Try popping your vehicle’s hood if you have trouble hearing the pump. If you hear your pump humming but you don’t see any fluid coming out from the nozzles, the fluid tank may be empty or there may be a clog. The tubes that are connected to the nozzles may have been disconnected, as well. [3] X Expert Source Hovig ManouchekianAuto Repair & Design Specialist Expert Interview. 23 February 2021. If the pump doesn’t work at all, you’ll have to check the pump’s electrical system to see if the pump is faulty.
Shine a flashlight into the tank if you have trouble seeing into it. If you see dit or other contaminants inside of the tank, they may also cause a clog and should be flushed out.
If you have trouble locating the hoses, check the manual or take your vehicle in to a mechanic for your repairs. Replacing hoses and washer tanks usually require you to remove parts, so it may be difficult to do at home if you don’t have experience working on vehicles.
The tank location varies between vehicles, so check the manual if you have trouble locating it. Check for a compartment in or around your trunk if you’re refilling a tank for a rear windshield.
You can buy windshield wiper fluid from convenience or auto supply stores. Typically, washer tanks are clear so you can easily see the fluid level from the outside. It’s okay if you don’t fill the wiper fluid up to the fill line since the pump attaches to the bottom of the tank.
Never leave the tank uncapped since the liquid could easily spill or evaporate.
If you still don’t see fluid coming out from the nozzles, there may be a clog or an issue with the electronics.
You could also use a paperclip or a staple if you don’t have a safety pin. [12] X Expert Source Hovig ManouchekianAuto Repair & Design Specialist Expert Interview. 23 February 2021. The nozzles may be attached to the windshield wipers on your vehicle. Dirt can rinse back into the nozzle after you spray it and clog it. Try the washer pump after clearing the nozzles to see if it fixed your problems.
Never work underneath your vehicle while it’s on the jack since it could easily slip.
Try removing one of your vehicle’s wheels if it’s in the way of your work. You can try saving the wiper fluid if it doesn’t have any dirt or debris. Try funneling the fluid into a spare bottle with a funnel instead of a bucket.
Avoid reusing the same water when you flush out the tank since you may reintroduce the dirt or debris.
You usually won’t need tools to detach the hoses, but you may need a wrench if clamps secure the hoses to the nozzles.
You can buy a bottle of compressed air from your local hardware store.
If your windshield washer still doesn’t work, there may be an issue with the electrical system.
Check your vehicle’s manual if you have trouble locating the fuse box.
If you get an “OL” or “OPEN” reading on the multimeter, the fuse has blown. Take the old fuse to an auto supply store so you can buy a replacement.
It may be easier to access the pump if you jack up your vehicle or remove one of the front tires.
You can buy test lights from your local hardware store.
If you have trouble seeing the light while pressing the button, ask a helper to press the button for you while you watch the light.
If the light doesn’t turn on, then there may be a problem with the switch or your vehicle’s wiring. See a mechanic since it can be very difficult to repair your car’s electrical system on your own.
You may be able to find a special tool made for positioning windshield nozzles. You can buy them for about $5 USD from an automotive supply store.
Only make small adjustments to the nozzle direction since it may spray further than you expect. Don’t try to force the nozzle to move if you feel resistance, or else you may break the nozzle.
If your nozzle sprays too high or low, the fluid may miss your windshield completely.