Windshield Washer Stopped Working

[bpeckham]

I don't use the windshield washer system that often, but after the bee squad bombed my car, I was driving home into the sun, and I decided to wash the window, and it didn't work.

The wipers swept over the windshield, smearing everything, but no washer fluid sprayed. Great.

What I've tried so far:

• Check the dashboard: no low washer fluid indication.
• Run the washers with the engine off. It seems like I can hear the whirring of the pump motor.
• Wash my windshield by hand (gotta see what's coming at you).
• Pull the "dip stick" from the washer fluid reservoir, seems like there's *some* fluid. Not full, but not empty either.

I may get some time to investigate more this weekend.

Anyone else have issues?

 

[bpeckham]

Seems like I have 5.5 inches of washer fluid, maybe out of 6.5 inches, if the pinkish staining is any guide. I really don't use the washers that much, so it would be kinda bizarre to have run out.

Any body out there care to check what you've got?

Looks like I'll be taking the car in to get this fixed.

 

[RobotAZ]

Check for a kink or something in the line. It will be the line before it splits if both washers are dry and do nothing.

 

[bpeckham]

Check for a kink or something in the line. It will be the line before it splits if both washers are dry and do nothing.

Both are dry. I've checked the segment that I can see (from the driver's A pillar to the nozzles). Today I think I'll disconnect the tubing from the nozzles to see if any fluid flows pre-nozzle.

Yesterday i bought some washer fluid to top up. I thought I had some in the garage, but I couldn't find it, but then I ran out of time to investigate further.

It's somewhat complicated by the fact that the wipers also run with the washer, and I don't want them dragging across the dry windshield, and you can't raise the hood with the wipers in service position.

Maybe if the wipers are on a separate fuse from the washer I can remove the wiper fuse. Or maybe I can just put some fluid on the windshield. We'll see.

Unfortunately the owner's manual doesn't list the fuses, nor can I find the info in the various service manual PDFs floating around online. Perhaps it's printed on the fuse box cover...