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1994 Volvo 850 Wagon - Washer Motor or Clogged Line Issue

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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stevehat
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Joined: 25 January 2008
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1994 Volvo 850 Wagon - Washer Motor or Clogged Line Issue

Post by stevehat »

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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Ozark Lee
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Post by Ozark Lee »

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
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe

stevehat
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Joined: 25 January 2008
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Post by stevehat »

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

Ozark Lee
MVS Moderator
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Post by Ozark Lee »

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
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe

Maxbaby
Posts: 368
Joined: 17 March 2007
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Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Post by Maxbaby »

For $2, go buy the T and replace it, then report back with results...
1993 850 GLT

Close to 360,000 km

stevehat
Posts: 5
Joined: 25 January 2008
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Post by stevehat »

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
Posts: 88
Joined: 13 November 2007
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Location: Charleston, SC

Post by farupp »

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.
Frank
Charleston, SC

1996 Volvo 855 Turbo Wagon
1997 Saab 900 SE Turbo
2004 Chevy Suburban
2001 Honda Odyssey

stevehat
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Post by stevehat »

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
Posts: 63
Joined: 23 August 2007
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Post by phoenix_iii »

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. :D
1995 Volvo 850 Turbo

tailor
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Post by tailor »

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 :lol:


Tailor
1994 850 Auto Turbo wagon 306000km (Sold)
2004 XC90 AWD 188000km

"Life is like a reel to reel tape recorder,
the closer you get to the end,
the faster it spins."
Abe Gottschalk

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