Wiper pump "stopped working"

[ebstauffer]

"I" recently had a front end accident (the "I" in quotations means it was "I" that handled the repair and not necessarily that "I" was driving) repaired and thereafter noticed I wasnt getting washer fluid out of the jets. I did all of the normal things -- checked for blockage, that fluid level was sufficient, etc. Before I take it back to the repair shop (which is not close to me) I was wondering what else I should check. When I pull the lever, I can hear the pump running, just no fluid from the jets, and that I can see, none leaking from beneath the car. Thoughts?

[RedLdr1]

First, the system may have drained out during the repairs. Not all manufactures use one-way check valves to prevent drain back. I would run the washer pump for several cycles, of ten to fifteen seconds each, totaling up to at least three minutes. That should be more than sufficient to “recharge” the lines.

If that doesn’t work I would disconnect the main line the fluid reservoir and confirm the pump is actually pumping. You should get a pressurized stream, not a dribble, when the switch is turned on.

If that is not the problem, I would next the check the line continuity from the washer pump to the windshield. Connect a low pressure air source to the main line and see if it that forces either fluid out or if you can feel the air at the nozzles….

If both those tests check out I would head for the shop....


Note: Make sure you wear eye protection while performing the tests, being blasted with windshield washer fluid is no fun!

[jeffs3820]

Any chance it was filled with water and there is ice in the line?