Windshield Washer Failure.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 868
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From: Orlando, FL
C240
Windshield Washer Failure.
For the past few months, my windshield washers have been working half the time I want them to, and just yesterday, they completely took a dump on me. They simply don't project windshield cleaner anymore, leaving my wipers just spreading the filth across my windshield. Could a hose have popped off, or is some sort of pump failing? No "low wiper fluid" warning.. I just filled her up, too. Could a piece of foil from the washer fluid container about 1mm diameter be enough to clog the system? 
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Lane,
There is no fuse for the screenwasher - only headlamp washer if fitted. You might have popped a pipe off but then you would see water around. Stick your head into the RHS front wheelarch & get someone to trigger the washer. You should clearly hear the pump running. If not then likely pump failure or poor connection. If you can hear it running but no spray - you have a blockage.
There is no fuse for the screenwasher - only headlamp washer if fitted. You might have popped a pipe off but then you would see water around. Stick your head into the RHS front wheelarch & get someone to trigger the washer. You should clearly hear the pump running. If not then likely pump failure or poor connection. If you can hear it running but no spray - you have a blockage.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 868
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
C240
Lane,
There is no fuse for the screenwasher - only headlamp washer if fitted. You might have popped a pipe off but then you would see water around. Stick your head into the RHS front wheelarch & get someone to trigger the washer. You should clearly hear the pump running. If not then likely pump failure or poor connection. If you can hear it running but no spray - you have a blockage.
There is no fuse for the screenwasher - only headlamp washer if fitted. You might have popped a pipe off but then you would see water around. Stick your head into the RHS front wheelarch & get someone to trigger the washer. You should clearly hear the pump running. If not then likely pump failure or poor connection. If you can hear it running but no spray - you have a blockage.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
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From: VA
THE C350
Well what i would do once i found the pump is check the wires with a volt meter if they are getting 12 volts. if it does have 12 volts i would take the connector off and check for corrosion or issues that could cause the connection to not work. if i didn't see an issues i would get either a car battery or a 12 volt power source and directly wire it to the pump to see if the cars wiring could no longer take a load or is shorting out. IF the pump still didn't work i would replace it. 
If someone could correct me if they don't like the way i would do it i am in no way a mechanic but do play with a lot of wiring lol. The only thing i don't know is where the pump is located on the tank. i think i remember seeing it at the very bottom but i have the heated tank with headlight washers so i am not much help. You would have to at least take the fender lining out which is very easy that is where i would start BTW taking the wheel off makes it a lot easier. GL keep us updated
If someone could correct me if they don't like the way i would do it i am in no way a mechanic but do play with a lot of wiring lol. The only thing i don't know is where the pump is located on the tank. i think i remember seeing it at the very bottom but i have the heated tank with headlight washers so i am not much help. You would have to at least take the fender lining out which is very easy that is where i would start BTW taking the wheel off makes it a lot easier. GL keep us updated
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Trey makes sense - I was just trying to get you to diagnose without having to pull the RHS wheelwell shroud
