Washer Fluid Suddenly Not Working

[flynniep]

So my washer fluid had been low, but it was coming out a little bit at a time, it finally ran completely out. The pump was working until 2 hours ago when it ran out, I stopped and picked up some fluid, filled it all the way up until it said "Washer Fluid Ok" on the system check. Then I push on the pump switch and nothing, I can hear the sound of the pump, but nothing is coming out. I feel like it is just one thing after the other on this car. What should I do??

 

[Rdc#1958]

So my washer fluid had been low, but it was coming out a little bit at a time, it finally ran completely out. The pump was working until 2 hours ago when it ran out, I stopped and picked up some fluid, filled it all the way up until it said "Washer Fluid Ok" on the system check. Then I push on the pump switch and nothing, I can hear the sound of the pump, but nothing is coming out. I feel like it is just one thing after the other on this car. What should I do??

Well my 2000 Mountaineer has the same issue, I took out the washer tank/radiator overflow tank, removed the hose from the pump and blew into it and fluid sprayed out the nozzles so my conclusion is that the pump is too weak to pump fluid and needs replaced I've priced them and most places have them for around $20 or a little more, Amazon has some that are cheaper but don't know how good they are,my rear wiper doesn't work either but that's another project.

 

[flynniep]

You can call your maintenance master, wouldn't it be faster? This way, you can find out exactly where the problem with the washing machine is.

I don't know what you're talking about honestly...

 

[crunchie_frog]

There could be "crud" in the tank blocking fluid from getting in the pump. You might can look down inside the tank and see but since you filled it up maybe not. It is about a 10 - 15 minute job to remove the tank and you can dump out the fluid and wash out and check what is in the bottom the tank at the pump suction.

 

[DR98FL]

On my 98 Ex, the windshield washer fluid pump has a rubber bushing/ filter screen in the fluid tank. To Check remove the washer motor and then there the bushing/ screen is. Pull out and clean.

link below is for 97 Ex on rock auto, you can se the screen/bushing clearly.

More Information for ACI 173688

 

[flynniep]

There could be "crud" in the tank blocking fluid from getting in the pump. You might can look down inside the tank and see but since you filled it up maybe not. It is about a 10 - 15 minute job to remove the tank and you can dump out the fluid and wash out and check what is in the bottom the tank at the pump suction.

I'm just confused because it was working literally 2 hours before it ran out, so when I filled it back up, and went to spray, it stopped working.. the pump is working cause I hear the sound.

 

[joney]

How long did you try the window washer spray? Air would be in the part that went dry...Keeping at it might resolve it just my 2 cents.

 

[crunchie_frog]

I'm just confused because it was working literally 2 hours before it ran out, so when I filled it back up, and went to spray, it stopped working.. the pump is working cause I hear the sound.

All I can say is that I had a "crud" in the tank of washer fluid that built up and blinded off the pump so it could not pump. The crud was like a thin slimy film. As mentioned above, there is a filter/screen to protect the pump and downstream tubing from getting any large particulate in them. I guess you could dig down in there and remove the tubing on or near the discharge of the pump and see what you get.

 

[flynniep]

How long did you try the window washer spray? Air would be in the part that went dry...Keeping at it might resolve it just my 2 cents.

I tried over and over, for short periods, long periods, nothing is working ):