Windshield washer system clogged

[Medic8]

My windshield washer system was barely pushing any fluid, so I looked on this forum first to see what others had done and get inspiration and information. There are various responses - some saying it can’t be gunk, others insisting it must be disconnected line, etc.

I had thought there is no way a bunch of gunk could get into a closed system… wow, was I wrong.

I siphoned out all the fluid from the reservoir using a simple fluid transfer pump. There was a LOT of gunk in the bucket. I disconnected the small hose from the reservoir that attaches to the passenger side of the car (It attaches to the hoses leading to the nozzles). I used a 50 ml leur lock syringe (you can get on Amazon) to back flush fluid through the hose into the reservoir. I did this for about 10 flushes, until the fluid would just drain freely into the reservoir without the stopper in the syringe. I then used the syringe to withdraw fluid from the reservoir making sure there was no more gunk. I added fluid to the reservoir to make sure I was stirring up the gunk in the tank.

I was able to use a smaller hose to run clean fluid through the hoses going to the sprayers to make sure they were not the problem.

The system works fine and I only had to remove one small hose.

Hope this helps others in the future!

 

[Jhon]

Do you use RainX washer fluid or something similar? I use RainX in my car and have been warned that it can cause clogs in the washer system.
I have used it for years with no issues, but you never know

 

[joegr]

Yes, I've had this happen with other cars before. It's something that actually grows in the fluid. It can get pretty rubbery too.

 

[G-537706]

No Rain X.

 

[Critter210]

My windshield washer system was barely pushing any fluid, so I looked on this forum first to see what others had done and get inspiration and information. There are various responses - some saying it can’t be gunk, others insisting it must be disconnected line, etc.

I had thought there is no way a bunch of gunk could get into a closed system… wow, was I wrong.

I siphoned out all the fluid from the reservoir using a simple fluid transfer pump. There was a LOT of gunk in the bucket. I disconnected the small hose from the reservoir that attaches to the passenger side of the car (It attaches to the hoses leading to the nozzles). I used a 50 ml leur lock syringe (you can get on Amazon) to back flush fluid through the hose into the reservoir. I did this for about 10 flushes, until the fluid would just drain freely into the reservoir without the stopper in the syringe. I then used the syringe to withdraw fluid from the reservoir making sure there was no more gunk. I added fluid to the reservoir to make sure I was stirring up the gunk in the tank.

I was able to use a smaller hose to run clean fluid through the hoses going to the sprayers to make sure they were not the problem.

The system works fine and I only had to remove one small hose.

Hope this helps others in the future!

That's why l clean my windshield via windshield washer fluid a few times every time I was my car.

 

[Subzero13]

That's why l clean my windshield via windshield washer fluid a few times every time I was my car.

Yes, I would just use it more often. Sometimes just for the heck of it and fill new fluid more often since it's cheap. Like previous posters have said; the chemical composition can change/brake down over time if it's just sitting there.

 

[jimbock73]

This is so helpful. I will be doing this over the weekend. I got my "new" 2018 Genesis G80 in October. The nozzles are just barely spritzing.

 

[mcatttmc]

My windshield washer system was barely pushing any fluid, so I looked on this forum first to see what others had done and get inspiration and information. There are various responses - some saying it can’t be gunk, others insisting it must be disconnected line, etc.

I had thought there is no way a bunch of gunk could get into a closed system… wow, was I wrong.

I siphoned out all the fluid from the reservoir using a simple fluid transfer pump. There was a LOT of gunk in the bucket. I disconnected the small hose from the reservoir that attaches to the passenger side of the car (It attaches to the hoses leading to the nozzles). I used a 50 ml leur lock syringe (you can get on Amazon) to back flush fluid through the hose into the reservoir. I did this for about 10 flushes, until the fluid would just drain freely into the reservoir without the stopper in the syringe. I then used the syringe to withdraw fluid from the reservoir making sure there was no more gunk. I added fluid to the reservoir to make sure I was stirring up the gunk in the tank.

I was able to use a smaller hose to run clean fluid through the hoses going to the sprayers to make sure they were not the problem.

The system works fine and I only had to remove one small hose.

Hope this helps others in the future!

Did you remove the covers around the tank to see the hose, or find it on it’s way to the underside of the hood? The dealer just fixed mine at 2 years service no charge, but I suspect it will happen again- do you have any photos?

 

[jimbock73]

Did you remove the covers around the tank to see the hose, or find it on it’s way to the underside of the hood? The dealer just fixed mine at 2 years service no charge, but I suspect it will happen again- do you have any photos?

I finally had a chance to do this this past weekend. I didn't go the syringe route and didn't drain the reservoir (I just wanted to see quickly if it would work).

I disconnected the hose that runs to the inlet (dang, I don't know how to describe it) after it rises from the tank. Did the ole blow into it and there was quite a bit of resistance. Then, the resistance was gone and I was blowing bubbles in the tank. I tested it and the washers were flawless.

I know that I will be doing this again soon, as I did not attempt to clean the tank of the crap that was in the lines. Next time it clogs, I'll flush it and clean it out right.

 

[Walter Cowger]

I have a similar problem, with a 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8L sedan.
My windshield washer seems to be clogged. There’s fluid in the reservoir and the pump works. The driver’s side nozzle squirts weakly, and the passenger side not at all. I have stuck a needle in all nozzle openings and also squirted them with vinegar.

I haven't been able to figure out how to remove the nozzles so that I can clean them out. Is there a picture of that somewhere, like maybe in a repair manual?
Any assistance most appreciated.

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[joegr]

I have a similar problem, with a 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8L sedan.
My windshield washer seems to be clogged. There’s fluid in the reservoir and the pump works. The driver’s side nozzle squirts weakly, and the passenger side not at all. I have stuck a needle in all nozzle openings and also squirted them with vinegar.

I haven't been able to figure out how to remove the nozzles so that I can clean them out. Is there a picture of that somewhere, like maybe in a repair manual?
Any assistance most appreciated.

It's probably not the nozzles that are clogged. It's probably the screen at the inlet to the pump on the side of the reservoir. The reservoir probably has this jelly like stuff that has grown in the bottom.

 

[Walter Cowger]

It's probably not the nozzles that are clogged. It's probably the screen at the inlet to the pump on the side of the reservoir. The reservoir probably has this jelly like stuff that has grown in the bottom.

 

[Walter Cowger]

Thank you. How do you get access to that screen?

 

[joegr]

Thank you. How do you get access to that screen?

You'll have to pop the pump off the side of the reservoir to get to it. You'll probably have to remove the reservoir to be able to do that.

 

[Walter Cowger]

You'll have to pop the pump off the side of the reservoir to get to it. You'll probably have to remove the reservoir to be able to do that.

Muchas Gracias

 

[Gilbert Griz]

My dealer wants $200 to flush my system. I think I will look at it my self.

 

[joegr]

My dealer wants $200 to flush my system. I think I will look at it my self.

You take the front passenger wheel liner off to get to the washer reservoir and pump.

 

[Gilbert Griz]

You take the front passenger wheel liner off to get to the washer reservoir and pump.

That’s what I figured looking at it. I appreciate the confirmation. This came out of the tank. I’m sure there is more in there.