Washer motor problem?

[asd030]

Hi. I would be grateful if anyone can assist me with a problem with our 1997 1.8 V40. When the screen washer is activated, liquid now only dribbles from the bonnet nozzles, although the headlight washers work fine, as does the tailgate washer when this is activated separately.

I had this same problem only about 8 months ago, and after checking all hoses I decided to change the washer bottle pump (an expensive dealer-only part for this model) located at the bottom rear of the bottle behind the wheel liner. This worked and I thought I'd sorted it - but now it's the same again... Has this genuine Volvo pump packed up this quick or could it be something else?

Can anyone confirm whether there is another pump somewhere? I seem to remember the Haynes book mentions this (and apparently it means the indicator lamp being removed to gain access...) Would this be the answer?

Thank you.


And NO - it isn't frozen

[billofdurham]

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Before thinking of another pump check the pipes from the pump to the nozzles. It could be something as simple as blocked nozzles. Take the pipes off the nozzles and run the pump to see if water comes out of the pipe. It won't have the pressure that comes out of the nozzles but it should run freely. If it does, blow through the nozzles from the upper end with an air line, reconnect the pipes and see what happens.

If the water doesn't flow freely follow the pipe towards the right side of the car and you will find a delivery valve. This splits the flow from the pump to the two nozzles but incorporates a valve to stop drain back. They are noted for failing. Remove the outlet pipes, run the pump and see what happens. If the water doesn't flow freely remove the inlet pipe and run the pump again. A good flow at this point indicates a blocked delivery valve which will need to be replaced. If this is where the water stops then you need go no further. If there is still a problem move into the corner where the front wing and the scuttle form a 90 degree angle. You should find a corner piece in the pipe line to get it round the corner without kinking the pipe. Check that one as above but usually they don't give trouble. Following the pipe towards the reservoir you will find a T-piece where it splits to the headlight washers. Hopefully you shouldn't need to go this far.

Bill.

[asd030]

Bill, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question in such a thorough way. Very much appreciated.

I will take a look at all that tomorrow.

Thanks again.

[asd030]

It was the small black plastic 'T' shaped washer valve which splits the pipe into the two pipes leading to the windscreen washer nozzles, that was at fault.

I bought a 'generic' one off eBay (a slightly different design, which seemingly fits many other Volvos too) for £6 delivered.

It's easy for an amateur like me to rule out the seemingly simple things with a problem like this and assume the motor is at fault, which is what I had done. I just assumed this was a simple 'T' splitter piece, but it obviously contains a valve of some kind which was either worn out or seized.

Thanks again Bill. What a nice place this forum is!

[billofdurham]

You are welcome. Thank you for the update.

What a nice place this forum is!

We do try!

Bill.