BMW: Windshield Washer Jets Spray Little to No Fluid

BMW Tech Tip: Windshield Washer Jets Spray Little To No Fluid

If the window washer fluid jets spray a very low volume of fluid or no fluid at all, there are three possible causes.


The windshield washer fluid mixture ratio is regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual states. Do not exceed the allowable window washer fluid “dilution/ratio limits” that apply. Follow the usage instructions on the window washer fluid container.

If the window washer fluid jets spray a very low volume of fluid or no fluid at all, there are three possible causes.
1. A buildup of excess manufacturing-related materials on the windshield washer pump strainer. This primarily occurs on lower-mileage vehicles.

2. A buildup of an organic “algae-like” substance on the windshield washer pump strainer. The algae-like substance is typically caused by using only tap water in the windshield washer fluid tank, or using tap water instead of distilled water with washer concentrate.

3. The windshield washer pump strainer is damaged because the “incorrect type” of windshield washer fluid has been used, or one has been used that contains an excessive and incorrect amount of fluid concentrate.

Attempting to use the windshield washers when the window washer fluid reservoir is empty or when the strainer is clogged will damage the washer pump.

When repairing any of these conditions, any remaining fluid in the windshield washer fluid reservoir must be drained, and then flushed.

Courtesy of ALLDATA.

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