Window Washers

[Patrick-Irish]

My front window washers are acting up. Recently it has required a second cycle of washing before the water eventually comes through the nozzles. The pressure and quantity is fine, just that it takes that second cycle to get to the windscreen. Wasn't like that before.

Any ideas ?

[Sundayjumper]

Non-return valves failed ? That would let the fluid in the hoses drain back into the reservoir so that they have to re-fill every time.

That said, I can't find a non-return valve on the front screen wash, only on the rear. Part #3 HERE.

So - I'm not sure

[Isambard]

Not sure by what you mean when you say cycling it twice.. Do you mean to say you pull the stalk back a second time to get the water through the jets and onto the screen? If so, how long are you holding back on the 'first' cycle before you repeat?

A stab in the dark, but it may be a dodgy washer pump. Have you got someone to operate the stalk while you look at the pump/pipework/jets?

This will be a good opportunity to pop off the jets, clean/unblock them (renew them if you can't be arsed!), and check all pipework/tee pieces etc is clear too.

[Patrick-Irish]

There's a button on the end of the stalk which if pressed runs a wash cycle on the windscreen and headlights. It squirts water for about 2 seconds, the wipers wipe about 4 times, then another squirt of water for a second and about three more wipes. That's the end of the wash cycle.

I have to run that automatic cycle twice before the water comes through. The washer pump sounds healthy and when the water eventually comes through it is of normal pressure and quantity, and there's no evidence of blockage or dirty nozzles. The problem is that the water seems to be back flowing down the washer tubing and the end of every wash cycle and the system has to recharge with water from scratch every wash.

I just wondered if there was some sort of one way or non return valve in the system somewhere that might not be working.