Windshield washer pump not working

X5Moe4.4 · #1 03-04-2015, 12:19 AM

Hey have a 2004 x5 and the washer pump is not pumping any fluid out although I can hear it when I pull the wiper stalk forward. I have headlight washers too and they are not working either so I doubt that I have a clogged line or anything like that, would that just mean that the pump gas gone bad and I have to replace it? I know it's really cheap and easy to replace just wondering if anyone else had a pump fail but still make a noise.

Thanks.

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romeokc10 · #2 03-04-2015, 12:29 AM

Yes the pump can fail but the motor will still run, I replaced mine 3 weeks ago.

upallnight · #3 03-04-2015, 01:06 AM

Maybe it's not a pump failure and the lines are not clogged, but the little filters where the pumps are inserted into the tank can become clogged especially since both the windshield and headlight washer are not spraying water.

What's the odd on both pumps going out. Have you tried the rear pump? The filter on my windshield pump was clogged, don't have headlight washer so nothing to say there. Just used a little compress air to blow out the filter and lines.

X5Moe4.4 · #4 03-04-2015, 01:21 AM

Yea rear washer works no problem .. i guess i have to replace the pump... i wonder if i can find one locally from anywhere other then dealer..

upallnight · #5 03-04-2015, 01:25 AM

So you verified that the filters aren't clogged?

X5Moe4.4 · #6 03-04-2015, 02:50 AM

No I haven't I'll be taking it all apart tmr afternoon.. I only see 2 nuts holding the washer fluid tank in place am I missing something? I hope I can take it out with out loosing all my washer fluid I just filled it up yesterday. As for the filters are they inside the tank where the pump inlet connects to the tank?

Thanks

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X5Moe4.4 · #7 03-04-2015, 02:53 AM

And also I should mention they were working great till about 3 days ago if that makes a difference at all...

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upallnight · #8 03-04-2015, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Moe4.4

No I haven't I'll be taking it all apart tmr afternoon.. I only see 2 nuts holding the washer fluid tank in place am I missing something? I hope I can take it out with out loosing all my washer fluid I just filled it up yesterday. As for the filters are they inside the tank where the pump inlet connects to the tank?

Thanks

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Yep, pull out the pump and then pull out the filter

StephenVA · #9 03-04-2015, 08:27 AM

Once the tank is unbolted, pull the pumps out of their slots, disconnect the electrical connectors (this will allow you some additional wiggle room (note, if you have front, rear and headlamp washers, the two rear pumps drive the front and rear washers- they are smaller than the front H/L washer pump and lines). The tee fittings on the rear lines are plastic so carefully pop out the pumps. The minute you pull the pumps 80% your fluid will drain. Pull out the tank and take it inside to the sink and flush it out and give it a good scrub with Comet and if your are as anal as the rest of us, flush out the inside with diluted Clorox (a few ounces to the gal will do - this will kill off all the algae/mold and give your tank a nice clean look.

Pumps can be bench tested with any 12 volt source and a water supply and some hose. Due to the cheap costs I would just replace them and replace the filter/mounting seals as noted above. Cheap too.
Blow out the lines with LOW pressure as you do NOT want to blow up a line in the headliner somewhere.

Special note: Most models have HEATED nozzles on the hood, if they are not working will freeze up the fluids on COLD nights. The washers work great in the shop/garage but not in the morning after sitting outside in subzero weather.

There is a lot of postings on the site regarding washer pumps some years ago with all the normal tips trick and pitfalls to avoid, as well as the arguments on brands. I use aftermarket ones as the OE ones costs are out of line.

Oh, one last tip, if when you put it all together the front and rear start working backwards (front vs rear controls) you swapped the electrical connectors at the pump, switch them back.

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/234782_x800.jpg

evertonfc · #10 03-08-2015, 01:23 PM

I replaced the headlight washer pump and probably reversed the connections on the other two pumps.
Now the rear wiper wont work.
I can't hear the motor running and the blade nut is tight.

I know this isn't the correct thread but I can't get the forum search app to work at all.

Also, i thought it might be a relay problem. so i went to a local autoshop Canadian Tire, who sold me a rear wiper relay for $55. I have a bentley manual and I can't find a rear wiper relay. Can anyone confirm if the rear relay exists and if so, where is it.
Thanks
it's a 2001 X5 E53 3.0i

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