Having working windshield wiper fluid sprayers is something you never think about until it’s too late. When your windshield is streaked and you can’t see a thing, it’s too late to start thinking about why you might have windshield wiper fluid not working in your car.
Reasons Windshield Wiper Fluid Doesn’t Spray
- Clogged Nozzle
- Broken Hose
- Bad Washer Pump
- No Fluid
Clogged Nozzle
The washer nozzles on your car are either attached to the hood, the cowl or the wiper arms. If you look at them up close you will see the small holes that can easily get clogged with grime and dirt. If you don’t use your windshield washing system often these holes can clog keeping the system from spraying. You can try cleaning the nozzles or simply replace them as they are often inexpensive and easy to access.
Broken Hose
There is a small rubber hose running from the washer pump to the nozzles that can easily become disconnected or broken due to old age or freezing washer fluid. Usually about half of the hose is easily visible so you can check it under the hood, but the other half of the hose will be hidden behind your inner fender. Try parking the car in a try garage and running the windshield washer pump for 10 to 20 seconds and looking for where the fluid is running out to help find the break in the hose.
Bad Washer Pump
If your washer pump is broken due to old age, damage or freezing washer fluid it will stop your windshield washing system from working. If you have a bad pump and try to test mentioned above you won’t find any washer fluid dripping from your car.
No Fluid
It might seem obvious but the most common cause of your windshield wiper fluid not working is actually just being out of washer fluid. Many vehicles do not have a warning light letting you know you’re low on fluid so you can easily run out without knowing it. If you find yourself out of windshield washer fluid, skip the huge jugs of washer fluid at the grocery store and head to your local auto parts store to pick up BlueDevil Windshield Washer Concentrate.
You can find BlueDevil Windshield Washer Concentrate at one of your local auto parts stores like:
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bennett Auto Supply
- CarQuest Auto Parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Fast Track
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
- S&E Quick Lube Distributor
- DYK Automotive
- Fisher Auto Parts stores
- Auto Plus Auto Parts stores
- Hovis Auto & Truck Supply stores
- Salvo Auto Parts
- Advantage Auto Stores
- Genuine Auto Parts stores
- Bond Auto Parts stores
- Tidewater Fleet Supply
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts
- Any Part Auto Parts
- Consumer Auto Parts
Pictures Provided By:
BlueDevil Products can be found on Amazon.com or at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and other major auto parts retailers.
3 responses to "Windshield Wiper Fluid Not Working"
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Hello ! I have a small problem…I added windshield washer and realized that I did not use all the summer fluid…and its frozen now..even putting in the winter one on top of the summer fluid..will it in time work??
Sincerly
Lise
Lise-
The best thing to do in a situation like this would be to park the car in the sun, warm the car up and even drive it around for a little. Once it warms up, you should be able to spray the remaining windshield washer fluid out.
Thank you!
-BDP
I do not profess to be an expert, but our windshield wiper spray shot out a little which was indicative of a blockage as the motor was working fine. I tried compressed air to remove the unseen obstruction, and it still was not working good. A brainstorm happened, and I put a few tablespoon baking soda, and added 1cup white vinegar to washer fluid container under the hood. Soon it fizzled and then deployed the wiper spray and it shot out like a geyser. Yes there was some white residue on the windshield from the diluted baking soda but it works months later as opposed to a costly service. If this idea fails for you then get it looked at by a mechanic. The same idea works well for household drains in bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, bath tubs. Simply put 1/4 cup baking soda down the drain and then add a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain opening for 30 minutes then use hot water to flush it. The idea is environmentally friendly and not like harsh chemicals that can erode plastic seals, etc. Best of luck….