Windshield Washers Not Spraying

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.

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Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

My windshield washers have just recently stopped working. The wipers work fine, but no water comes out. I know there is plenty of fluid in the receptacle because I've had it checked. Does anyone have a simple solution I can try before taking my car to repair shop? I know nothing about cars other than they go frontwards and backwards.

By Sharon from Mackinaw, IL

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By milkman6912/03/2010

Same thing happened to me last week. It turned out to be the switch at the end of the wiper arm.

Windshield Washer Not Working

My windshield cleaner does not work. Could it be clogged? How do I fix this?

By Ellen

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By Anonymous04/26/2012

I mean this very respectfully but is their fluid in the reservoir? A couple of years ago I had filled mine but two days later it wasn't working and thought something was clogged. Had it looked at by mechanic and it turned out there was no fluid (after just two days) because of a leak in the bottom of the reservoir. The thought never crossed my mind that it could be a leak.

If this is your case it's expensive to replace (both the labor and the part) so if you know someone with the right tools and under the hood knowledge who might do the labor for free or low cost you can either order the appropriate reservoir for your car from a parts store or even try using the appropriate type of repair sealer first (probably also available at a auto supply store).

Windshield Washer Fluid Pumping Out Under the Car

My 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

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By louel5302/25/2013

It is likely a leaky hose, but it could just be a spray nozzle that is pointing the wrong way. If you have no notion of what you are doing, take it to a small shop; this is the sort of thing that they fix for next to nothing.

Car's Windscreen Washer Doesn't Work

My Vauxhall Astra's windscreen washer won't work, but the wipers do. I can't even hear the pump.

By Kenny

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Car's Windscreen Washer Doesn't Work

My Vauxhall Astra's windscreen washer won't work, but the wipers do. I can't even hear the pump.

By Kenny

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By KLS880003/22/2013

Could be the lines are clogged?

Windshield Washer Pump Not Working

I have a 2010 Sonata. The washer fluid pump not working. The wipers work so it is not the fuse. There are no motor sounds so I am assuming that the motor is bad. How difficult is it to change the motor for the window washer? Are there any guides out there I can review first?

By Joe

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Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

Is it possible to fix the sprayers on windshield wipers? The pump works but they won't spray out right. They are the kind that are attached to the wipers.

Tori from Oshawa, Ontario, CA

RE: Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

What I've found is that sometimes they are clogged in the sprayer, the place where it sprays out. Try taking a straight pin or needle and see if you can unclog the place where it is suppose to spray out. I've unclogged a lot of them that way. Also, see if you can disconnect the tube that connects to the wiper and see if the washer comes out when you run the pump. If it does, then the clog is in the last part. Work at it with a pin from the other side. Hope this helps and I've explained it well enough. If that doesn't work, add a little white vinegar to your reservoir and it will help descale the workings. It may help unclog over time.

Susan from ThriftyFun (01/06/2007)

By ThriftyFun

RE: Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

It is usually an inexpensive repair, the worst part is finding out where the loss of pressure happens. Other than what has been described, I have also found a leaking rubber hose before, replacing this fixed it.

One way to locate a leak, should this be the cause, is to fill the bottle with water and just RUN that pump for a good bit and start looking for leaks almost immediately. Of course it will leak due to water dribbling down the windshield so it's a bit hit and miss, but sooner or later you should find it.

Also I use black rubber vacuum tubing to fix it, just get the diameter right and it's way cheaper than the actual OEM hose, cut to size with scissors. (11/14/2007)

By 8307c4

RE: Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

Try using a "tiny" drill bit, slightly bigger than a needle and drill it out. I tried several methods, including; soaking in vinegar, spraying with brake-clean and blowing it out with a blowgun attached to my air compressor. I went to the dealer (Dodge ram) to order a new one, and they wanted nearly 40 bucks for a 2 cent part. I tried Ebay as well and had no luck. That's when I tried the drill bit idea. It worked great! The spray is slightly different, but it cleans my windshield. This size of bit only usually is found in large kits. For "cheap" drill bits, try; harbor freight tools (google) Good luck! Steve (01/27/2008)

By scubasteve817

RE: Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

I had the same problem, and using the straight pin (needle) method I was finally able to solve it. If you decide to remove the sprayer, just be careful not to brake the support that holds it in place (too late for me!). (05/19/2008)

By Manuel in Fort Lauderdale, FL

RE: Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

My motor was working but nothing was coming out. I blew out the lines, still nothing. I ordered a new motor and when I went to replace it, I found that the screen (filter) between the reservoir and motor was clogged with a gel like substance. I cleaned it and flushed out the reservoir with water and reassembled and everything was fine. I had not pulled out the screen because I did not want the 1/2 gallon of fluid to come out, which would have saved me a lot of work to begin with. (08/01/2008)

By Chris W.

Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

My windshield wipers won't dispense water. Is there a pump that works this?

By Suzette from Charleston, SC

RE: Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

My husband fixed ours. The tank holding the water was cracked, so there was no water. So he mended the tank and now they work. Check under the hood. The plastic tank will be quite visible. (11/10/2009)

By pamphyila

RE: Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

After the obvious check to see if there is fluid in the reservoir, disconnect the line going to the washer-ports [easily seen under the hood; just a simple "pull" is all that is required]. Turn on the engine and activate the "washer mode"; if no fluid is dispensed or you don't hear the pump activating; the pump should be replaced. If fluid is dispensed, reconnect the fluid hose and take a sewing pin and clean out the holes in the washer port; then brush them with an old toothbrush. One of these will remedy your situation. (11/11/2009)

By Cajun62234

RE: Windshield Wiper Sprayers Not Working

My problem was also caused by a crack in the reservoir. If possible, take it out and mend it like pamphyila's husband did because those buggers are expensive to replace. A new one for my car (part only, not including labor) would have been almost $100.00 :-o (11/13/2009)

By Deeli