3 Ways to Unclog Windshield Washers

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3 Ways to Unclog Windshield Washers
3 Ways to Unclog Windshield Washers

Video: 3 Ways to Unclog Windshield Washers

Video: 3 Ways to Unclog Windshield Washers
Video: How To Fix A Clogged Windshield Washer Spray Nozzle-Easy Tutorial 2024, March
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Windshield washers often get clogged, mostly from build-up of automotive wax or polish. The blockage at the water outlet prevents fluids from being released for cleaning the glass and, as inconvenient as it is, it is relatively easy to solve. If you can't unclog the wipers at all, they're easy to replace.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Unclogging Windshield Washers

Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 1
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 1

Step 1. Listen to the fluid pump

Before trying to unclog the washers' water outlet, turn them on and listen for the sound of the fluid pump. If the washers are clogged, it should be possible to hear the pump, even if the water does not come out.

  • If you can't hear anything, ask a friend to listen for the bomb outside the vehicle.
  • If you still can't hear the pump, it needs to be replaced.
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 2
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 2

Step 2. Inspect washers

Locate the washers on top of the hood, near the windshield, and look for signs of blockage. Normally, automotive wax tends to accumulate in the water outlet, preventing the jet from working.

Remove excess wax or polish that was clogging the nozzles

Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 3
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 3

Step 3. Use a needle to clear deeper blockages

If a simple cleaning is not enough to release cleaning fluids, try using a needle. Press it against the holes in the washers, remove it and wipe off any dirt that comes out.

  • Do not push the needle all the way in, or you may not be able to get it out.
  • Do not apply too much force if it is difficult to get the needle into the hole, or you could break something.
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 4
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 4

Step 4. Pass a wire through the hole

If the needle is not long enough to unclog the washer, disconnect the hose at the bottom of the hood. Then run a wire through the bottom of the washer until it comes out of the outer hole. If the mouthpiece has several holes, run the wire through them all, until they are completely free.

  • Acoustic guitar strings also work well for this, as they have the necessary stiffness to pass through the washer.
  • A bare electrical wire should also do.

Method 2 of 3: Wetting or Changing Washers

Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 5
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 5

Step 1. Disconnect the lower hose from the washers

The rubber hose is held in place only by pressure and is very simple to remove: just pull it with a little force.

  • Press the hose by hand, close to the mouthpiece, and pull it out.
  • If the hose is stuck, use pliers to loosen it.
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 6
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 6

Step 2. Use pliers to pinch the bottom of the hood windshield washers

Washers are held in place by plastic fittings; just squeeze them with pliers so they come out easily.

  • When pressing the inserts, the washers will be pushed up and out of the hood.
  • Be careful not to damage the fittings unless you are completely replacing the washers.
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 7
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 7

Step 3. Start the hood washers

Close the hood again and pull the windshield washers up. Now that you've released the snap inside the hood, there shouldn't be any resistance.

  • If the washers are stuck, open the hood and tighten the fittings again with the pliers.
  • Be careful not to damage the paint on the hood.
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 8
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 8

Step 4. Soak washers in vinegar

If the needle method didn't help unclog the holes, soak them in a bowl of vinegar. Stir them from time to time so that the liquid enters the blockage. After a few minutes, take the washers out of the vinegar and rinse them.

  • After rinsing them, blow through the holes to see if the blockage is gone.
  • If the blockage is gone, replace the washers in the car.
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 9
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 9

Step 5. Replace the windshield washers

Whether you're replacing the old ones or buying a new pair, the process is the same: insert the washer through the hole in the top of the hood, with the fluid release hole toward the windshield. After pressing them all the way in, the plastic insert will expand and hold them together.

  • Connect fluid hose back to washers.
  • Start the car and test the new washers.

Method 3 of 3: Inspecting and Repairing the Water Supply

Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 10
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 10

Step 1. Visually inspect the fluid reserve hoses

If the windshield washers are not pouring cleaning fluids onto the glass, it is possible that there is a water supply failure between the reservoirs and the outlet. Look for signs of damage or blockages.

  • Start at the reservoir and follow the hoses to the point where they connect to the windshield washers.
  • Look for rips, leaks and other forms of damage.
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 11
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 11

Step 2. Clean clogged hoses with an air compressor

If the hoses appear intact, the problem could be an obstruction. Disconnect the hose from the reservoir and the windshield washer; then use a can of compressed air to force air through it and release the blockages.

  • If the air does not pass through the hose, it is best to buy a new one.
  • If air passes through the hose, simply reinstall it.
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 12
Clear Clogged Windshield Washers Step 12

Step 3. Replace damaged hoses

If you cannot release a blockage in the hose or find a large tear in the hose, replace it. Buy a new part from an auto parts store, or simply buy a rubber hose with the same diameter. Remember to buy a hose with the same length as the one you are going to replace.

  • Simply re-attach the new hose to the places where the old one was.
  • Test the windshield washers.

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