Unblocking windscreen washers?

Tek81 · 30 Jul 2018 at 14:18

On the way to work I noticed my windscreen washers at the front have stopped working properly. Rather than a blast of water, I get a trickle if lucky. The pump sounds like it's working and I've checked all the hose connections which seem ok. I suspect it's gummed up with something. Would it be worth while me flushing the system through with hot water, or could that cause more damage than it's worth? For reference, it's a Volvo C30. Cheers.

-westy- · 30 Jul 2018 at 14:39

Have you checked your screenwash level?

swain90 · 30 Jul 2018 at 14:43

I had this issue on my e90, turns out there were some filters in the screen wash tank which over time get covered in slime and gunk. Had a friend of mine remove them and never had the issue again, could be the same for you?

Tek81 · 30 Jul 2018 at 14:45

The wash level is ok. I'll give the filters a check. Just hoping it's not a bumper off job. Cheers.

FluffySheep · 30 Jul 2018 at 15:07

What about the nozzles? Check with a pin into the nozzle for gunk

FluffySheep

IAmATeaf · 30 Jul 2018 at 15:54

Last time I had this on my old Accord I used a small safety pin to both clear and align the nozzles.

Scania · 30 Jul 2018 at 19:10

Safety pin and compressed air.

pastymuncher · 30 Jul 2018 at 19:19

This always happens to the rear washer on my Astra G. I don't use it much because they put in a such a stupid position you can't get a good squirt from it no matter how long you spend trying to get it just right with a pin. It usually clears with the help of a pin and the wife holding the arm down on the steering wheel to activate it.

Tek81 · 30 Jul 2018 at 20:45

I've tried unblocking the nozzles, but that didn't work. I then removed some of the hose connections that run under the bonnet to try and determine where the blockage was. Unfortunately, it must be blocked somewhere underneath the fluid reservoir. A bumper off job I think. Pretty annoying really, because I had the exact same problem with the BMW a few months back.