Washer Fluid won't spray

[AmBo]

My windshield got a little dirtied so I attempted to wash it with the sprays. Nothing came out. I just figured I was out of fluid. Got home, tank was empty. I filled it to the brim. Got in the car, tried again, NOTHING.

What the heck is the deal here? When I press the button in it sounds like I hear fluid moving somewhere behind the dash, but no leaks on the ground and deff nothing on the windshield.

Anyone have this problem ever? Could my lines be frozen?

 

[98blackmagic]

If the temp is that low, yea it could be frozen, pop your hood and try to trace the hose that the fluid goes thru. My wifes 2000 V-6 had this problem and it was traced back to a pinched hose that was cutting off the fluid flow.

 

[timeless2]

Is the motor turning (do you hear it)?
Are there any obstructions on the jets?
Are all the hoses connected?
Any pinched hoses?

If you can, park it inside and let it thaw out, drain the tank, and get some better washer fluid suited for cold temperatures.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

You must remove the cowl to inspect the 1/4" lines that the fluid runs through. If you do this be sure you do not crack your cowl, if it is at all cold it will crack in a heartbeat. Also, remove the spray nozzles and soak them in vinegar overnight. My guess is the fluid is being sprayed into the plenum below the cowl due to a leak.

 

[03ghoststang]

yeah remove the black plastic cover where the jets are at and check the ruber lines and they disappear into the drivers side fender

 

[AmBo]

Okay, I'll do this Saturday. Thanks for all the advice fellas! :SNSign:

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Be careful not to crack your cowl, they cost $300.

 

[AmBo]

Why you gotta scare me?

 

[Ernad]

Why you gotta scare me?

that's his job

 

[03ghoststang]

Why you gotta scare me?

and he is just telling the truth

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Ideally you would let the car warm up in a heated garage so that the cowl plastic is not so cold. Use a real trim removal tool, they are only a few bucks. Also, use a washcloth under the trim removal tool when you pry up against the windshield. Use steady even pressure to avoid "launching" a little fastener clip into the darkest corners of your garage...

 

[mrvax]

How the heck do you remove that cowl?

 

[tomustang]

don't put jersey fluid in next time

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Well, it is in the Haynes manual.

But here is how:
-remove the rubber seal that seals the rear edge of the hood, just pull straight up
-remove the trim fasteners on the leading edge of the cowl, they are just covered by the rear edge of the hood when the hood is closed be careful here
-remove the wiper arms
-start prying at the middle of the cowl
-pry with the trim removal tool under the cowl and against the windshield (use washcloth to protect glass, be careful)
-as you pry you will "pop" loose fasteners that hold down the cowl
-work toward both edges, be most careful at the edges and especially the driver's side because the wiper arm hole is VERY close to the edge of the cowl plastic and this is the weakest point of the cowl
-flex the cowl in the middle, upward and slip the ends of the cowl out from under the a-arm covers
-carefully reach under and disconnect the wiper fluid sprayer feed line to free the cowl completely from the car
-yer done

 

[mrvax]

Is the cowl removal tool really necessary? If so, where do you get one? Just curious.

 

[MaxxMundo]

Be careful not to crack your cowl, they cost $300.

50Resto.com has the cowls for $148.95 for 99-04.

Part #LRS-02228B for 1994-98
Part #LRS-02228C for 1999-04

Unfortunately this thread didn't show up soon enough and I put a small crack in mine yesterday trying to figure out how to remove it.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Oh yeah, I forgot... 50 Resto sells them for $150.

 

[DropTopPony]

My windshield got a little dirtied so I attempted to wash it with the sprays. Nothing came out. I just figured I was out of fluid. Got home, tank was empty. I filled it to the brim. Got in the car, tried again, NOTHING.

What the heck is the deal here? When I press the button in it sounds like I hear fluid moving somewhere behind the dash, but no leaks on the ground and deff nothing on the windshield.

Anyone have this problem ever? Could my lines be frozen?

Did this happen this morning when it was 22 degrees Most likely just frozen. It happened to my girls car last week. (she had her oil changed and they used the cheap watered down blue crap) I use the Rain-Ex anti ice fluid and it never freezes, plus adds rain-ex to your windshield for when it rains. Worth the extra $1 for the bottle.