Windshield Washer Pump Problems: Signs, Causes, What to Do

The windshield washer pump can develop problems over time, which can prevent windshield fluid from coming out. Without this fluid, you won’t be able to clear dirt, dust, pollen, mud, and bugs from your windshield with just a press of a button.

What Is the Windshield Washer Pump?

The windshield washer pump sucks washer fluid from the reservoir and pushes it through the hose and nozzle. It can be found beneath the washer fluid reservoir. When the driver activates the windshield washer through the washer control arm, the body control module (BCM) sends a signal to the windshield washer pump to activate.

Bad Windshield Washer Pump Symptoms

One common issue with the windshield washer system is clogging of the nozzles due to mixing incompatible washer fluids and/or organic material growing in the washer reservoir. Using the same kind of washer fluid will help prevent the formation of gel that can clog hoses and nozzles.

The washer pump is a small DC electric motor with an impeller style pump submerged in the washer fluid. Some pumps will reverse their motor and impeller direction and pump fluid along a different path when the rear washer is activated on an SUV.

Watch out for the following symptoms of a failing windshield washer pump:

Windshield Washer Fluid Not Spraying Evenly

When you activate the windshield washer, the fluid should spray evenly along the path of the windshield wiper. However, there are times when the fluid might be too concentrated on one area or the fluid doesn’t reach the top of your windshield. This can be caused by debris or dirt blocking the nozzle or fluid line. A washer fluid pump that isn’t producing enough pressure can also lead to an uneven windshield spray.

Windshield Washer Fluid Not Spraying At All

Sometimes there simply isn’t any fluid spraying on your windshield when you activate the windshield washer. When this happens, you might be able to hear the pump try to pump water since it makes a whining or humming sound from under the hood. This issue can either be caused by an empty fluid reservoir or a faulty washer fluid pump.

Windshield Washer Pump Refuses to Work

If you activate the windshield washer and don’t hear the pump’s distinct sound, then the pump is either broken or not receiving any power. This can be due to faulty wiring or other electrical issues.

If you can access the washer pump and disconnect the wires you can have an assistant operate the washer switch while you check for power and ground at the washer pump connector. Sometimes washer pumps will lock up. Sometimes the motor will wear out. The problem is that the washer pump can be difficult to access on some vehicles.

Frozen Windshield Washer Nozzles

It’s possible that your windshield washer nozzles are to blame rather than your windshield washer pump. If it’s winter and they’ve frozen over, they can also cause many of the symptoms associated with a faulty windshield washer pump.

Run your vehicle for a while or thaw out the nozzles before trying the washers again. Frozen nozzles are a bad sign that more of the line might have frozen over. Frozen windshield wiper fluid can easily damage the system and the windshield washer pump.

How to Maintain Your Windshield Washer Pump

Low fluid levels can also cause increased wear. Check the washer fluid level regularly in order to keep your windshield wiper in good condition. You should also try to keep the reservoir half full at all times. Good thing most gas stations sell wiper washer fluid by the gallon, so you can easily fill the reservoir.

Again, if you always use the same brand of fluid, you’re less likely to have problems with the fluid supply. Try to use a good grade of washer fluid, switching from the winter kind that doesn’t freeze to the summer kind that works best on bugs, but stay with the same brand.

Try to use a good grade of washer fluid, switching from the winter kind that doesn’t freeze to the summer kind that works best on bugs, but stay with the same brand.

– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

How to Fix a Broken Windshield Washer Pump

Regular wear and tear can also eventually lead to an inoperative windshield washer pump. An issue with the electrical system, such as a blown fuse, a faulty windshield washer switch (very rare), or a bad BCM, can also cause the windshield washer pump to malfunction. The washer pump pulls very little current.

It can be hard to diagnose this problem, as you might need to use a voltmeter or a test light to check if there is power being delivered to the pump. Older washer pumps are wired directly to the switch but newer washer pump systems typically involve the body control module (BCM) and possibly a relay. You might also need to access and remove the windshield washer pump, which can be difficult if you don’t have much automotive repair experience. If so, it’s best to consult a trusted mechanic. Usually it’s pretty simple, and a new pump comes with a replacement rubber seal. The pump usually just snaps into the reservoir.

Keep in mind that some vehicles have more than one washer pump. For example, if you own a 2003 Tahoe and its rear washer pump is not working, you won’t solve anything by replacing its front washer pump. Check your vehicle’s manual to find out if there’s more than one pump to inspect and replace.

How Much Does a Replacement Windshield Washer Pump Cost?

Windshield washer pumps can cost anywhere from $10 to $120. The price can vary depending on the brand and your vehicle model.