SL/R231: Windshield Washer Issue
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 44
From: Rochester NY & Naples FL
SL 400, GLC300, C300
Windshield Washer Issue
As my title says, I have a windshield washer issue. The issue is they’re not working. I have a 2016 SL and rarely, very rarely, have any need to use my washers. The last time I used them I thought my driver's side wiper wasn’t emitting much fluid but passenger side was good. Yesterday, before I washed it, I gave them a try and neither side was putting out any fluid.
Anyone have any similar experience to mine? Any suggestions before going to the dealer to have it looked at?
I’m in Florida, in case that matters (and it might). Wondering if the salty air might have clogged the blades.
Anyone have any similar experience to mine? Any suggestions before going to the dealer to have it looked at?
I’m in Florida, in case that matters (and it might). Wondering if the salty air might have clogged the blades.
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 103
Likes: 28
From: Hollywood, FL
2017 SL450 2022 GLC300
You can also try blowing out the blades if you have an air compressor and attaching the air hose to the hose connector that dharmy mentioned above. I also have a "weak" driver side wiper blade which doesn't spray much fluid as compared to the passenger's side. I think I'll take my own advise and try this as well....
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 44
From: Rochester NY & Naples FL
SL 400, GLC300, C300
Thank you both for the suggestions. I will likely take the blades off this weekend and soak them.
I don’t have an air compressor here in Florida but I may be able to borrow one.
Thanks again.
I don’t have an air compressor here in Florida but I may be able to borrow one.
Thanks again.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
You might try a soak in CLR if there is salt/calcium buildup in or around the holes. Please let us know what you find.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 44
From: Rochester NY & Naples FL
SL 400, GLC300, C300
Update: Took both blades off and tested flow with an air compressor today. Both blades seemed to have very good flow.
I also ran some CLR through the blades as long as they were off.
Put them back on the car and no improvement. I’m thinking it may be a failing pump.
At some point I’ll take it in and have the dealer look at it.
I also ran some CLR through the blades as long as they were off.
Put them back on the car and no improvement. I’m thinking it may be a failing pump.
At some point I’ll take it in and have the dealer look at it.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Update: Took both blades off and tested flow with an air compressor today. Both blades seemed to have very good flow.
I also ran some CLR through the blades as long as they were off.
Put them back on the car and no improvement. I’m thinking it may be a failing pump.
At some point I’ll take it in and have the dealer look at it.
I also ran some CLR through the blades as long as they were off.
Put them back on the car and no improvement. I’m thinking it may be a failing pump.
At some point I’ll take it in and have the dealer look at it.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 44
From: Rochester NY & Naples FL
SL 400, GLC300, C300
I’d agree with you that it’s either the tubes or the pump.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 44
From: Rochester NY & Naples FL
SL 400, GLC300, C300
Update
The "pump" that I hear pulsing is located right in front of the driver’s side wiper blade, under the hood and under a plastic cover. After some further investigation I find that the actual pump is located at the bottom of the plastic reservoir. There’s a nice YouTube video showing how to change it. When I get the car back to Rochester NY I will attempt to replace it and see if that resolves the problem. I’m guessing it will.
I’m now wondering what that unit in front of the driver’s side wiper blade is. Maybe a secondary pump?
For anyone interested in that video here’s a link to it. Looks like a very straightforward job.
I’m now wondering what that unit in front of the driver’s side wiper blade is. Maybe a secondary pump?
For anyone interested in that video here’s a link to it. Looks like a very straightforward job.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 44
From: Rochester NY & Naples FL
SL 400, GLC300, C300
Update:
I ordered a new washer pump online from a Mercedes dealer in Durham. Following the instructions from the YouTube video I posted above I installed it yesterday. As I suspected, it was a very straightforward job. However, the new pump did not come with a grommet/washer. I have no idea where the original one disappeared to. The reservoir wasn’t leaking so I’m unsure what happened to it but it is an absolute necessity. I went to my local MB dealer today and picked one up for less than $2.00. I came home, installed it and the windshield washers are working like new. I have a suspicion that the problem may have been the grommet. There is a strainer built into the grommet. If that gets plugged the washer won’t be able to pump. If I could have found the old one I could confirm this, but it’s lost.
I ordered a new washer pump online from a Mercedes dealer in Durham. Following the instructions from the YouTube video I posted above I installed it yesterday. As I suspected, it was a very straightforward job. However, the new pump did not come with a grommet/washer. I have no idea where the original one disappeared to. The reservoir wasn’t leaking so I’m unsure what happened to it but it is an absolute necessity. I went to my local MB dealer today and picked one up for less than $2.00. I came home, installed it and the windshield washers are working like new. I have a suspicion that the problem may have been the grommet. There is a strainer built into the grommet. If that gets plugged the washer won’t be able to pump. If I could have found the old one I could confirm this, but it’s lost.
