1994 Volvo 850 Wagon - Washer Motor or Clogged Line Issue

stevehat · Post by **stevehat** » 25 Jan 2008, 07:37

Howdy,

We bought a used 1994 Volvo Wagon with high miles. We love it, but it's wintertime and whe washer fluid is not spryaing out. I'm not too experienced at working on cars. I've tried filling the washer fluid reservoir. Also I heard a faint humming of washer motor when trying to spray front windows.

I'm about to go get some tires changed and was going to get the guys to spary air through the line to check for a clog.

1. Where/How's the best way to go about spraying air to clear a clogged line? At the point where the fluid exits the reservoir?

2. Do these motors go bad fairly easily and are there some step by step instructions on how to install it yourself?

We are very low on money and are trying do do all we can not to spend a lot of money at the local garage for Volvo Dealership ($$). Any ideas?

Thanks!

Steve

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Post by **Ozark Lee** » 25 Jan 2008, 07:57

Which washer are you talking about, the windshield or the rear window?

If it is the windshield it is a very quick, easy, and cheap fix.

The washer pump feeds a Tee / check valve under the insulation on the hood and they are very prone to failure.

The part costs $2.00 at FCP Groton so it can't be much more at the dealer.

Go to http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850wiperwasher.htm

and see part number 1392074.
...Lee

stevehat · Post by **stevehat** » 25 Jan 2008, 08:08

Thanks Lee.

Now, it is happening for both the front windshield and rear window. Could the T connector still be the issue in this case?

-Steve

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 25 Jan 2008, 09:18

My experience is with sedans. I looked through VADIS to try to find a plumbing diagram for the washer system and I couldn't find one.

What I did find was that there are 2 pumps, one for the front and one for the rear. I doubt that both pumps would fail at the same time.

A bad (clogged) Tee / Check valve will prevent the washer fluid from charging the lines which I am guessing is the problem with the rear system.

Hopefully someone with more experience with wagons will jump in and give you more detail.

...Lee

Post by **Maxbaby** » 25 Jan 2008, 10:58

For $2, go buy the T and replace it, then report back with results...

stevehat · Post by **stevehat** » 25 Jan 2008, 11:02

Will do. I bought the part on my lunch break and will put it on the car this evening. I'll give an update tomorrow.

thanks.

-Steve

farupp · Post by **farupp** » 25 Jan 2008, 11:23

Take a look at the Volvo Repair Database (tab is above).

For the front windshield this article covers what you are asking about:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/tips.php#t-valve

I also have a wagon and there is an inline filter that becomes clogged in the back of the car, on the far right. You lift up the right side small storage compartment cover and you'll see it.

Take a look at this thread:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... dow+washer

Good luck.

stevehat · Post by **stevehat** » 29 Jan 2008, 07:54

It worked! Now I will buy the appropriate replacement connector for the rear washer.

However, there is one small thing. The washer fluid sprays out with good force on the front windshield, but when I stop spraying the fluid gradually stops and sprays over the top of my hood (a slow stop of pressure).

Is this normal, or do I need to do something else to get the full pressure?

Thanks,

Steve H.

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 30 Jan 2008, 07:04

stevehat wrote:It worked! Now I will buy the appropriate replacement connector for the rear washer.

However, there is one small thing. The washer fluid sprays out with good force on the front windshield, but when I stop spraying the fluid gradually stops and sprays over the top of my hood (a slow stop of pressure).

Is this normal, or do I need to do something else to get the full pressure?

Thanks,

Steve H.

Can't leave well enough alone can you? I thought you didn't work on cars? =) Good job so far.

Post by **tailor** » 30 Jan 2008, 07:25

but when I stop spraying the fluid gradually stops and sprays over the top of my hood (a slow stop of pressure).

Just as a passing) thought(I said passing, when you go for a washroom break, does the flow stop immediately or do you still have a few drops at the end.

I would think a few drops would be standard for OEM equipment .

No need to reply to this one

Tailor