1997 850 wagon: Rear window washer doesn't spray

brian_kearney410 · Post by **brian_kearney410** » 16 Jan 2007, 12:43

Greetings all,
The rear window washer won't spray. I've checked the following:
1) The reservoir is full
2) When pressing the rear washer spray button, I hear the motor engage.
3) The spray for the front windshield and headlights work.
4) The rear window nozzle is clean and clear of debris.

There is no fluid dripping under the car when I do #2 above. Where do the fluid lines run that I can check?

Thanks! Winter is finally here and the back windshield sure does need a washing more often now.

Post by **billofdurham** » 16 Jan 2007, 15:19

Lift the right hand side floor board in the luggage area. Under there should be a non-return valve/filter which can become blocked.

Bill.

brian_kearney410 · Post by **brian_kearney410** » 18 Jan 2007, 06:04

Thanks Bill - I looked under the right-side panel last night and found what I believe is the fluid hose (black?) but found no filter. Any other ideas? I appreciate the help.

Post by **billofdurham** » 18 Jan 2007, 11:37

I thought "black pipe, surely it's clear" and went to check in my car. Yes it is black plastic which runs into a black rubber pipe and then the filter. At the other side is black rubber and then it disappears behind the trim over the inside of the rear lights.

The filter should be clipped to the floor about 4 inches in from the rear and about 7 inches in from the side of the car.

Possibly somebody has moved it so it may pay to follow the pipe behind the light cover. Although why it would be moved, I don't know.

Bill.

Post by **luketrash** » 18 Jan 2007, 19:13

My car still has a plugged system.

The filter was clean and free.. the blockage exists between the filter and the squirter nozzle.. is there any way to pull the nozzle out of the window and clean it out? I used a needle in the holes and both pumped air into the system (35psi!) and used vacuum on it (35psi) and nothing... it's plugged tight.

It doesn't lose vacuum either, so it's plugged up solid.

The hose is all pliable.. I think it's defintely the black plastic nozzle assembly. I'm curious how to remove it.. I tried pulling the tailgate trim outwards up there, and heard that too-familiar sounds of breaking Volvo plastic... I quit while I was ahead. If you can remove the nozzle from outside the car, that'd be great..

Anyone?

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 Jan 2007, 04:09

the blockage exists between the filter and the squirter nozzle.

Did you remove the pipe after the filter and get water to run there? If not there is a possible fix which is done at the reservoir end.

Unfortunately, there is no way to remove the nozzle from the outside. ALL of the inner tailgate trim has to be removed to get at it. It seems the reason you heard the breaking plastic is the main panel also helps to hold in the upper panel.

If you require step by step instructions I can post them for you.

Why do we love Volvos? At times they make even the simplest repair so difficult. It makes you want to buy..........

Bill.

Post by **luketrash** » 19 Jan 2007, 11:48

yeah, with the hose pulled at the filter, liquid easily pumps out (into the back of my car!)

the blockage is right at the plastic nozzle. It's 28F today, so it will definitely melt in the sun, if things were frozen in there yesterday. I will check after work.

This spring, when it warms up, I am going to repair the panel back there with the metal parts kit. I can get the nozzle out then, if I don't get to it sooner.

I have no idea why I like volvos.. Mostly it's the seats.. For the price, it's hard to find another car (used) that is as comfortable. And I like having something 'weird'. In the midwest USA nobody drives Volvos. So it's nice not driving the same thing as everyone else.

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 Jan 2007, 15:17

I would only part with my Volvo for another Volvo. As has been said on this, and other forums, we only see the problems here. There are thousands of Volvos without problems.

Back to the subject. I found this on VADIS and thought it may be of interest:

Bill.

Post by **luketrash** » 19 Jan 2007, 17:27

This valve is most likely what has failed in my car, but like I said, under 35psi of pressure or vacuum, I was not able to make it budge. It wouldn't surprise me if a previous owner ran the system out of fluid. However, I think this nozzle system is bound up for good. Does anyone know how this valve actually functions? I assume it's a pressure valve to prevent fulid from dribbling down the back window and to keep air from entering the line..

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 19 Jan 2007, 18:59

If the repair that Bill posted doesn't work, you might try just replacing the valve...I wouldn't think it would be that expensive, and you might even find it in a pick-n-pull.

And...if a resolution to the issue is found and posted here, I'll definitely put this thread in the data base.

Good luck everyone!