What Are the Reasons for a Car Not Spraying Windshield Washer Fluid?
3 Answers
Reasons for a car not spraying windshield washer fluid: 1. Insufficient windshield washer fluid; 2. Leaking hose, such as the hose being chewed through by rodents or the hose connection coming loose; 3. Clogged filter screen, mainly caused by using low-quality windshield washer fluid or tap water; 4. Blocked spray nozzle, possibly due to waxing the windshield and covering the spray nozzle; 5. Damaged spray motor or electrical circuit failure. Windshield washer fluid is primarily composed of water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants. When the transparency of the windshield decreases, spraying windshield washer fluid can restore a clear and bright view, especially during nighttime driving when dust on the glass scatters light. In such cases, spraying windshield washer fluid is necessary to keep the windshield in a transparent state.
When driving, I found that the windshield washer not spraying is a common issue, mainly due to clogged nozzles, water pump failure, hose rupture, or an empty washer fluid tank. Nozzles can easily get blocked by insects or dust, and if not cleaned for a long time, they won't spray water; the water pump may sometimes age or get stuck, leading to insufficient suction; hoses may freeze and crack in winter, causing leaks; I've checked and found the tank empty quite often, so it's necessary to refill the washer fluid regularly. Other reasons include a dead battery or a blown fuse causing the control circuit to malfunction. Last time, I forgot to add washer fluid and kept pressing the spray button, which ended up blowing the fuse. To avoid these problems, I recommend cleaning the nozzles monthly, checking the hoses during seasonal changes, and using dedicated washer fluid to prevent clogs. For simple DIY troubleshooting, first try listening for the water pump sound or shaking the tank to see if there's enough fluid, saving a trip to the repair shop.
The windshield washer fluid won't spray. I've dealt with this issue multiple times. The usual source is clogged nozzles blocked by dirt preventing water flow. If the nozzles are clean, check if the water pump is functioning - the pump motor might be worn out or stuck, failing to draw water. Aging or cracked hoses leaking washer fluid can also cause this, and an empty reservoir is a common oversight. I always keep a bottle of water handy to refill and avoid dry operation. On the electrical side, blown fuses, poor switch contact, or weak battery power can interrupt signals affecting spray function. For maintenance, I recommend using distilled water with dedicated cleaner instead of tap water to prevent nozzle clogging for easier cleaning. DIY inspection steps: First open the hood to check reservoir level - add water if too low. Test battery voltage - recharge if insufficient. Try unclogging nozzles with a fine needle. If the pump makes no sound, it might be a blown fuse - replacing it for just a few dollars can restore function easily and safely.
