First, check that the windshield washer bottle has fluid and that fluid is free from debris or algae growth. If the fluid is contaminated the washer reservoir should be drained and cleaned.


Open the hood and locate the windshield washer reservoir. On some vehicles it may be located under either the front fender or bumper. The owner's manual will often tell you the location of the washer reservoir.


Do you hear the windshield washer pump operate when you operate the windshield washers? It may help to have a friend operate the washer pump while you listen. If the pump is not heard check the fuse panel to see if there is a blown fuse. There may be more than one windshield washer pump if your vehicle has a headlight washer system or rear windshield washer. You may need the owner's manual or an electrical diagram to determine which fuse protects the washer system if it is not clearly marked on the fuse box cover. If no fuses are found to be blown, and the washer pump makes no noise when the switch is activated, one of the components may be defective (the switch, washer pump, relay if equipped, etc). Don't worry yet, let's pretend that your hearing might not be what it used to be and continue with the checks that don't rely on hearing.



If the washer pump appears to operate, fill the reservoir and inspect for any leaks, perhaps from a defective reservoir or seals. Then activate the washers and inspect the system for leaks from the hoses that carry washer fluid to the washer nozzles or jets. Many times heat from the engine compartment deteriorates the hoses over time or rodents actually chew through the hoses. If no leaks are found disconnect the washer tube carrying fluid to the washer nozzles, there is usually a convenient junction around the hood hinge. Operate the windshield washers again and see if fluid squirts out of the hose with sufficient volume and pressure, if not the pump may be weak or the washer fluid is facing a restriction in the lines due to dirt or a kink in the washer hose.


If washer fluid does squirt out of the washer hose you may have a restriction in the washer nozzles themselves. This restriction may be caused by contamination that has entered through the washer reservoir or the washer nozzles may be blocked from car wax that has hardened from the last time you waxed your car! A small needle can used to clear the washer jet if it is wax or blocked from the top side of the nozzle. You may need to use compressed air to clear stubborn debris that has lodged in the washer nozzles.

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