Service Issues: - Windscreen washer pump

BilboBagginss · Feb 11th, 2019, 21:14

Might be useful for somebody:

Useful thing I've learnt recently - only takes two minutes and can save visiting a garage etc.

On both my V70 (I've done 170k + miles in it over 6 years) and my XC90 - within weeks of each other the windscreen washer jets suddenly stopped working. Fluid levels ok, motor works as you hear it make a noise.

Problem - the rubber stopper / filter that holds the washer pump in place in the washer bottle was totally blocked and full of crud.

Solution - climb under front of car (easy on XC90, maybe need to lift up front of V70 depending on size etc) - pull washer pump out from the bottle, remove black rubber filter / bung and thoroughly clean out. Before re-installing I ran warm water through the washer bottle just to get rid or any last bits of crud remaining. Reinstall and refill - happy days.

Try to avoid all the water that comes out from the screen washer bottle - or at least pick a warm day!

SwissXC90 · Feb 12th, 2019, 05:06

It would be a good idea to flush it with hot (but not boiling) water, to loosen and move any more crud

And then only use distilled water and concentrate afterwards

Cookeh · Feb 12th, 2019, 09:39

Yeah, this issue occurs when you use tap water or anything not distilled. I had to do the same on my 850 about a year ago when I first got it but since using distilled water and concentrate my filter still looks as clean as it did a year ago.

Also worth checking the microfilters for the same build up, especially if you arent seeing the pressure or spray pattern you would expect.

On P80 cars you only need to remove the filler neck (open bonnet and pull it straight up), which will then expose the filter.

green van man · Feb 12th, 2019, 15:30

Have never needed to use distilled water, live in a soft water area. Can see the sence in hard water areas. When daughter lived on the chalk of Wiltshire we filled 5 litre jacks and took to hers every time we visited and she drove to ours if coolant was due a change.
Other wise tap water has caused no problems in 48 years of motoring.

Paul.

Feb 11th, 2019, 21:14	#1
BilboBagginss Member Last Online: Today 10:28 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: My World	Windscreen washer pump Might be useful for somebody: Useful thing I've learnt recently - only takes two minutes and can save visiting a garage etc. On both my V70 (I've done 170k + miles in it over 6 years) and my XC90 - within weeks of each other the windscreen washer jets suddenly stopped working. Fluid levels ok, motor works as you hear it make a noise. Problem - the rubber stopper / filter that holds the washer pump in place in the washer bottle was totally blocked and full of crud. Solution - climb under front of car (easy on XC90, maybe need to lift up front of V70 depending on size etc) - pull washer pump out from the bottle, remove black rubber filter / bung and thoroughly clean out. Before re-installing I ran warm water through the washer bottle just to get rid or any last bits of crud remaining. Reinstall and refill - happy days. Try to avoid all the water that comes out from the screen washer bottle - or at least pick a warm day! __________________ Running both a V70 T5 (2006) and XC90 D5 (2011) I have VIDA available if anybody is nearby! Proud Biker - VfrVTEC800

Feb 12th, 2019, 05:06	#2
SwissXC90 Premier Member Last Online: Mar 20th, 2024 18:26 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Cross Country	It would be a good idea to flush it with hot (but not boiling) water, to loosen and move any more crud And then only use distilled water and concentrate afterwards __________________ XC90 R-Design MY2009, Black Sapphire Metallic. HP-Sound, RSE, Nav, Tel, ParkingCam, BLIS, ParkingHeater, RestHeat, Removable Towbar, Summer: CRATUS 20x8 on Pirelli Scorpion Zeros 255/45, Winter: NEPTUNE 17x7 on Continental WinterContact 4x4 235/65.

Feb 12th, 2019, 09:39	#3
Cookeh Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2022 17:04 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Derbyshire	Yeah, this issue occurs when you use tap water or anything not distilled. I had to do the same on my 850 about a year ago when I first got it but since using distilled water and concentrate my filter still looks as clean as it did a year ago. Also worth checking the microfilters for the same build up, especially if you arent seeing the pressure or spray pattern you would expect. On P80 cars you only need to remove the filler neck (open bonnet and pull it straight up), which will then expose the filter. __________________ 1995 Volvo 850 T5 Estate (Manual)

Feb 12th, 2019, 15:30	#4
green van man Premier Member Last Online: Apr 11th, 2024 09:21 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ffos y Ffin	Have never needed to use distilled water, live in a soft water area. Can see the sence in hard water areas. When daughter lived on the chalk of Wiltshire we filled 5 litre jacks and took to hers every time we visited and she drove to ours if coolant was due a change. Other wise tap water has caused no problems in 48 years of motoring. Paul.

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