Checking flow and clearing clogs
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Photo 1: Check pump operation
Follow the washer tubing from the reservoir to the tee. Disconnect the tubing and have
a friend press the washer button. A strong stream of washer fluid indicates a good
pump but a clogged nozzle.
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Photo 2: Blow out the nozzle
Press a rubber-tipped compressed air gun against the nozzle opening and blow air
backward through the nozzle (tubing still disconnected at the cowl). Then reconnect
the tubing and try the washers again.
If you press the button for windshield juice and nothing comes out, you probably
have a clogged nozzle. Start your diagnosis by making sure there’s fluid
in the reservoir. If so, check for fluid flow at the tee near the cowl (Photo 1). If
that checks out, leave the tubing off the tee and clear out the nozzle with a
compressed air gun (Photo 2). However, if you couldn’t get fluid flow at the tee, you probably need a new pump (see our article on “Windshield washer repair” ).
