Windscreen Washers Stopped Spraying but Pump Still Runs

[GeoffB]

I know there are a few existing posts about windscreen washer problems but I wanted to share my experience in the hope that others will search and find this useful.

I prefer to do my own maintenance where possible and tried all the usual troubleshooting steps below when my Vito W447 front and back washers stopped working but these steps can apply to any Mercedes car or van.

1) Check the tank is full and not leaking
2) Check for blocked jets (the pin or wire method)
3) Check for leaking pipes (under the bonnet)
4) Check fuses - I assumed no fuse issues because the pump was still running
5) Check pump and washer fluid for blockage (the hardest of all but the cause of my issues)

Accessing the windscreen washer tank and pump is impossible from under the bonnet but on my Vito and many other Mercs it can be accessed by partially removing the front near side inner wheel arch cover. Armed with a torch I was able to reach the pump and pull it out of the rubber grommet filter, at which point no water leaked out of the tank. I then removed the rubber grommet filter (see picture), which was covered in a blue slimy gunk I assume had accumulated in the bottom of the tank. At this point the tank emptied itself on the floor and then I flushed it out with a hose pipe. I cleaned the grommet, put everything back together, refilled the tank, checked for leaks and hey presto I now have working washers again.

This was a quick fix and I will get a replacement grommet filter/strainer for peace of mind.

 

[Snake Charmer]

Awful things grow in washer fluid tanks up to the consistency of frog spawn.

 

[EmilysDad]

that's why it's a good idea to use a decent quality screen wash

 

[GeoffB]

that's why it's a good idea to use a decent quality screen wash

Agreed, I don’t usually deviate from using a single brand like Holts or CarPlan myself but I wonder if it has taken my 1 year of ownership for the sludge to manifest itself.

 

[mioba]

that's why it's a good idea to use a decent quality screen wash

That all the way.

I done a service on my brother in laws car a few months back. He is an idle tit and cluless.

His wiper jets were very lethargic. Stuck a hose into the washer bottle and what washed up was like many pieces of toilet paper (slimy). He clearly uses washing up liquid as screen wash.

 

[Botus]

great design - spay legionella everywhere and ingest via the interior air intake - if we can't grow enough there, will get it on the evaporator to make sure we get you instead

 

[Larkone]

great design - spay legionella everywhere and ingest via the interior air intake - if we can't grow enough there, will get it on the evaporator to make sure we get you instead

small drop of bleach in the washer water sorts that