What to Do When the Car Washer Nozzle is Clogged?
4 Answers
There are several methods to solve a clogged car washer nozzle: 1. Use a pin or similar tool to unclog it. 2. Clean the nozzle and then spray water a few times. Basic methods for diagnosing common faults in car washers: 1. Washer motor does not run: After pressing the windshield washer button, the washer motor does not run, but the fuse is intact. Possible causes: Open circuit between the fuse box power lead and the washer motor; Open circuit between the washer button switch control lead and the washer motor; Damaged brushes or open circuit in the motor lead; Open circuit in the control switch lead or damaged contacts. 2. Washer runs but sprays weakly or not at all: After pressing the windshield washer button, the washer motor makes a running sound, but the water sprays weakly or not at all. Possible causes: Blocked pipeline between the reservoir and the pump, or clogged nozzle; Slippage between the motor rotor shaft and the pump impeller; Low spring pressure on the brushes, severe dirt on the commutator, partial short circuit in the armature coil, or overly tight pump cover. Pressing the washer button causes the fuse to blow immediately. Faults in the electric washer are often caused by clogged hoses or nozzles. During maintenance, proceed from the outside in and from easy to difficult tasks.
I just encountered this issue - when driving on the highway with dirty windows, I tried to spray water but nothing came out! It might be due to impurities in the water clogging the spray nozzles. The solution is actually quite simple and doesn't require expensive repairs. I tried gently inserting a thin needle into the spray holes and moving it back and forth a few times, which dislodged the dirt. Later, I looked it up online and found others suggesting that using compressed air or reverse flushing with a water hose also works. For prevention, it's best to use distilled water with windshield washer fluid instead of tap water directly to reduce mineral buildup. Regularly checking the water tank and spray nozzles, and cleaning them during car washes makes maintenance easy and safe. Fixing it yourself is quite rewarding and saves the hassle of going to a repair shop.
As a car owner, I take this issue seriously because clogged washer nozzles can delay the cleaning of the windshield, which is particularly dangerous in rain or snow when visibility is poor. First, check if the water tank is empty. If it's clogged, you can use an air pump or a bicycle pump with a thin tube to blow through the blockage. If that doesn't work, replacing them is cheap—a set of washer nozzles costs just a few dollars online. I recommend developing a habit of cleaning the washer system every quarter and checking the hoses for signs of aging. Also, use antifreeze windshield washer fluid regularly to avoid blockages caused by freezing in winter. Addressing these minor issues promptly can prevent bigger problems and ensure driving safety.
Clogged spray nozzles are usually caused by dirt or scale buildup in the narrow outlet. First, confirm whether it's a clog or another issue, such as a broken water pump. When dealing with it, disconnect the spray hose and flush it backward with clean water or compressed air to remove the blockage. If the spray hole is stuck with a hard object, gently clear it with a fine needle. Avoid using sharp tools that could damage the pipes. Use high-quality windshield washer fluid to prevent clogs and park in a garage to reduce dust. If it clogs repeatedly, consider replacing the nozzle; it costs about a few dozen yuan and is easy to do yourself.
