The hole for spraying windshield cleaning fluid is usually clogged. Usually, wax or car polish clogs the top of the jet and prevents it from spraying the windshield. Contamination of the reservoir due to dirty water, dust that enters when it is not closed, can also clog the spray nozzles. In addition, the cleaning fluid can also freeze during winter. Although troublesome, this problem is easy to solve. If you can't get rid of the blockage, a simple solution is to replace the jet cleaner.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Unblocking the Cleansing Liquid Jet
Step 1. Listen to the cleaning fluid pump
Before trying to clear the blockage of the purge jet, try turning it on and listening for a low hum from the pump. If the jet is clogged, you will hear the pump sound even though no liquid is coming out. When the weather is very cold, check for ice in the cleaning fluid tank. You can use a hairdryer to dilute the pump and cleaning fluid tank, or spray a de-icer product on the cleaning fluid tank.
- If you're in doubt whether the pump is running, ask a friend to listen outside near the hood.
- If you don't hear the pump sound, try disconnecting the cleaning fluid pump power connector and checking the voltage at the connector. However, if there is a voltage when you try to start the pump, it is likely that the pump needs to be replaced.
- If you think the reservoir has become contaminated and is causing a blockage, it is best to clean it by running water from the hose into the reservoir. You can also use dish soap to loosen dirt and particles. Rinse until the water that comes out of the hole is clear and not soapy. After that, it is advisable to disconnect the supply hose from the pump and nozzle, and then blow air through the hose. Then, put the hose back in and run the water through the drain to rinse it further.
Step 2. Check for external blockages in the jet
Find the jet on the hood near the windshield and look for any signs of blockage. Usually, wax or car polish deposits block the jet holes so that the cleaning fluid doesn't spray properly.
Wipe off any wax or polish that clogs the jet hole
Step 3. Use a needle to clear any deeper blockages
If simply wiping off the deposits in the jet's bore isn't enough for a spray of cleaning fluid, try using a needle or safety pin to open the hole. Press the needle into each hole in the jet, then remove it and wipe off any clogs that have come along.
- Press the needle only as far as it can safely be removed.
- Do not press the needle too hard against the back as this could break the needle or the jet.
Step 4. Thread the wire through the jet
If the needle doesn't go deep enough to unclog the jet, remove the hose at the bottom of the jet from under the hood. Then, thread a thin wire through the bottom of the jet, up all the way to the top of the nozzle. If the nozzle has multiple openings, it is recommended that the wire be inserted several times to empty both holes.
- Guitar strings are great for use because they're stiff enough to pass through jets.
- You can also use a striped electrical cord.
Method 2 of 3: Soaking or Replacing the Water Jet
Step 1. Remove the hose from the bottom of the jet
The rubber hose at the bottom of the jet is held in place only by the pressure from the hose to the nozzle so you should be able to remove it easily.
- Simply squeeze the hose with your index finger and thumb near the nozzle and pull it back until it releases.
- If the hose gets stuck, use pliers to twist it back and forth until it loosens. Try to pull straight with the fitting; this component is made of plastic and cannot be bent too much.
Step 2. Use pliers to remove the jet from the hood
The windshield cleaning jet is held in place by a plastic stopper so it doesn't move. Take the pliers and squeeze the stopper towards the jet, then press up.
- The jet will push straight up out of the hole in the hood when the stopper is pressed.
- If you're changing jets, it's a good idea to break the stopper. Otherwise, try not to damage it.
Step 3. Pull the jet out of the hood
Lower the hood back down and pull the jet straight up and out the hole in the hood. Since the clips are already open, each jet should be able to pop out of the hole easily.
- If the jet is caught, open the hood again and squeeze the clip with pliers to remove it again.
- Be careful not to damage the paint on the hood when pulling the jet out.
Step 4. Soak the jet in a bowl of vinegar
You can clear any blockages in the jet by soaking it in vinegar for a while. Shake the jet in the vinegar to make sure the liquid penetrates the blockage. After a few minutes, remove the jet from the vinegar and rinse.
- Once the jet is rinsed, you can try blowing through the hole to make sure the blockage is gone.
- If the jet is not clogged, plug it back into the vehicle.
Step 5. Install a new jet of cleaning fluid
Whether you buy a new cleaning jet or install an old jet that has been cleaned, the process remains the same. Insert the jet through the hole in the top of the hood with the jet hole facing the windshield. Once fully pressed, the plastic clip will expand and hold each jet in place. You can also use aftermarket nozzles, for example from a repair shop, which have plastic grooves and bolts to secure them to the hood or other sheet metal. In this case, try not to over-tighten the bolts because the manufacturer's plastic nozzles can be made of brittle plastic that breaks easily, just under the nozzle body, if over-tightened. It also prevents damage if you use a rubber gasket that is installed between the nozzle and the sheet metal.
- Connect the windshield washer hose to the jet when it is in place.
- Start the vehicle and test the new jet to make sure it is working properly.
Method 3 of 3: Checking and Repairing the Cleaner Hose
Step 1. Check the hose from the reservoir carefully
If your windshield cleaning jet is not spraying the cleaning fluid, the problem may be due to a faulty or loose hose from the reservoir to the cleaning fluid jet. Check the hoses carefully for blockages or damage.
- Start at the reservoir and follow the hose all the way to the jet attached to the hood.
- Look for signs of leaks, scuffs, or other damage.
Step 2. Clear the hose blockage with an air compressor
If the hose appears to be connected properly, it's possible that one of the hoses is clogged. Pull the hose from the jet nozzle as well as the nozzle in the reservoir, then use a compressor or air can to press air through the hose and remove the blockage.
- If air cannot pass through the hose to clear the blockage, you will need to replace it.
- If air passes through the hose, reinstall it.
Step 3. Replace the damaged hose
If you can't get rid of the plug in the hose, you may need to install new hose. You can buy a replacement directly at the repair shop, or take a clogged hose and look for a rubber hose of the same diameter. Buy a hose that matches the length of the old hose.
- Simply install the new hose into the same nozzle that was connected to the old hose.
- Test the jet again after changing the hose.
