What are the reasons for the windshield washer fluid not spraying?
3 Answers
There may be several reasons why the windshield washer fluid does not spray: 1. The washer fluid level is too low: There is still water in the reservoir, but it does not reach the standard height, so it cannot spray. Try filling up the washer fluid. 2. The spray nozzle is clogged: If the spray nozzle is blocked by dust, the washer fluid cannot spray. Simply use a fine needle to clean the nozzle. 3. The washer fluid is frozen: In very low winter temperatures, the washer fluid may freeze. In this case, just park in a sunny area to let the fluid thaw naturally, then replace it with new antifreeze washer fluid. 4. Fuse or motor damage: If there is no sound from the motor when trying to spray the washer fluid, and the windshield wipers also do not work, then the issue may be a blown fuse or a damaged motor.
Having repaired cars for decades, there are many common reasons why windshield washer fluid won't spray. The reservoir might be empty—try filling it up; clogged nozzles are the most frequent issue, just carefully unclog them with a fine needle; if the pump isn't working, it could be a blown fuse or a faulty motor—listen for startup sounds to diagnose; cracked or aged hoses can cause leaks; in winter, the fluid might freeze, so using antifreeze-type can prevent this. When handling it yourself, check the fuse box location. If the problem is complex, go to a repair shop—don't delay until it affects driving safety. Regularly cleaning the nozzles and keeping the reservoir full is key.
I often DIY my car, and it's really annoying when the windshield washer fluid won't spray. Last time, my reservoir was full, but the nozzle was clogged with mud—just gently poking it with a pin cleared it right up. If the pump doesn't start, the fuse might have blown near the dashboard; a broken hose needs replacing; in winter, low temperatures can freeze the water, requiring special fluid. I check the reservoir weekly to ensure it's clear and avoid sudden issues. Always wear gloves before working—safety first—and after fixing it, the view is much clearer.
