Monday, March 5, 2012

Windshield Washer

If your windshield washer system is clogged. That is you hear the pump sound but there is no fluid coming out, then either your fuild level is too low or somewhere is clogged in the system. If it is the first case then add more washer fluid and you are done. But most probably your washer system is clogged or a part needs to be replaced. First check the jet nozzle, then work the way down the line. For my case, the filter of the pump was clogged.
To clean the pump, first suck out as much out from the resevoir. I snaked down a discarded refrigerator water tube, sucked it and let pressure and gravity (siphon principle) works its magic. Make sure you are also working outside in case you do not manage to empty the resevoir and leftover fluid wets the floor. Turn your wheels all the way out so you have ample of space to work. The washer pump is under the resevoir and the easier way to access it is through the wheel mud cover on the driver side. Remove the Torx screws and hex screw and then remove the wheel mud cover. The pump is not visible, but you should be able to feel it with your hand hidden behind the resevoir. There is a electrical cable going in and tube going out toward the jet nozzle. Use your hand and carefully pull out the pump without damaging the gasket. There is a mesh on the inlet of the pump that was clogged, so I cleanned it and reinstalled it. Pour some washer fluid and make sure there is no leak. Finally reinstall the mud cover and screws.
The cleaning/replacement of the washer pump should take 30-45 minutes.

4 comments:

  1. You must have the hands of a 5 yearolds to get the plug unclipped ;)

    Thanks for the guide, looks like I'll need to take the wing off to get the pump, but it looks very do-able.

    Cheers

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  2. Is this the same pump for the headlights or is there a second one? My headlight washers work. It the windscreen not at all. Lines are clear but no spray or sound after the headlamps go

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  3. The headlight and windscreen go through the same pump. Try unplugging the T-connector on the hood and check if there is flow coming out of there.

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