Q: Weak stream of fluid from windshield sprayers

asked by on January 03, 2017

Grzegorz, my pump makes noise and fluid comes out but very weak on both nozzles. Tank is full already. I already took nozzles out and soaked them in vinegar and blew air through them. Stream of fluid is much more than a dribble but it just barely hits below the windshield wipers themselves so doesn't actually do anything. Also looked at all lines while someone else pulled wiper lever and did not see any fluid spraying/leaking under the hood. It has been in garage for 5 days at roughly 35-40 degrees so I don't think it's ice buildup in lines (plus I used winter rated fluid). Thoughts?

My car has 174000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Windshield Wiper/Washer System Inspection $118.14 - $152.87 Get a Quote

Hello, thank you for writing in. With the work you have already done, there are only a few other options for this system to fail. One of which is the electrical connections at the motor. If these are dirty or corroded from weathering, you will have a weak power supply to the motors. This will cause them to work at a reduced speed. From there, if you do not find any damage or debris buildup, you may be in a position to have to replace the entire motor. You can also do electrical resistance testing on the motors to see if they are wearing out and needing more power then is being provided. For more diagnostic testing help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car overheated and now won't start
If you drove the car until it quit, it is quite possible that the engine is ruined. Overheating warps the block and heads, and the piston rings lose their spring tension. Every time I have tried to patch together an...
Accelerating after 4th/5th gear, RPMs up, but no faster
Yes, your clutch is slipping and needs to be replaced. As for the high quality fuel, top tier gasoline does have additives designed to keep your engine and fuel system clean. Will you ever notice a difference while driving? No....
My car has a mass air flow circuit range issue
Hello. P0101 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/-p0101-obd-ii-trouble-code-mass-airflow-maf-circuit-operating-range-or-performance-problem-by-john-nelson) is the trouble code for an issue with the MAF sensor circuit range. This code is set when the computer detects an issue with the vehicle's MAF sensor signal. If the MAF sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) has been replaced,...
Hi Mr. Nicholas: Engine light of my Accord Lx 2010 comes on. I want to be sure the problem is with the catalytic converter or O2 s
Hi there. In short, yes - it is highly probable that the check engine light is not 100% caused by the catalytic converter. Most OBD-II trouble codes related to this system are actually caused by O2 sensor failure, electrical harness...
The rpm jumps up and down about 300 rpm when accelerator is constant. Only seems to happen when traveling between 40-50 mph
Hello, thank you for writing in. The truck may be having issues with air sensors, fuel pressure, or other electronic issues. I have have to replace the fuel module and the mass airflow on my 1998 S10 with 168,000 miles....
2006 ram 1500 sunroof wont close
Hello, thank you for writing in. Start by checking the fuse again. When there is something wrong with the switch or the sunroof's wiring, it can cause the fuse to short out. This needs to be the main focus to...
I have a 09 Nissan Altima 2.5 Base Sedan has about 85k miles. After driving the car for about 15-20 on really hot days it starts m
Hi there. In some cases, a problem with the EVAP system; either an EVAP canister or purge solenoid can cause this type of symptom on extremely hot days. Another possibility is that you have an obstruction of fuel somewhere in...
I put in a new battery, now it reads service advancetrac & I have no power steering
Hi There, It sounds like you lost voltage. Load test your battery to be sure it was not a defective battery and check your charging system voltage. Certain circuits like the ABS module (AdvanceTrac) and the electric power assist steering...
Can the positive battery cable be replaced on a 2007 honda civic lx? Was told to replace entire wiring harness, doesn't make sense
The battery cable (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-cable-replacement) can in fact be replaced by itself rather than replacing the entire wiring harness. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at the vehicle to diagnose and...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're Over 50
Shopping Shopping for a car when you’re over the age of 50 begins to shift a bit, as your priorities tend to change. Suddenly it’s not so much about what the vehicle looks like, or how much space it has...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If Your Kid's On the Soccer Team
If If you are a soccer mom (or dad), you know that you need a lot of space to transport your budding World Cup contenders, along with their gear. From time to time, you can also expect to be bringing...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Senior Citizens
Everyone Everyone needs a way to get around. You need to get groceries, get to doctors’ appointments, visit with family and more. However, senior citizens have very different needs when it comes to buying a used car than other demographics....