Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice

Unclog windshield washer nozzle

How to unclog a windshield washer nozzle

Dirt and debris can sometimes clog a windshield washer nozzle. But clogged windshield washer nozzleattempting to unclog a windshield washer nozzle with a pin in it will only make the problem worse. Don’t stick a pin into the nozzle. First, the pin can enlarge the opening, which causes the fluid to splatter onto the windshield instead of spraying a strong stream. Second, the pin forces the clog down into the washer tubing, where it will be forced back into the nozzle at a later date.

Is it a clogged nozzle or bad pump?

Pop the hood and disconnect the rubber tubing running from the washer pump to the nozzle. Activate the windshield washer to ensure you’re clogged windshield washer getting a good stream of fluid from the pump. This confirms the problem is in the nozzle, not the pump.

Best way to unclog a windshield washer nozzle

If you have a portable air compressor and a blow gun with a rubber tip, grab it. If you don’t, grab a can of compressed air; the kind you use to blow dust off your computer keyboard.

Pop the hood and disconnect the rubber tubing running from the washer pump to the nozzle. Activate the windshield washer to ensure you’re getting a good stream of fluid from the pump. This confirms the problem is in the nozzle, not the pump. Then blow compressed air clogged windshield washerBACKWARDS through the washer nozzle to blow the clog out of the nozzle. Once the nozzle is clear, reattach the washer hose and test.

Replace the washer nozzle

Replacement nozzles are cheap, usually less than $10 for a pair. So don’t waste your time trying to soak the old ones in vinegar thinking they have calcium buildup. They usually don’t.

©, 2018 Rick Muscoplat

washer nozzles

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat



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