Windshield washer problem

chn718 · Post by **chn718** » 05 Jan 2008, 22:28

Hi all, have a 97 volvo 850 wagon, I am having problem with the washer fluid squirting from the windshield wiper, when I pull on it, it squirts fine for like 20 seconds then its like it looses pressure and gets lower and lower on the windshield until no fluid comes out, however there is still fluid because the tailgate still shoots out fluid. Also when I try to fill the fluid, I don't know if I fill it too much, but it drips onto the floor after I try to fill it for like 10 seconds. Does anyone know the problem? And no the low windshield light is not coming on. Thanks in advance.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Jan 2008, 22:42

I suspect you're filling it so much that the some is dripping out of the over-flow hose...no biggie. Check your washer lines under the felt pad (under your hood) to see if there is any cloggage. I suspect that the pressure is fine when you start to spray but as you do this, it loses power due to some blockage.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 05 Jan 2008, 22:55

If that doesn't get it, you might put a meter on the leads at the pump motor.
There may be a voltage drop or your motor may be going...
Now, get that fixed and get some of those cool fan spray nozzles!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 Jan 2008, 23:41

OK, BEJ

I remember plug ins in the parking lots at the Sears stores in both Anchorage and Fairbanks - Do they also work for the washer fluid?

Totally off topic and I'm sure MIJ will move me to some forum purgatory but - Man o Man, this time of year has to pure hell in Fairbanks. Does the sun come up at all? The latest trip I ever went to AK was in late September and sunset came soon.

On the flip side I will never forget walking out of some strip joint in the late '70's called the "Wild Cherry" in Anchorage at 2:00 AM in June - really drunk - in broad daylight - and embarrassed.

Back to CHN - I am real confused. The washer fluid system is completely electric from inside of the car. If you have fluid on your floorboards it must be dripping through the windshield. My old Porsche 914 had a washer lever that actually squirted the fluid through a valve on the steering stalk - that line once broke and hosed me down good but the Volvo is an entirely different system. Oh ya, I must add that the Porsche windshield washer was powered by the air in the spare tire - if the washer quit working it was time to reinflate the spare tire.

...Lee

Post by **tailor** » 06 Jan 2008, 08:16

Also when I try to fill the fluid, I don't know if I fill it too much, but it drips onto the floor after I try to fill it for like 10 seconds.

On my 94 Wagon I had a faulty sensor for the washer fluid level, It was also not seated correctly. It is not that easy to notice and is usually hidden behind a mass of wires. I believe that I was getting fluid loss through the sensor "hole" when I tried to fill her up but none of the "poor squirt" you refer to. A trip to the yard and all is working well.

See pics to identify:

Tailor