windshield washer pump problem

[jonsonata]

Hello. My windshield washer pump doesn't work. When I push on the lever to turn on washer, all I here is some whining sound but no water is coming out. I've cleaned the sprayer heads and checked for clogs but still no water spraying. Do I need a new pump or is there some place else I should check for clogs. please help. Thanks!

[Admin1]

If you hear the pump chances are that the screen at the pump is clogged. Or the line has a kink in it. Either way remove the line at the pump an see if it pumps then if not remove the the pump from the washer tank an check the screen.

[jbcarey]

My daughter's santa-fe did the same thing, I bought a new pump and when I finally got at it it turned out to be a big chunk of ice, Don't know your longitude but that's what was our problem

[jonsonata]

^^No ice here, I'm in the Bay Area, California. I'll check that screen thing though...but how do I get to the tank or the pump?? anyone know a DIY or some kind of directions?? Thanks.

[Admin1]

If you remove the inner finder lining on the front right you will see the tank there you will see the washer motor. Very easy to get too.

[jonsonata]

If you remove the inner finder lining on the front right you will see the tank there you will see the washer motor. Very easy to get too.

Ok. So I tried removing the inner fender lining. I got screws out except for the two at the lower part where it's attached to the front bumper valance. Is there a special tool to get these out. They look like philips head and I kept turning and turning but the screw doesn't even come loose? any idea?

[Admin1]

They are plastic hold down clips. You might have to pry them out to remove them.

[Rsquared]

Yea, you'll have to pry them out. It isn't very often I get them to unscrew.

[Rallyman]

I've had good luck using a small jeweller's screwdriver or the corner of a putty knife or even my fingernail to lift on the edge of the centre part of the pin while turning with a screwdriver. It seems that only a little upward pressure will allow the threaded pin to back right out. This way it can be easily reused as well as it will not get damaged.

[jonsonata]

Fixed it! Thanks for the help. Turned out to be a clogged screen in the pump. There were some slimy residue that built up in the bottom of the tank. I still couldn't get to the tank via fender lining b/c of a couple of screws that didn't want to come loose. Instead I removed the headlight, reached in and pulled out the pump. Then I took my garden hose, set it on jet stream, then flushed out all the residue. I cleaned the pump and screen as well. Now the windshield washer is in normal operation. Thanks again for the help. Great forum!

[Admin1]

Good deal! Glad you got it handled! I though it was your screen.