How to Check for Clogged Windshield Wiper Fluid
Has your car's wiper fluid encountered a hitch on its way to your windshield? Problems with the nozzle or the tube that it flows through are not unusual. It's also possible that the culprit could be lurking within the reservoir that contains the cleaning solution. The electrical or pumping system that takes the solution from the reservoir to the windshield can also be the hold-up.
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Things You'll Need
- Owners manual for your car
- Voltmeter or 12 Volt test light
- Rags
- Straight pin or tack
- Container of clean water
- Can of compressed air
Instructions
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A straight pin can be used to carefully probe the windshield washer jet openings which can be clogged with wax or dirt. Turn on the wiper system to try cleaning the windshield. If only one nozzle works, or the spray is insubstantial, the problem can be either a partially or fully blocked nozzle. Car wax and debris can be clogging it. Using a straight pin or tack, unclog the nozzle end(s). Wipe off the nozzle end with a rag.
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A can of compressed air can help dislodge clogs in the washer fluid lines. Check the tubing that delivers the fluid to the nozzle. Remove the end of one tube from the nozzle component. Use a can of compressed air to blast some air into the hose and make the fluid in the reservoir bubble. If bubbling occurs, your line is clear---do the same with the other tube. Inspect the tubing for kinks and breaks, also.
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Windshield washing fluid should be kept particle and dirt free or clogs can occur. Look under the hood of the car for the reservoir that houses the windshield wiper fluid. If it contains sufficient fluid, take off the fill cap and look inside to see if the fluid looks clean. Foreign particles can get inside the reservoir and be pulled into the pump motor or pushed out into the tubing, creating a clog. If the reservoir looks clean, move on from there. If not, flush the reservoir out with clean water and refill with washer fluid. Re-flush all the tubing with the compressed air and check for blockages, breaks and kinks.
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Fuses on a panel---your car's owners manual can help you locate the one you need to check. Listen for the sound of the wiper motor if turning it on delivers no fluid to your windshield. If there is no sound detected, check the fuse, replacing it if necessary. The owner's manual will show the location of the fuse box and the windshield washer pump fuse. If you hear the sound of the motor whirring, then the fuse is intact and the electrical current being delivered to the motor will need to be checked.
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A voltmeter gives a reading that shows whether electricity is flowing properly. Use the voltage meter or 12-volt test light to determine whether there is electricity going to the pump motor. If the pump motor runs, the windshield washer pump is probably defective. Before reaching this conclusion; however, check the connection for corrosion. Clean off any corrosion or sediment on the connection and check the wiring for breaks or loosening.
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References
- Photo Credit washer jets image by green308 from Fotolia.com sewing image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com air sec image by thierry planche from Fotolia.com gallon container image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com Fuse panel image by Charlie Rosenberg from Fotolia.com The Readout image by Cinneman from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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it looks like there is some windshield washer fluid on the market that turns into a mass like glue. I had to remove the pump and clean the screen which was covered by a thick layer of this stuff. I needed several hours to fix this problem. I think I will only use water and maybe some windex in the future.
