Wiper Fluid Not Coming Out: How to Troubleshoot

Wiper Fluid Not Coming Out? Here’s How to Fix It

Nothing is more frustrating than hitting the washer switch only to find the wiper fluid not coming out. When your windshield sprayer is not working, visibility can become a serious issue, especially when dirt and grime start building up. More often than not, the culprit is clogged wiper nozzles, but other issues—like a blown fuse, frozen fluid, or a failed washer pump—can also be to blame.

If your wiper fluid is not coming out, don’t worry—I’ve diagnosed and fixed this issue more times than I can count. Let me walk you through the four most common reasons your windshield sprayer is not working and show you exactly how to fix them.

The Four Most Common Causes of a Windshield Sprayer Not Working

1) Frozen Washer Fluid
2) Clogged Wiper Nozzles
3) Blown Washer Pump Fuse
4) Failed or Frozen Washer Pump

Start Here: Is Your Washer Fluid Frozen?

If it’s winter and your wiper fluid is not coming out, frozen washer fluid is likely the cause. Many people don’t realize that the fluid they bought in the summer might not have enough alcohol to prevent freezing.

Open the lid of the reservoir and see if the fluid is frozen. If so, try to unfreeze it using one of the two methods below. If it’s not frozen, move on to the other possibilities.

How to Unfreeze Frozen Washer Fluid
Option #1: Remove the Washer Reservoir and Bring It Inside

If your washer fluid reservoir is easy to remove, take it indoors to thaw. Unplug the electrical connector from the washer pump and disconnect the fluid tubing running to the clogged wiper nozzles. If your reservoir is mounted in the fender, you may need to remove the wheel well liner to access it.

Option #2: Use an Alcohol-Water Mix and a Hairdryer

For a quick thaw, mix one quart of 91% isopropyl alcohol with one pint of hot tap water. Pour it into the reservoir and use a hairdryer to heat the surrounding area. Stir the mixture inside the reservoir to help break up the ice. The alcohol will prevent the fluid from refreezing.

Not Winter? Here’s What to Do Next

If your windshield sprayer is not working and frozen fluid isn’t the issue, it’s time to listen for the washer pump.

1) Turn off the radio and blower motor.
2) Activate the windshield washers and listen.
3) If you hear the pump running but the wiper fluid is not coming out, your problem is most likely due to clogged wiper nozzles.
4) If you hear nothing, move on to checking the washer pump fuse.

Fixing Clogged Wiper Nozzles

If the washer pump is running, but you’re still not getting fluid, clogged wiper nozzles are likely to blame. Dirt, wax, or debris can block the nozzles, preventing fluid from spraying.

How to Unclog Wiper Nozzles

1) The best and least destructive way to clear a clogged nozzle is to use compressed air.

• Disconnect the tubing from the nozzle
• Place the blow nozzle or the straw from a can of compressed air against the exiting side of the nozzle.
• Try to blow the clog backward through the nozzle and out the disconnected end.
• Then reconnect the hose and try to use the washers.

2) If you don’t have compressed air but have access to a syringe

• Disconnect the tubing from the nozzle
• Fill the syringe with hot soapy water
• Place the needle into the spray hole and forces fluid into the nozzle to dislodge the clog and flush it out the backside.
• Install the hose and try the washers

3) If you get any flow but it’s not a strong flow.

• Run a vinegar solution through the washer system to dissolve buildup.

Diagnose a bad windshield washer pump

If the washer pump isn’t making any noise, you likely have a blown fuse or a bad pump. A fuse blows when the motor stalls due to ice or debris, causing excessive current draw.

How to Test the Washer Pump

Locate the washer pump fuse (check your owner’s manual for the location).
Use a multimeter to check for 12 volts at the washer pump connector.
If you get 12 volts when activating the switch, the wiring and fuse are fine, but the pump is bad. If there’s no power, you’ve got a wiring issue or a blown fuse that needs replacing.

Trying to force a frozen or jammed pump to work can burn out the motor, so make sure the pump is moving freely before replacing the fuse.

Prevent your washer fluid from freezing

If cold weather keeps causing your wiper fluid to stop coming out, you need better winter-grade washer fluid. Most fluids protect down to -20°F, but premium blends can handle -40°F or lower.

You can improve cheaper washer fluid by adding 91% isopropyl alcohol, but the easiest solution is to buy a high-quality winter-ready mix. Always check the freeze protection rating before buying.

All windshield washer fluid bottles contain a freeze protection rating. Make sure you buy the correct fluid for your cold zone.

©, 2021 Rick Muscoplat