windscreen washer jets not working properly

[VolvoT5]

The washer jets work but the water comes out in a pathetic little dribble and doesn't really get enough fluid high enough onto the screen to actually clean it.

The actual nozzles don't appear to be blocked?  But it is like there is a lack of water pressure or something.

Does anyone know where I should start trying to fix this issue? 

[Steamyrotter]

Some proprietry washer fluids can gunk up the tank and the bottom pipes (By the pumps) which can restrict flow.

I would suggest disconnecting all lines from the nozzles and the pumps then gently blowing back through.  This will expel any crud and alos prove they are clear
Then Soak the nozzles in some cleaner and blow through with air.
Then run the pumps with no pipes fitted and ensure they pump OK from there.

Thern you wil be able ot see which part, if any, are suspect

[fenj66]

the filters on the bottom of each pump where it goes through the rubber grommet into the washer tank are likely to be gunked up as already said, remove, clean, reassemble, should do the trick. mine clog up there frequently, ive started adding a bit of bleach to the water to hopefully stop the gunk build up.

[X5Sport]

Never had gunk since switching to genuine BMW screen wash which I buy 10l at a time to get a bit of discount.  No idea what they use in the mix that prevents bacterial growth but it works 

[AW8]

Lidl do a screenwash branded "ultimate speed" for around £6 for 5L...........supposedly good for -60 degrees. German spec.

[lezmtaylor]

Yes I always use the Lidl washer fluid, had no problems in 8 years.

Lez

[X5-D-Sport]

To resolve the problem...

There is a filter for each washer pump motor behind the tank.

Remove the 3 bolts securing the tank, ping the pumps off, & the location of the pump input fits into the filters - that pull out by hand.... use an old tooth brush to de-gunk the filters, then turn on a tap & blast then out from the inside also....

This jelly gunk is a result of bacteria growing in the water bottle...
If you simply tip out & refill, it will re-grow immediately...

get some loo cleaner or bleach - 1/4 fill the tank & put a few handfuls of clean gravel in the tank & give it a good shake to scrub the grunge off the walls of the tank, or possibly use a bottle brush... but you have to clean ALL SURFACES - INCLUDING THE TOP.. or it will re-grow the jelly.

Thoroughly rinse the tank, & re-fill with NEW screen wash (dump the old stuff- or the jelly will re-grow).
If the inside surfaces of the tank are looking a bit blackened, this is the bacteria.

The engine heat of hot/cold etc encourages this bacteria growth over the years... the make or brand of screen wash is irrelevant.

This will solve the pressure issues.

[strummer]

One of mine has been the the same in the four years I have had it,took it off the other week and blew through with an airline,its now like Niagara Falls hitting the windscreen 

[strummer]

To test pressure remove line from nozzle and get someone to operate if pressure is good its the nozzle

[X5Sport]

[quote="X5-D-Sport Salisbury"]
... the make or brand of screen wash is irrelevant.
[/quote]

I disagree - but only based on personal experience.  I had all kinds of gunk with various Halfords options as well as CarPlan but have never had it again since using BMW own badged concentrate.  It even smells different.  More alcohol perhaps?

Even the Dealer says their option inhibits bacterial growth.  I took it with a large pinch if salt, but it seems to be accurate.

[long neck]

Just had mine cleaned out, it's caused when you mix the BMW screenwash with any other, chemical reaction

[fenj66]

Maybe it's the large pinch if salt that's the answer to killing the bacteria. Lol. Happy Christmas everyone!!  :xmasgrin: :xmaswink:

[X5Sport]

) ) )

And Happy Xmas from me too  :xmaskiss:

[VolvoT5]

This sounds like a lot of faffing around.............. hoping it will be a simple home fix to clean the filters and pipes?

Going to have to get it done soon one way or another.