Skinton

Picked up the car last weekend. It is my first MB. First issue I found was windshield washer fluid does not spray. I don't hear a pump running. I am not sure if the pump is working or not. Haven't had a chance to locate it yet. Any help troubleshooting is appreciated. I haven't got a repair manual yet. Any suggestions on repair manuals? I have bought Haynes in the past and have found them nearly useless.

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Issue solved. Operator error. Oops.
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phister

There's a thread with the part #for the shop manual from MB. Call the 1800 number. The reservoir is behind the wheel well of the front left wheel. The pump will be right there.

mtnman82

Try pushing on the switch a bit more and you might get lucky. Reason I say is becasue I just ran into this after replacing the sensor in the washer tank. I thought I forgot to plug the washer motor back in because it didn't work but when I got everything apart again found it plugged in. Messed with the switch some more and it started working! I think it was just dirty becasue it doesn;t get a lot of use. But if you do have to replace the pump it is right in front of the driver's front tire.

Peydidy

I am having my reservoir replaced right now because mine had a slight leek, you can have my old one if you want to test it and see if thats the issue and all. Let me know so I can tell the shop not to throw it away

BurdEmelry

The reservoir is behind the wheel well of the front left wheel.

kirax2

deloreandriven

if the pump seizes it will take out the front SAM because the washer pump is internally fused in the front SAM. you need to verify with actual values in a scan tool that you combination switch is ok. if you replace the pump and it works your luckey... if not you will require replacement of the front driver's side SAM.

kluvsbenz

Can you get the washer fluid from MB stealer or can it be bought aftermarket?

tommy

MB has a proprietary fluid. Maybe Glyn can chime in here, but I have no idea if you really need to use it instead of some cheap crap from Autozone, etc. I've always used the MB stuff out of paranoia.

Glyn M Ruck

The MB stuff is good & lasts from service to service generally due to large tank. So I have never had to buy.

No need to use the genuine stuff however. Just use a decent product that does not promote rust. NOT dishwashing liquid!

tommy

Not even if it gets my hands smooth??

Glyn M Ruck

If it gets your hands "smooth" it has lanolin in it that will goo things up. Paintwork, glass & brightwork will not absorb lanolin like skin does.

LILBENZ230

I have never used any genuine MB fluid.. always generic.

BTW what is this about the front SAM being jeopardized by the pump? If that was the case, that's an extreme example of poor engineering. I suspect that is an error.

Glyn M Ruck

The windshield washer pump is electronically controlled by the SAM & not fused but I have never known one take out a SAM. Possible I suppose on old 2000 & 2001 SAMs that were fragile, but even then I have never seen it happen.

deloreandriven

I have replaced multiple SAM's for this issue on W203's and W209's unfortunately for this very issue

The years range on all w203's up to an '07. i think it primarily depends on climate and amount of use. The last one i replaced 3 weeks ago was on a low km w209 cab that spent its winters in florida.

Glyn M Ruck

WOW - we see very few on the forum & in mild SA it's never an issue.

deloreandriven

thanks for deleting part of my previous post

in sunny SA im sure you probably hardly ever use them, unfourtunatly not the case here in canada.

Glyn M Ruck

Bugs, bird droppings, dust & sea salt here.

I've seen many pumps seize solid & pipes crack & leak but never a SAM failure, only SAM isolation of the pump which is what it should do, so I've learned something.

Doug Graham

I have a 2010 e 350 with a full windshield washer bottle but a puddle of fluid uner the front left tire

todderobert

Had no pump running for the last couple of weeks, I replaced my pump this morning, checked the fluid level switch for continuity with fluid above switch, all good. Having no other issues with the electrical of the car, so SAM should be working well? Trigger switch inside has the feeling that is triggering, feel the click at press. Sounds like a challenge for Rudeney or Glyn. How do you take apart the trigger switch or should I?

yasky

Sorry you guys for my ignorance here. But I have to ask, what does SAM stand for? I have a 2006 E350, Just replaced my window washer fluid pump cause I can't spray fluid on my windshield! FRUSTRATING!