1995 850 Washer pump stopped

ratfink1 · Post by **ratfink1** » 11 Dec 2012, 16:41

Ok, I'm pulling my hair out on this one. 95 850 Wagon. I was troubleshooting why my rear washer pump wasn't working. In the course of events I pulled the front washer pump (the one that sits down into the top of the tank). I checked the contacts on the pump, then reinstalled it without connecting the rubber hose from the pump to the plastic filter (round white thing with one hose in and two hoses out).

I got in the car and ran the pump, which activated for about 5 seconds and then stopped. I went to the front of the car and there was washer fluid dripping everywhere...I'm guessing this came from the disconnected hose.

I reconnected the hose but now the front washer pump doesn't activate at all. The wipers go, but no pump. The white cylinder is full of fluid, but the pump seems to have shut itself off. Any advice?

Post by **rspi** » 11 Dec 2012, 18:25

Maybe you burned the pump up in that short amount of time. Put 12 v on it and see if anything happens.

ratfink1 · Post by **ratfink1** » 13 Dec 2012, 05:47

You were right. I burned the motor (which my mechanic tells me that, after 18 years, was at the end of its life)

Replaced both motors and the check valve for the rear window and we're all friends again. Now I can see behind me.

A quick note for anyone else trying to figure out the rear window washer problem, here is the diagnostic path my mechanic followed:

1. Test power to rear washer motor - if there's power and the motor doesn't work, the motor is bad, Replace motor
2. test washer function, If there is no spray, check the hoses by the tank for clogs
3. If there are no clogs near the tank, check the rear filter (located in the trunk on the right side, under the snap panel, little white cylinder with black hoses running in and out of it), replace if needed
4. If the filter is ok, check the rear window check valve (located behind the "speaker panel" that you use to access the taillight bulbs. The check valve is located at the top of the enclosure.), replace if needed
5. Check nozzle function...if it's clogged, ream it out with a needle.

Note to check hoses, filters, etc., just remove the hose "upstream" from the suspected clog and have a buddy run the washer. If fluid comes out, connect the hose and then remove the hose downstream" from the clog and try again. If fluid comes out, there's probably not a clog. Make sure the hose isn't pointed at anything you don't want covered in washer fluid.

I hope this helps anyone else who has the same trouble.

Post by **cn90** » 13 Dec 2012, 20:05

Just curious which washer motor you use.

Did you use the Volvo Denso pump or aftermarket from Canadian Tire?

ratfink1 · Post by **ratfink1** » 13 Dec 2012, 20:25

Both were used Volvo pumps, top one was the same year, bottom was from a V-70, i think a 98.

The Cdn Tire pump required me to cut wires and wasn't an OEM fit. Volvo wanted around $90 for the factory pump.