Windscreen nozzles
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Windscreen nozzles
Hi everyone, so my 2 of my W212 nozzles seem to be jammed and only dribble water where as the 3 one shoots like a Cannon. I used a small safety pin (poked it in them) it barely goes an inch inside but no avail. Any idea how to tackle this problem myself, without having to open the whole thing up since its a big hassle.
additionally I noticed that the headlight cleaners wash at random timings. Aren't they suppose to come out after the windscreen wiper oscillates 10 times?
Thanks
additionally I noticed that the headlight cleaners wash at random timings. Aren't they suppose to come out after the windscreen wiper oscillates 10 times?
Thanks
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Pepper Pike Ohio
Posts: 1,950
Received 1,128 Likes
on
754 Posts
12 E350 4Matic 13 E350 4Matic AMG Sport
![Talking](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif)
Hi everyone, so my 2 of my W212 nozzles seem to be jammed and only dribble water where as the 3 one shoots like a Cannon. I used a small safety pin (poked it in them) it barely goes an inch inside but no avail. Any idea how to tackle this problem myself, without having to open the whole thing up since its a big hassle.
additionally I noticed that the headlight cleaners wash at random timings. Aren't they suppose to come out after the windscreen wiper oscillates 10 times?
Thanks
additionally I noticed that the headlight cleaners wash at random timings. Aren't they suppose to come out after the windscreen wiper oscillates 10 times?
Thanks
My headlight washers only work with the headlights on and wipers on, after using the washers at least five times for the windscreen. My older Benzes had a button on the dash, but would only work with the headlights and wipers on.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
I had this in a W220, so may not be applicable, but I removed the hose at the nozzles and blew low pressure air through the hose after disconnecting from the pumps and did the same at the nozzle fittings, back then, there were two pumps one for the windscreen and one for the headlights.
My headlight washers only work with the headlights on and wipers on, after using the washers at least five times for the windscreen. My older Benzes had a button on the dash, but would only work with the headlights and wipers on.
My headlight washers only work with the headlights on and wipers on, after using the washers at least five times for the windscreen. My older Benzes had a button on the dash, but would only work with the headlights and wipers on.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Pepper Pike Ohio
Posts: 1,950
Received 1,128 Likes
on
754 Posts
12 E350 4Matic 13 E350 4Matic AMG Sport
I usually clean the headlight washers by pulling the flaps open and wringing out the soapy wash rag on them, gets the salt off maybe twice a winter. I would not know of a method short of loosening the cowling and looking underneath to see if a fitting is clogged or disconnected.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 5,662
Received 3,449 Likes
on
2,298 Posts
MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
shortcut
Before you try removing the 3x nozzles for cleaning, take a look at the rubber hoose on top of the FrontSAM... cut it to get easy access port and connect it back with a .10¢ plastic coupler from your local car store.
Benz has a specially formulated washer fluid that works best with our cars. I read the washer level only reports with approved fluid... Regular washer fluid tends to plugs the nozzles with particulates... not all windshield washer fluids are created equal. (Rain-X fluid is wonderful but plugs up in no time)
Benz has a specially formulated washer fluid that works best with our cars. I read the washer level only reports with approved fluid... Regular washer fluid tends to plugs the nozzles with particulates... not all windshield washer fluids are created equal. (Rain-X fluid is wonderful but plugs up in no time)
#6
Member
Thread Starter
I usually clean the headlight washers by pulling the flaps open and wringing out the soapy wash rag on them, gets the salt off maybe twice a winter. I would not know of a method short of loosening the cowling and looking underneath to see if a fitting is clogged or disconnected.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Before you try removing the 3x nozzles for cleaning, take a look at the rubber hoose on top of the FrontSAM... cut it to get easy access port and connect it back with a .10¢ plastic coupler from your local car store.
Benz has a specially formulated washer fluid that works best with our cars. I read the washer level only reports with approved fluid... Regular washer fluid tends to plugs the nozzles with particulates... not all windshield washer fluids are created equal. (Rain-X fluid is wonderful but plugs up in no time)
Benz has a specially formulated washer fluid that works best with our cars. I read the washer level only reports with approved fluid... Regular washer fluid tends to plugs the nozzles with particulates... not all windshield washer fluids are created equal. (Rain-X fluid is wonderful but plugs up in no time)
Trending Topics
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 5,662
Received 3,449 Likes
on
2,298 Posts
MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
nozzles feed
![](https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/2000x1124/20210420_204257_9fa6b506bc631bf96e6b332250af4502f98d2dfc.jpg)
nozzle hose
here is the beast hidden in plain sight.
SAM is the smart version of "fuse box" with a network module built in for remote controls.
The following 2 users liked this post by CaliBenzDriver:
pierrejoliat (04-21-2021),
Umairkhalid (04-20-2021)
#9
Member
Thread Starter
The following users liked this post:
pierrejoliat (04-21-2021)
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Benz has a specially formulated washer fluid that works best with our cars. I read the washer level only reports with approved fluid... Regular washer fluid tends to plugs the nozzles with particulates... not all windshield washer fluids are created equal. (Rain-X fluid is wonderful but plugs up in no time)
The following 2 users liked this post by Left Coast Geek:
CaliBenzDriver (04-21-2021),
pierrejoliat (04-21-2021)
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 5,662
Received 3,449 Likes
on
2,298 Posts
MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
OEM FLUIDS are essential
Let these plugged nozzle point you to the fact GERMAN CARS ARE ENGINEERED FOR SPECIFIC OEM FLUIDS.
Yes, even stupid windshield soapy water needs to be OEM else the washer pump quits, the level does not register right and nozzles get plugged up.
Coolant (phosphate vs. nitrate)
Engine oil
Brake fluid
Tranny ATF $$$
Rear Differential
Windshield washer !!
...
all incorporate a failure mode (ph acid) sensitive to the wrong "compatible" fluid being used.
Only OEM works in the long run.
Else everything starts leaking super fast: engine, coolant, tranny seals... wasted!
Try not to let anyone use no-name-compatible fluids on your German ride.
✌️
Yes, even stupid windshield soapy water needs to be OEM else the washer pump quits, the level does not register right and nozzles get plugged up.
Coolant (phosphate vs. nitrate)
Engine oil
Brake fluid
Tranny ATF $$$
Rear Differential
Windshield washer !!
...
all incorporate a failure mode (ph acid) sensitive to the wrong "compatible" fluid being used.
Only OEM works in the long run.
Else everything starts leaking super fast: engine, coolant, tranny seals... wasted!
Try not to let anyone use no-name-compatible fluids on your German ride.
✌️
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; 04-21-2021 at 12:30 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Sactownmb (04-21-2021)
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Let these plugged nozzle point you to the fact GERMAN CARS ARE ENGINEERED FOR SPECIFIC OEM FLUIDS.
Yes, even stupid windshield soapy water needs to be OEM else the washer pump quits and the level does not register right.
Coolant (phosphate vs. nitrate)
Engine oil Brake fluidTranny ATF $$$Rear DifferentialWindshield washer !!...all incorporate a failure mode (ph acid) sensitive to the wrong "compatible" fluid being used. Only OEM works in the long run.
Else everything starts leaking super fast: engine, coolant, tranny seals... wasted!
Try not to let anyone use no-name-compatible fluids on your German ride. ✌️
Yes, even stupid windshield soapy water needs to be OEM else the washer pump quits and the level does not register right.
Coolant (phosphate vs. nitrate)
Engine oil Brake fluidTranny ATF $$$Rear DifferentialWindshield washer !!...all incorporate a failure mode (ph acid) sensitive to the wrong "compatible" fluid being used. Only OEM works in the long run.
Else everything starts leaking super fast: engine, coolant, tranny seals... wasted!
Try not to let anyone use no-name-compatible fluids on your German ride. ✌️
The following users liked this post:
CaliBenzDriver (04-21-2021)
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 5,662
Received 3,449 Likes
on
2,298 Posts
MY'14 W212 M276 3.5NA @60kMi
amen to that... except good Japanese cars are born from German designs. They share a lot of the same bones and money-making schemes.
Can't escape learning or paying 😆
Can't escape learning or paying 😆
#15
Member
Thread Starter
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Pepper Pike Ohio
Posts: 1,950
Received 1,128 Likes
on
754 Posts
12 E350 4Matic 13 E350 4Matic AMG Sport
![Talking](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif)
![](https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbworld.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_1362_443d72524fd8d445ad42443687f27bfb7d42dc5e.jpg)
These, You are very lucky you didn't take out the pump and fluid sensor in the tank, I use the regular blue washer fluid from Walmart it's never given me any issues but I use 4-5 gallons a season in each car and it's around 30% Methyl alcohol, -20 degrees F
Last edited by pierrejoliat; 04-21-2021 at 08:51 AM.
#19
Member
Thread Starter
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Pepper Pike Ohio
Posts: 1,950
Received 1,128 Likes
on
754 Posts
12 E350 4Matic 13 E350 4Matic AMG Sport
![Talking](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif)
Well,it seems you have some calcification, in large water systems, I use a decalcifier like a consumer product "Calgon" but you have to get it in direct contact with the clog and give it time to work it's magic. I don't know if that's even possible here and I would not know what that would do to the sensor or pump. I'm sorry but I think you'll need to pop out the four screws holding the cowl on the fire wall and look at the fittings, take them out and clean them or replace them.
I don't like the idea of cutting the hose and installing a fitting, it will work I suppose, but will reduce flow by 5-% {guessing] I think the hose that comes from the washer pump over the fuse panel goes into a fitting just as it goes under the cowl and over the firewall, maybe you can disconnect it there and try low pressure air from there? Maybe the hose cutting is the best choice?
I don't like the idea of cutting the hose and installing a fitting, it will work I suppose, but will reduce flow by 5-% {guessing] I think the hose that comes from the washer pump over the fuse panel goes into a fitting just as it goes under the cowl and over the firewall, maybe you can disconnect it there and try low pressure air from there? Maybe the hose cutting is the best choice?
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Jakarta-Indonesia
Posts: 4,398
Received 4,449 Likes
on
2,605 Posts
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
I use distilled water + a few squirts of Simple Green cleaner as washer fluid.
The one I use is the Lemon one, I actually like the green one but no stock since 1 year ago. Same stuff both are the same though, except for the fragrance.
https://simplegreen.com/products/all-purpose-cleaner/
https://simplegreen.com/products/all...cleaner-lemon/
Distilled water can not be read by water level sensor at washer fluid reservoir because it simply too mineral-less and sensor cant read any conductivity.
The Simple Green is a good cleaner, not harsh at all ( biodegradeable ) and clean oil/grease really well. I use on yachts since the 90s.
I use like 4 squirts only per full fill of washer fluid and no more sensor error. Distilled water will read as EMPTY for washer fluid level sensor.
===============================
To clean the nozzles, only the nozzles and not filling the washer fluid reservoir, be patient and use kitchen vinegar ( or white distilled vinegar ) non diluted, straight from bottle.
Can you get Bostik Blue Tack where u live Khalid ?
https://diy.bostik.com/en-ID/product...craft/blu-tack
I never done this but it is a way to "submerge" your nozzlle in vinegar without removing it from the current position, hence the Blue Tack is being used as a pool or cocoon material. You get the idea.
30 minutes soaking with vinegar should help in removing the calcium build up. Be patient and do it slowly and repeatedly.
If you can access the hoses to the nozzles, you can send vinegar into the hoses by using hoses extension and place a funnel or some sort 1 meter higher than the nozzles.
Per 1 meter height you can raise the funnel above the nozzle, that is 1.47 psi or 0.1 BAR worth of natural water/vinegar liquid pressure trying to push itself into the nozzle.
I do not suggest using compressed air to blow hoses clean, because it may be too strong and if the hose comes out of nozzle input fitting ..... you will cry trying to fix it back![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Vinegar is acidic at 2.5 pH. So when you spilled it, use water to make it diluted...safer for metal.
Good luck....
The one I use is the Lemon one, I actually like the green one but no stock since 1 year ago. Same stuff both are the same though, except for the fragrance.
https://simplegreen.com/products/all-purpose-cleaner/
https://simplegreen.com/products/all...cleaner-lemon/
Distilled water can not be read by water level sensor at washer fluid reservoir because it simply too mineral-less and sensor cant read any conductivity.
The Simple Green is a good cleaner, not harsh at all ( biodegradeable ) and clean oil/grease really well. I use on yachts since the 90s.
I use like 4 squirts only per full fill of washer fluid and no more sensor error. Distilled water will read as EMPTY for washer fluid level sensor.
===============================
To clean the nozzles, only the nozzles and not filling the washer fluid reservoir, be patient and use kitchen vinegar ( or white distilled vinegar ) non diluted, straight from bottle.
Can you get Bostik Blue Tack where u live Khalid ?
https://diy.bostik.com/en-ID/product...craft/blu-tack
I never done this but it is a way to "submerge" your nozzlle in vinegar without removing it from the current position, hence the Blue Tack is being used as a pool or cocoon material. You get the idea.
30 minutes soaking with vinegar should help in removing the calcium build up. Be patient and do it slowly and repeatedly.
If you can access the hoses to the nozzles, you can send vinegar into the hoses by using hoses extension and place a funnel or some sort 1 meter higher than the nozzles.
Per 1 meter height you can raise the funnel above the nozzle, that is 1.47 psi or 0.1 BAR worth of natural water/vinegar liquid pressure trying to push itself into the nozzle.
I do not suggest using compressed air to blow hoses clean, because it may be too strong and if the hose comes out of nozzle input fitting ..... you will cry trying to fix it back
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Vinegar is acidic at 2.5 pH. So when you spilled it, use water to make it diluted...safer for metal.
Good luck....
The following users liked this post:
pierrejoliat (04-22-2021)
#22
Member
Thread Starter
Okay everyone, so I have manage to take everything apart, the hose the nozzles etc, the hose seems to be open and can be cleansed easily however, any bright ideas on how to de clog the nozzles themselves? My mother suggested using a string and forcing some water from the outflow, and I was further pondered doing something like that with acid or some sanitary cleaner.
#23
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Jakarta-Indonesia
Posts: 4,398
Received 4,449 Likes
on
2,605 Posts
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Soak it in vinegar, as I explained earlier.
#24
Member
Thread Starter
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Jakarta-Indonesia
Posts: 4,398
Received 4,449 Likes
on
2,605 Posts
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Since u have removed the nozzles, this is so good.
Use compressed air to check air flow within the opening/orifice of the nozzles. Submerged the nozzles in water, so easy to see from escaping air bubbles.
Get aquarium clear air hose and use it withe the compressed air. place some water inside the clear air hose, water is not compressible like air, so it has more force/push.
When soaking in vinegar now that nozzle is out, use 70C temperature, it will dissolved the calcium build up faster.
70C wont' damage the plastic nozzle at all as long as you do it for under 1 hour or max 1 hour at a time.
In hot direct sun, a black color plastic item can reach 75C in mid noon.
Egg shell is 98% calcium
Use compressed air to check air flow within the opening/orifice of the nozzles. Submerged the nozzles in water, so easy to see from escaping air bubbles.
Get aquarium clear air hose and use it withe the compressed air. place some water inside the clear air hose, water is not compressible like air, so it has more force/push.
When soaking in vinegar now that nozzle is out, use 70C temperature, it will dissolved the calcium build up faster.
70C wont' damage the plastic nozzle at all as long as you do it for under 1 hour or max 1 hour at a time.
In hot direct sun, a black color plastic item can reach 75C in mid noon.
Egg shell is 98% calcium
Last edited by S-Prihadi; 04-22-2021 at 08:10 AM.
The following users liked this post:
pierrejoliat (04-22-2021)