What to Do When the Windshield Washer Spray is Weak?
3 Answers
Solutions for weak windshield washer spray: 1. Determine whether the issue is on one side or both sides. If only one side is affected, it is usually caused by a clogged spray nozzle. There are two solutions: first, use a sewing needle, pin, or very thin steel wire to poke the nozzle; second, empty the remaining washer fluid, then use an air gun to blow into the clogged nozzle. 2. Check the motor and its wiring. Have one person operate the washer button inside the car while another listens for the sound of the washer motor under the hood. If the sound is very weak, the motor may be faulty. If there is no sound and the wiring is fine, the motor itself is likely the issue. 3. If the problem lies with the washer motor, first check if the filter screen is clogged. A clogged filter screen can be repaired by removing the hose connected to the spray nozzle, opening the washer fluid filler port, and using an air gun to blow through the hose. This will force water from the washer reservoir out through the filler port, carrying any debris stuck to the filter screen. If the issue is something else, the motor will need to be replaced.
Last time my windshield washer spray weakened, I first crouched down to listen for the pump sound. If the motor hums but no water comes out, it's likely the nozzles are clogged. Just use a fine needle to gently poke the nozzle holes and clear out any scale or sediment. If there's no motor sound at all, check the fuse and wiring connections—I've seen mice chew through the wires. Also, don't mix washer fluid with tap water randomly, as limescale can clog the lines. In winter, pay special attention to using antifreeze washer fluid. Last time I bought cheap, low-quality stuff to save money, and the entire line froze and cracked—the spray came out like a sigh.
Check along the water line for this issue. The most straightforward way is to see if the washer fluid reservoir is empty—my old car always runs out because I forget to refill it. When you press the washer button, pop the hood and check if the hose is pinched or leaking. Pay special attention to the finger-thick hose connectors in the engine bay, as rubber degradation can cause seepage. Last time, I found a cracked T-joint, and all the water pressure leaked into the engine compartment. Replacing a new section of hose costs just twenty bucks, but make sure to use heat-resistant material. Oh, and remember to filter out impurities when refilling—don’t pour in the sediment at the bottom of the water bottle.
