Hey all,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I've found that my windshield washer fluid is not coming out of the hoses under the wipers when trying to wash the windshield. I can hear the pump cycling, but literally only a couple drops coming out.

Verified the reservoir is full.

Going to dig into when I get home. Any specific areas to check to see if a hose may have come off of a connector somewhere before I set up a service appt? Going to be the first time I look into anything under the hood of my new '12 XF.

Thanks all,

J

 

It's from the cold temperatures.

Mine was doing the same, lasted about 3-5 days. I had an appointment to bring it in, but it starting working again as the temperature has been in high 30s.

 

Thanks Executive! Once it decides to warm up again I'll give it another shot!

Thanks a ton.

J

 

You are quite welcome!

Keep us informed.

 

I'll be sure to!

 

I hope you all are using washer fluid antifreeze. We have to use methanol/water fluid that won't freeze at minus 35C (about minus 30 F), about 50 /50 methanol and water. You will probably be fine with something less aggressively alcoholic.

 

I usually do use that, and I'm thinking this could be why it is not working as planned when it gets cold enough like Executive mentioned. Being that the car came from Florida, this is most likely the case. Thanks Jagular.

 

I use the RainX orange fluid. It is good for all year round use and never freezes. I reallly like the stuff.

 

The washer tank is filled with Jaguar recommended fluid. I looked inside the tank and the fluid was in liquid form. That's why it didn't make sense.

The engine heat probably keep it from freezing and it might have only been frozen inside the wiper arms.

 

Yep I was thinking the same that it's probably frozen more towards the arms themselves. Waiting for warm weather now.

 

If the fluid has been excessively diluted with water for some reason it will still look coloured and won't freeze in large volumes. However, it may well freeze right in the ball jets where the volume of fluid is tiny. If the jet orifice freezes ( the usual place it freezes first) then the washer won't operate. Funny thing about hydraulic pressure, the smallest hole in the closed pressure system experiences the same psi as the largest volume so it doesn't take much ice to block those jets completely.

The only drawback with rain x is it leaves a residue on the glass, which is how it works. If you stop using it then shortly thereafter you will get streaking and smearing until the residue cleans off. If you use rain x you need to keep using it or clean off the glass thoroughly shortly after you stop using it.

 

Just a quick update, guys.

Tried it again today since we hit a whopping 41 degrees outside, and no dice. Can hear the pump cycling, but nothing out of the wiper nozzles. Hoses up by the arms don't seem like they're frozen with fluid.

Debating bringing it in for this or just waiting until my next oil change in @ 2k miles...unless you guys have any other simple ideas or suggestions of what I can check like anywhere where any hoses may have slipped off a coupler or something similar.

Thanks guys.

 

Others have reported hoses slipping off the wiper arms.