Moving from headlight washers to windshield washers, I never really use windshield washers much if at all but just figured they work. So when I had the car in to the local guys a few weeks ago and they noted that one of the windshield washers was not spraying but they didn't get a chance to investigate why not. Then I had the car there again yesterday to install the headlight washer. They tested it to make sure it works and I guess you do so by also activating the windshield washers. This time neither windshield washer was working. I asked if the nozzles could be clogged or if there was easy way to clean and they said they would look at more closely the next time the car was in for service.

In the meantime is there anything quick that I could check such as stuffed nozzles or clogged rubber piping? Are there any "usual suspects" when it comes to the windshield washers (of course we checked that there is fluid).

Doug

 

Hey Doug,
My driver's side windshield washer is also clogged, and I guess because there is so much more pressure in the line, when I forget and actually press the washer button, the headlight washer sprays cleaner all the way over the car to the trunk. I've got to take a look at this when I get my car back and see if I can figure what's clogged.

 

mine were clogged at one time & I used a can of compressed air to to open them up.

 

I figured I might try the same thing but where would you disconnect the tubes? Maybe start at the connections close to the wiper arms and move back or start at the other end?

Doug

 

I started at the wiper arms and went back. If I recall correctly, I heard the washer fluid get the blast of air.

 

My drivers side headlamp washer sprays up and over the car. I find it useful when someone is following too closely. On a more useful note one of my windshield sprayers was clogged and compressed air did the trick. The clog was right at the wiper arm.

 

Hey Fulton--I am usually at the receiving end of something similar. It seems that whenever I get through washing the car, I end up behind someone who decides they need to clean their windshield and most of the time the spray goes right to the car behind (me).

Doug

 

Lol Doug, I hope it wasn't me. Haven't been to LA in a couple years

 

Well I disconnected each of the tubes that go to the wiper arms at the TOP of the cowl/plenum and blew in them and could hear air coming out of the nozzles. It could be that the connection at the underside of the plenum is crimped or disconnected since during the recent servicing where I asked the mechs to try and find the front end bumping noise, I am guessing they removed the cowl/plenum to look at the braces. I guess this is the next likely place to look.

Doug

 

Old thread but I finally took the time to peek under the plenum. It looks like this plastic (of course) tube splice piece broke which is why I am not getting water to the washers. I am attaching a picture that shows the exact piece that is broken but it looks like I have to buy the entire stupid piece for about $40. The part number is GJA8970AE. Does that sound about right or is there some generic plastic tube splice piece that will work from Autozone or someplace?

Doug

 

Thats an anti-backflow valve so the fluid stays wicked up the tubing so you get spraying action as soon as you hit the button and I suppose it keeps the pump primed also. A regular 3 way T should work but it may take longer for the fluid to get going..


Dave

 

Hey Doug,
I was waiting for you to solve the problem before I tackled mine. Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait a little longer......

 

Hey Ted--I suspect this piece was actually broken by the last place I did servicing when they presumably removed the plenum to try and track down a clunk. These types of little plastic T-fittings are very delicate especially as they age so I guess I can't really blame them.

Doug

 

That is broke on mine. I am just gonna get a T to fix mine. So what if it takes a little longer for fluid to hit the window. I would not waste your money on getting it from Jag. They are a TOTAL rip off. They wanted 19 bucks a pc for the 5 screws that hold the water pump on the car. That did it for me, I will NEVER use a dealership at any cost, paying those prices is a JOKE.