Another potential problem is the washer fluid pump. If it’s faulty, no fluid will come out, even if the reservoir is full! You might need to test it or replace it.

7

I didn’t realize how important the pump was until my fluid just stopped spraying. Good to know I should keep an eye on that too!

8

Has anyone done this themselves? I’d like to save on labor costs if it’s doable.

3 Likes
9

If it’s not the pump, consider checking the wiring. Sometimes it’s just a loose connection. Easy fix!

6 Likes
10

Great point! I had a loose wire once and it saved me a lot of hassle!

11

I just want to point out, if you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s easy to forget that the lines might freeze! Just something to keep in mind.

12

Haha, I learned that the hard way! Driving around with no washer fluid is like trying to swim with one arm tied behind your back!

13

Exactly! It’s worth checking before the first big snow!

14

This has been really helpful! I never thought there were so many things to check. I appreciate everyone’s input!

3 Likes
15

If your washer fluid isn’t working, check the fluid reservoir first! It might be empty or clogged. Remove the cap and take a peek. It’s a simple first step!

16

Good point! If the reservoir is full, try cleaning the nozzles. A needle can help clear any debris blocking the flow.

17

Definitely clean those nozzles! I had a similar issue, and a quick cleaning fixed it in no time. Just be gentle so you don’t damage them.

18

If cleaning the nozzles doesn’t work, consider checking the pump. It’s usually located near the reservoir. If it’s not making any noise when activated, it might be time for a replacement.

5 Likes
19

That makes sense. Is it hard to replace the pump? I might give it a try myself if I need to.

20

Replacing the pump isn’t too difficult! Just make sure to take pictures before disconnecting anything. That way, you’ll remember how to put it back together!