Windshield Washer Issues

[robojay100]

My washer fluid wont spray onto my windshield. I checked reservoir level and it is nearly full. Fluid doesn't appear frozen. I am not even hearing the humming sound of the pump. I checked the fuse and it looks ok. Does anyone have any other suggestions of what to check? I'm guessing either the pump went bad or something happened with the wiring since I dont even hear it running. Does anyone know where the pump is located and how to get to it?

2012 1.4L turbo sedan

Jason

 

[Natesriv]

Had someone test it while you listen near front driver's wheelwell?

 

[ahtoxa]

You generally won't hear the Sonic's washer pump hum from the inside. I didn't when my lines got frozen last year.

How cold is the ambient temp? The above advice is best. Pop the hood, turn they key ON, but don't start the car. Have someone attempt to use the washer while you listen outside.

 

[robojay100]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try listening to it while someone else operates it. I guess the "humming" noise I've always heard is the sound of the fluid actually being pumped? I'll report back when I know more.

 

[robojay100]

Forgot to mention that since I bought it new I've always heard that humming / whining noise when I pump the fluid on the windshield, even when the reservoir ran dry I heard it. If not the pump, what would I be hearing?

 

[robojay100]

Im assumming the pump is a motor/pump combination, so I'm actually referring to the motor that I think Im hearing

 

[ahtoxa]

Forgot to mention that since I bought it new I've always heard that humming / whining noise when I pump the fluid on the windshield, even when the reservoir ran dry I heard it. If not the pump, what would I be hearing?

When my lines froze last year, I specifically recall not hearing the hum, as I was thinking that my pump broke. Maybe it normally hums but didn't when the lines froze, at least in my case. It's hard to remember.

If you're up north with temps below freezing, is there a way you can get the car where it's warm for a few hours? Driving it for a bit could help, too, as the heat from the engine will often melt any ice in the lines after a while.

 

[robojay100]

Dealership did a diagnostic and said the pump needs replaced. My question to anyone here is where is the pump located? Is it external to the reservoir and would getting to it just be a matter of pulling the driver side tire and plastic wheel well skirt? Any help would be appreciated. Thanx.

 

[jgrote]

I believe it is mounted to the reservoir. It is a pretty simple fix.

 

[mr2quick]

Is it common for the lines to freeze? I went to spray the windshield yesterday and I got about 2 seconds worth of fluid, then nothing. Rear worked fine. Waited about 10 minutes, then same thing up front: 2 seconds of fluid, then sputter. Temps have been all over the place here (PA) so above freezing during the day, single digits at night.

 

[robojay100]

Im also in PA near Harrisburg. When I went to change out my pump last weekend I saw my fluid was half frozen. Im guessing I may have burned out the pump from trying to run it dry or I may have even dead headed it with frozen fluid in the pump itself, but I have no idea. Im not a mechanic. I just swapped out pumps, (thanks for everyones help on here by the way), waited a few min for the fluid to defrost and went on my way. At the time my pump went out of commission I had normal washerfluid in there. Now its filled with winterized fluid. If you havent already, I suggest you fill it with the same.

 

[T76]

Im also in PA near Harrisburg. When I went to change out my pump last weekend I saw my fluid was half frozen. Im guessing I may have burned out the pump from trying to run it dry or I may have even dead headed it with frozen fluid in the pump itself, but I have no idea. Im not a mechanic. I just swapped out pumps, (thanks for everyones help on here by the way), waited a few min for the fluid to defrost and went on my way. At the time my pump went out of commission I had normal washerfluid in there. Now its filled with winterized fluid. If you havent already, I suggest you fill it with the same.

I added a half pint of isopropol alcohol to my tank.No more freeze.

 

[Prospector]

How far north are you guys?

I'm not sure about the "intermittent freeze zone" but up here you get windshield wiper fluid rated to different temperatures with summer mix being basically water, and then increasing amounts of antifreeze working up from there.

If you see your tank is freezing up, you can add isopropyl alcohol or Methanol to change the mix for lower temperatures. If the tank is low-ish, just add colder rated washer fluid.

 

[Papasonic]

Windshield washer solution is available in various formulas for different climates and conditions. Where I live in the Midwest, we sometimes encounter extreme cold conditions. The washer solution I use is rated to -35*. Other brands and types protect from -20* or -25*; still others offer little to no freeze protection, and are used for summer conditions and bug removal.
It's important to read the label on the container to determine if the product is suitable for your application.

 

[T76]

How far north are you guys?

I'm not sure about the "intermittent freeze zone" but up here you get windshield wiper fluid rated to different temperatures with summer mix being basically water, and then increasing amounts of antifreeze working up from there.

If you see your tank is freezing up, you can add isopropyl alcohol or Methanol to change the mix for lower temperatures. If the tank is low-ish, just add colder rated washer fluid.

Central PA.When I picked up my CPO car from the dealer history showed it was a rental for 5 mos in southern Maryland.I figure it was refilled with summer fluid and not changed to climatized fluid so I had to add alc.

 

[Chuck Schick]

Buying wiper fluid in the winter is a pretty big deal! I drive for a living, so I try to get the best. Usually $2.50 a gallon. Does not freeze!

 

[Prospector]

My biggest gripes with the washer system is that they seem to put out about a half gallon per spray, and that there is no low fluid light.

I seem to go through a jug of fluid awful fast.

 

[ShawnB]

I plan to get Cruze nozzles for my sonic in a few weeks. These power nozzles use to much fluid, and don't clean for crap!

 

[Prospector]

I was thinking low-flow nozzles too, but would it really make a difference? I mean the pump is set up to move X ounces per squirt. Regardless of nozzle size, the pressure is the same at the pump.

Smaller nozzles would just mean higher pressure at the outlet end, n'est pas?