Wiper Washer problem

[Rickman]

Have noticed a problem with my windscreen washers recently where only a dribble comes out. Looked under the bonnet and noticed that the sound/heat proofing is full of water. Had a closer look and noticed both sections that connect to the base of the washer on both sides :bawling: (from the hose) leak water from a hole that looks to be factory made. The car was compounded recently and the washer holes may have been blocked. Perhaps BMW have the hole as a fail safe, to avoid overloading the washer pump? Anybody know anything about this? Note that I haven't tried to fix it yet. I might fill the holes with wax or something.

[Macs]

In my 98 E36, Wiper Washer fluid is not spraying at all, plenty in the tank and no leaks..
any idea on what to look and any DIY. will be helpfull.

[my_e36]

In my 98 E36, Wiper Washer fluid is not spraying at all, plenty in the tank and no leaks.. any idea on what to look and any DIY. will be helpfull.

When you try to squirt water, can you hear the pump working?
Put the key on position 1 and try (so no engine sound to confuse you)

If with sound, check the passage and the tubes that they are not blocked, kinked, etc...
If no sound, check the pump. Unusal for them to die, so check the filter screen inside the water tank (2 screens, 1 on top where you add water and 1 on the pump)

Caution, when remove the pump from tank, prepare for spills. Pull the pump straight up ONLY, never at an angle. Use a wide screw driver wrap with masking tape to assist.

[my_e36]

Have noticed a problem with my windscreen washers recently where only a dribble comes out. Looked under the bonnet and noticed that the sound/heat proofing is full of water. Had a closer look and noticed both sections that connect to the base of the washer on both sides :bawling: (from the hose) leak water from a hole that looks to be factory made. The car was compounded recently and the washer holes may have been blocked. Perhaps BMW have the hole as a fail safe, to avoid overloading the washer pump? Anybody know anything about this? Note that I haven't tried to fix it yet. I might fill the holes with wax or something.

Use a small pin or a tiny drill bit to clear blockage first
If doesn't work, remove the lower part of the hood insulation to check if the hose are loose, blocked or damaged
finally, check the filter screen like I said in my last post.

[Rickman]

Yes, I did clear the blockages with a pin first, then noticed the water squirting out underneath the bonnet although this was hidden by the bonnet lining. Still don't know why it is squirting out before it goes through the nozzles. Is it a fail safe thing in case of a blockage? Pump and water pressure etc seem fine. It is too much of a coincidence that both bonnet washer outlets have holes and are jetting water into the bonnet lining. Not unless there is a BMW sabatouer in my suburb !

[paidnfull]

I have a problem with my washers too. I filled up the tank like two weeks ago, havent used the washers but i tried to the other day and got nothin. The pump is getting power to it but none of the fluid sprays. Funny thing now is that my OBC is sayin washer fluid is Low and it really is but i have no clue where it has all gone when the washers wont spray.

would a leak keep it from sraying period? Or would a faulty pump be the culprit?

[Bmwcat]

I've replaced my washer pump twice now. It's about 30.00. Real easy to swap out. They go bad frequently. :mad:

[Rickman]

Whilst still trying to find a solution I have removed the white plastic units that connect to the bonnet outlets. They appear to be filters and seem blocked. I think the hole (mentioned previously) where water squirts out is a back flow valve to enable water pressure to stay in the line. It appears that the filters are blocked and causing the water to squirt out of the holes. Anyway, I will buy 2 new units and hopefully that will fix the problem. I am learning as I go on this one. :)

[Rickman]

Just to let interested people know - Finally replaced both in-line filters with newies ($36) and replaced the bonnet mounted outlets ($11.00). Tidied up the plastic lines and secured to the filters etc with plastic electrical ties. Seems there were some air leaks and problems with the old filters, so this has now fixed it and it don't leak no more !!! :thumbup: