How to Troubleshoot a Windshield Washer

Windshield washer problems are some of the most simple to troubleshoot for in a vehicles electrical system. For the most part, you will find two types of electric washer systems: if you have a General Motors vehicle, most likely your washer system is operated by a motor-driven bellows pump; otherwise, your system is equipped with a motor-driven rotary vane pump. Regardless of the system in your vehicle, we will go through a series of simple steps to get that windshield washer in your car up and running. You need a very basic understanding of electricity, but if you want to learn basic troubleshooting procedures jump in and lets start.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your vehicle and locate the washer fluid reservoir, a plastic container on the side of the engine compartment or in front of the windshield. Make sure the fluid is at the proper level.

2

Turn on the ignition switch but do not start the engine. Activate the washer switch or button and listen for the motor and pump working. If you can hear the motor and pump working but no fluid comes out of the nozzles go to the next step; or else go to step 7.

3

Inspect the hose connected to the washer pump and follow it through the joints all the way up to the pair of nozzles and make sure it is unrestricted and free of rubbish. Make sure the hoses are well connected and in good condition.

4

Disconnect one hose at the nozzle and turn on the ignition switch but do not start the engine. Operate the washer switch. If washer fluid comes out of the hose, clean up the nozzle with a paper clip or replace it. Reconnect the hose.

5

Disconnect the hose at the motor-pump assembly. Turn on the ignition switch but do not start the engine. Operate the washer switch. If washer fluid comes out of the pump, there is a restriction at the hose. Clean up the plastic lines and joints.

6

Drain the washer reservoir and disconnect the motor and pump assembly from the reservoir container. Inspect the opening between the bushing and the pump inlet, making sure it is free of strange matter. Reconnect the pump and test again. If no fluid comes out of the pump, replace it if your system has a vane type pump. If your system has a bellows pump, rebuild it.

7

Check the washer motor-pump assembly electrical connector for incoming voltage using a test light, while an assistant operates the washer motor switch. Make sure the motor has a good ground connection. If there is incoming voltage at the pump and a good ground, replace the motor-pump assembly.

8

Check the wiring for continuity between the switch and the motor-pump assembly using a multimeter; also, check the switch and the wire going to the fuse panel for continuity using a multimeter. Repair as necessary.