Improving Your Automobile

Solutions to a Windshield Washer That Won't Spray

22 April 2016

Addison Morris

Having a clear view of the road while driving is important. For this reason, your car's windshield wipers are of very great significance with reference to drivability. While the windshield wipers may seem like a small thing, wait until you are on a dusty road and you try the windshield switch only to realise that no fluid is coming from your windshield washers. You don't want to find yourself in such a situation because a dirty windshield can affect your visibility of the road ahead. Fortunately, there are ways you can troubleshoot the problem and fix it so that next time you don't find yourself in a similar situation.  

Confirm That the Sprayer Nozzle Jets Are Not Clogged

Clogged nozzles will definitely not allow the fluid to pass through to your windshield. This should be among the first things you check. Stick a toothpick, pin, or sharp pen into the nozzles jets to dislodge any gunk that could be preventing the fluid from passing. If this doesn't work out, try the following options.

Check the Fluid Reservoir for Your Windshield Washer

Sometimes the windshield fluid won't come out simply because the reservoir is empty. Many car owners are likely not to pay attention to such issues. Nevertheless, pop up the bonnet and locate the reservoir. This is usually easy to find and in most cases, the reservoir cap will have a picture of the windshield washers drawn on it. Using the dipstick, check whether you will need to refill the fluid.

Inspect the Fluid Pump of Your Windshield Washer

Even if on checking the fluid you realise that it's full, your windshield washers or sprayers still won't work if the fluid pump is faulty. With the bonnet still open, locate the pump by simply following the tubing from your windshield sprayers until you find it. If you have someone else with you, tell him or her to get in your car and activate the fluid switch. A properly functioning pump should produce some sound when the switch is activated. If it remains silent, you may want to have it replaced.

Check for Any Leaks in the Tubing or Fluid Reservoir/Tank

Inspect carefully for cracks in your windshield washer fluid reservoir. If you find any, replace the tank reservoir. Run your fingers along any tubing that leads to the spray nozzles. If there are any sources of leakages such as splits, you will feel something wet on your fingers. To fix this, replace the tubing or pipes.

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