{"id":81183,"date":"2023-02-14T05:53:17","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T13:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=81183"},"modified":"2024-11-20T06:38:55","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T14:38:55","slug":"windshield-washer-pump-problems-signs-causes-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/windshield-washer-pump-problems-signs-causes-what-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Windshield Washer Pump Problems: Signs, Causes, What to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n<p>The windshield <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/washer-pump\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"washer pump\">washer pump<\/a> can develop problems over time, which can prevent windshield fluid from coming out. Without this fluid, you won&rsquo;t be able to clear dirt, dust, pollen, mud, and bugs from your windshield with just a press of a button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Windshield Washer Pump?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The windshield washer pump sucks washer fluid from the reservoir and pushes it through the hose and nozzle. It can be found beneath the washer fluid reservoir. When the driver activates the windshield washer through the washer control arm, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/body-control-module\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"body control module (BCM)\">body control module (BCM)<\/a> sends a signal to the windshield washer pump to activate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bad Windshield Washer Pump Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One common issue with the windshield washer system is clogging of the nozzles due to mixing incompatible washer fluids and\/or organic material growing in the washer reservoir. Using the same kind of washer fluid will help prevent the formation of gel that can clog hoses and nozzles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The washer pump is a small DC electric motor with an impeller style pump submerged in the washer fluid. Some pumps will reverse their motor and impeller direction and pump fluid along a different path when the rear washer is activated on an SUV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"617\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/windshield-washer-system-1024x617.jpg\" alt=\"windshield washer system\" class=\"wp-image-81470\" style=\"width:1024px;height:617px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/windshield-washer-system-1024x617.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/windshield-washer-system-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/windshield-washer-system-768x462.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/windshield-washer-system-150x90.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/windshield-washer-system.jpg 1498w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The windshield washer might sound like a simple system, but it has some components that can fail. Here&rsquo;s a basic schematic for most washer systems on vehicles for the past 20 years or so, but it will vary from one make to another. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch out for the following symptoms of a failing windshield washer pump:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Windshield Washer Fluid Not Spraying Evenly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you activate the windshield washer, the fluid should spray evenly along the path of the windshield wiper. However, there are times when the fluid might be too concentrated on one area or the fluid doesn&rsquo;t reach the top of your windshield. This can be caused by debris or dirt blocking the nozzle or fluid line. A washer fluid pump that isn&rsquo;t producing enough pressure can also lead to an uneven windshield spray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Windshield Washer Fluid Not Spraying At All<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes there simply isn&rsquo;t any fluid spraying on your windshield when you activate the windshield washer. When this happens, you might be able to hear the pump try to pump water since it makes a whining or humming sound from under the hood. This issue can either be caused by an empty fluid reservoir or a faulty washer fluid pump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Windshield Washer Pump Refuses to Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you activate the windshield washer and don&rsquo;t hear the pump&rsquo;s distinct sound, then the pump is either broken or not receiving any power. This can be due to faulty wiring or other electrical issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can access the washer pump and disconnect the wires you can have an assistant operate the washer switch while you check for power and ground at the washer pump connector. Sometimes washer pumps will lock up. Sometimes the motor will wear out. The problem is that the washer pump can be difficult to access on some vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frozen Windshield Washer Nozzles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s possible that your windshield washer nozzles are to blame rather than your windshield washer pump. If it&rsquo;s winter and they&rsquo;ve frozen over, they can also cause many of the symptoms associated with a faulty windshield washer pump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Run your vehicle for a while or thaw out the nozzles before trying the washers again. Frozen nozzles are a bad sign that more of the line might have frozen over. Frozen windshield wiper fluid can easily damage the system and the windshield washer pump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Maintain Your Windshield Washer Pump<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Low fluid levels can also cause increased wear. Check the washer fluid level regularly in order to keep your windshield wiper in good condition. You should also try to keep the reservoir half full at all times. Good thing most gas stations sell wiper washer fluid by the gallon, so you can easily fill the reservoir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, if you always use the same brand of fluid, you&rsquo;re less likely to have problems with the fluid supply. Try to use a good grade of washer fluid, switching from the winter kind that doesn&rsquo;t freeze to the summer kind that works best on bugs, but stay with the same brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Try to use a good grade of washer fluid, switching from the winter kind that doesn&rsquo;t freeze to the summer kind that works best on bugs, but stay with the same brand.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Fix a Broken Windshield Washer Pump<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/automotive-windshield-washer-pump-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"hands holding a windshield washer pump\" class=\"wp-image-81195\" style=\"width:1024px;height:681px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/automotive-windshield-washer-pump-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/automotive-windshield-washer-pump-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/automotive-windshield-washer-pump-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/automotive-windshield-washer-pump-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/automotive-windshield-washer-pump-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/automotive-windshield-washer-pump.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Regular wear and tear can also eventually lead to an inoperative windshield washer pump.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular wear and tear can also eventually lead to an inoperative windshield washer pump. An issue with the electrical system, such as a blown <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/car-fuse-facts-what-you-need-to-know-about-automotive-fuses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"fuse\">fuse<\/a>, a faulty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/windshield-washer-switch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"windshield washer switch\">windshield washer switch<\/a> (very rare), or a bad BCM, can also cause the windshield washer pump to malfunction. The washer pump pulls very little current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be hard to diagnose this problem, as you might need to use a voltmeter or a test light to check if there is power being delivered to the pump. Older washer pumps are wired directly to the switch but newer washer pump systems typically involve the body control module (BCM) and possibly a relay. You might also need to access and remove the windshield washer pump, which can be difficult if you don&rsquo;t have much automotive repair experience. If so, it&rsquo;s best to consult a trusted mechanic. Usually it&rsquo;s pretty simple, and a new pump comes with a replacement rubber seal. The pump usually just snaps into the reservoir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that some vehicles have more than one washer pump. For example, if you own a 2003 Tahoe and its rear washer pump is not working, you won&rsquo;t solve anything by replacing its front washer pump. Check your vehicle&rsquo;s manual to find out if there&rsquo;s more than one pump to inspect and replace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Does a Replacement Windshield Washer Pump Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Windshield washer pumps can cost anywhere from $10 to $120. The price can vary depending on the brand and your vehicle model.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>The windshield washer pump can develop problems over time, which can prevent windshield fluid from coming out. Without this fluid,&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/windshield-washer-pump-problems-signs-causes-what-to-do\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":81194,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3746,52],"tags":[3710],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-81183","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-car-body","8":"category-diy","9":"tag-washer-pump","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Windshield Washer Pump Problems: Signs, Causes, What to Do - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The windshield washer pump can develop several symptoms when it goes bad over time. Know these common symptoms in this article.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/windshield-washer-pump-problems-signs-causes-what-to-do\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Windshield Washer Pump Problems: Signs, Causes, What to Do - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The windshield washer pump can develop several symptoms when it goes bad over time. Know these common symptoms in this article.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/windshield-washer-pump-problems-signs-causes-what-to-do\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-02-14T13:53:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-11-20T14:38:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/working-washer-pump.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/windshield-washer-pump-problems-signs-causes-what-to-do\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/windshield-washer-pump-problems-signs-causes-what-to-do\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"4\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81183"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81183\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81194"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81183"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=81183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}