Front Screen Washers - Low Pressure

[XV]

While following a bus today, I noticed that the front screen washers are barely working - very low pressure with the water landing just about the parked wipers.

Then I got home I disconnected the pipe from the NS heated washer and blew back to the reservoir with no issues but when blowing down a pipe connected to each of the washer jets it feels to be blocked.

When activating the washers with the hose disconnected, the jet of water lands at the front of the engine bay - I assume this is normal?

If the jets are blocked (or restricted) what is the best way to clean them?

Are they adjustable - so the jet will lands further up the windscreen?

What is the best way to remove them?

Any other advice gratefully received.


Many thanks in advance,

Graeme

[X5Sport]

Check that the pumps aren't gunged up?  Some makes of washer fluid don't contain anti-microbial growth additives and you can get a soft gooey gunk building up which blocks everything.  I think there are filters on the pumps themselves and yours may need attention.

Carefully disconnecting the pipes will help - and there are non-return valves in part of the system which may be fooling you into thinking there is a blockage (there might still be of course).

Not sure about the description of the water at the front - that may be the headlight washers firing.

Richard

[XV]

Thanks Richard,

I meant that with the hose disconnected from the washer there is sufficient pressure to push the water from the hose to the front of engine bay.

I hope this makes more sense.

I've just been back out to the car and things seem a little better so I'll leave it until the weekend when I'll have better light, but it does seem the filters may have been blocked and blowing back down the pipe has temporary improved things.

[X5Sport]

Nothing wrong with the pumps then.....

Gunged jets, and yes a bit of blowback should help.

I switched to only using BMW screen wash - you can buy it in 5-litre (or bigger) containers if you ask the Dealer - after mine blocked.  Never had the problem again.  I'm told it's because some cheaper screen wash uses Glycol or similar to stop it freezing and bacteria like glycol so you get an organic soup in the tank....euuugh!!

R

[surveysteve]

I have heard of folk using a dishwasher tablet to clear the gunk out of the washer bottle.
Not had to try it myself, just thought I'd mention it if needed 

[ChrisLux]

I've got this problem as well . Had it ages .
Drained the system , cleaned the pipes , still same  :blink:
#I'll have to try and find these filters .

[Dan Alex]

Another opinion couldn't hurt, right? Faulty pump?? i had just replaced mine both, the one for the windshield and headlights, they just got jammed because of the calcium in the liquid

[PhilUK]

Had this exact problem on both the X5's that I've owned and there is a very simple fix (at least it was for mine!).

Locate the windscreen washer pump which is attached to the rear of the washer reservoir, slide the pump up and then push towards the bulkhead to release. Now, if you feel the hole in the reservoir where the pump was connected you will feel what seems to be a rubber grommet, once removed you will see that it has a small filter attached to it which will probably be caked with gunge if it hasn't been cleaned for a while, if ever. Give the filter a good clean by pushing the bristles of an old toothbrush in the holes whilst running it under a tap.

Refit and voila! Washer jets should work like new. 

[Imy]

[quote="schaff"]
Another opinion couldn't hurt, right? Faulty pump?? i had just replaced mine both, the one for the windshield and headlights, they just got jammed because of the calcium in the liquid
[/quote]

I double this. Was an issue for me too. I bought the crappy pumps off ebay for a £5er each, they didnt work for the first couple of weeks and then as if by magic wey hey they work perfectly now!