Let’s admit it; when we think about regular car maintenance, the windshield washer pump does not make our list of priorities.
Even though it’s pretty easy to take care of, we often ignore the washer pump, and we experience the ramifications over time.
How do I know if my windshield washer pump is bad? Sometimes the symptoms can become overly obvious.
Still, I’m going to list some typical symptoms that might pop up when your windshield washer pump fails.
Read More: Coolant vs. Windshield Wiper Fluid
How Do I Know If My Windshield Washer Pump Is Bad?
The Washer Fluid Doesn’t Come Out When You Activate The Washer Switch
You activate the washer button, but the windshield remains dry. You don’t see a drop of washer fluid anywhere around the windshield. Before ringing the alarm bells, I must tell you that there is a far less nefarious explanation for this scenario.
Your washer fluid reservoir must have been drained out, or debris might have blocked the washer nozzles. If any of these two factors have stopped the washer fluid spray, the solution is pretty straightforward! Refill the reservoir and clean the nozzles. Voila! There comes the washer fluid stream!
But if you are not that lucky, you might be dealing with a washer pump electrical failure issue. The motor might still be able to run at some capacity, but it can’t produce enough power to facilitate the flow of washer fluid from the reservoir to the windshield. If the washer pump motor is busted, you are going to have to buy a new one.
Uneven Washer Fluid Sprays
If you notice an irregular stream of washer fluid, that should also make you look underneath the hood for a potential windshield washer pump issue. Of course, there are other possible explanations for this scenario too.
It could be a washer nozzle blockage issue, or the washer fluid reservoir tube must be leaking. In the latter case, you might see a puddle of washer fluid underneath your car. Check the reservoir and fluid lines for leaks and repair them if you find any.
If the fluid line is blocked, clear it up. Disconnect the hose completely and run a high-pressure stream of water through it. Allow it to dry afterward. Any debris that was obstructing the fluid flow should get removed.
If the washer nozzle is blocked, there will be an intermittent spray of fluids. You can take a safety pin and try to break the dirt deposit that’s blocking the nozzle.
Tried everything I said above, but the washer fluid spray is still sporadic? Then, it’s pretty much certain that your windshield washer pump deserves the blame. A malfunctioning washer pump will not be able to sustain a high fluid pressure. So, it will spray in fits and starts.
Read More: How To Reset Windshield Fluid Light?
You Don’t Hear The Pump Operate
The washer pump springs into action when you press the washer button. When it does, it makes a distinctive noise. It’s a pretty familiar sound, and you get used to hearing it when you activate the washer button. So, when you don’t hear anything after pulling the washer lever, you would know that something is not right.
Unfortunately, you can’t pin the blame on the washer nozzle or the washer fluid reservoir in this case. However, it doesn’t necessarily indicate the death sentence of your washer fluid pump either.
Since the washer pump has an electric motor that needs to draw electricity to work, it also comes with a fuse. The fuse protects the motor from short circuits by sacrificing itself. So, check the fuse first.
If the fuse is gone, replacing it will solve the problem. But if the fuse stays intact, it’s all but sure that the washer pump has given in. You need to buy a new one. There’s no other way around it.
Andy’s Opinion
How do I know if my windshield washer pump is bad? Now you know!
You might think that the windshield washer pump is no big deal and you can make do with a damaged windshield washer pump, you are dead wrong!
The windshield washer pump is crucial to maintain ideal windshield visibility, particularly in winter months.
You can’t just clean your windshield with water and leave countless streaks on it. Replace the washer motor as soon as you diagnose it to be faulty.
How Do You Check A Windshield Washer Pump?
Check the windshield washer pump connector wire for ground and power. If you get readings, then the pump is malfunctioning. If you don’t get any readings, the fuse, relay, or switch could be at fault.
How Long Should A Windshield Water Pump Last?
A windshield wiper pump should last as long as the entire vehicle upon proper maintenance. In most washer pump malfunctioning cases, the windshield washer pump is around five to ten years old. If you are lucky, you will never have to deal with a bad windshield water pump.
