DIY REPAIR GUIDE — ALL MAKES
Windshield Washer Not Spraying Fix
A windshield washer that won’t spray is a real safety problem in a Toronto winter, when salt spray coats the windshield.
321 Rexdale Blvd #4, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1R8
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · (416) 742-4521
⚡ Servicing your car at an independent shop does not void your vehicle warranty — protected under Canadian consumer protection law.
By the Radman Auto Repair team, independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999 · Updated November 2026
A windshield washer that won’t spray is a real safety problem in a Toronto winter, when salt spray coats the windshield. Most failures come from frozen fluid, a blown fuse, a failed pump, a cracked hose or clogged nozzles, and all are easy to check.
Quick answer: If your windshield washer won’t spray, check the fluid level and use winter fluid rated to −40. Listen for the pump when you press the switch: no hum means a fuse, switch or pump problem; a hum with no spray means a frozen, disconnected or cracked hose or clogged nozzles.
At a glance
- Vehicles: All makes; rear washers on SUVs and hatchbacks
- DIY difficulty: Easy
- Time: about 30 minutes
- Tools: flashlight, pin or nozzle tool, multimeter, trim tools
- Parts: winter washer fluid (−40), washer pump (if failed), hose or connector (if cracked), fuse
- Codes & warning lights: none; some cars show a low washer fluid light
- Recalls: check your VIN first; some of these problems are covered by recalls, campaigns or extended warranties
Symptoms
No spray no fluid when you press the switch.
Weak spray a dribble instead of a spray.
Pump hum the pump hums but no fluid comes out.
Silence no sound at all from the pump.
Leak fluid under the car.
Only one side one nozzle works but not the other.
What Causes It
Frozen fluid summer fluid freezes in the lines.
Blown fuse a blown fuse stops the pump.
Failed pump the pump motor fails.
Clogged nozzles dirt or wax blocks the nozzles.
Cracked hose a cracked hose or loose connector.
Before You Start
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Never work under a car held up only by a jack: use rated jack stands.
- Let the engine and exhaust cool before you touch them; coolant systems are under pressure when hot.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves, and disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging electrical parts or working near airbags.
- Check for open recalls on your VIN (Transport Canada or the manufacturer’s site) before you buy parts: a recall repair is free at the dealer.
- Never pour hot water into the reservoir in winter; it can crack the reservoir.
Step-by-Step: Windshield Washer Not Spraying
- Check the fluid. Top up with winter fluid rated to −40.
- Listen for the pump. Press the switch and listen for a hum.
- Check the fuse. Find the washer fuse in the owner’s manual and check it. If it is blown, a frozen pump may have overloaded it; thaw the system before replacing the fuse.
- Check the pump. Unplug the pump connector and check for power with a test light while a helper presses the washer switch. Power but no pump sound means the pump has failed.
- Check the lines. Follow the hose from the pump to the nozzles under the hood and the cowl. Look for cracks, wet spots and connectors that have pulled apart.
- Thaw if frozen. Park in a warm garage to thaw frozen lines.
- Clear the nozzles. Gently push a fine pin into each nozzle to clear wax or dirt, then aim the jets so they hit the upper middle of the windshield.
- Test. Test the spray pattern.
When to Stop and Bring It In
- The pump has power but doesn’t run: replace it.
- The reservoir is cracked.
- There is no power at the pump: check the switch and wiring.
- Rear washer lines through the liftgate are broken.
Not sure, or out of time? Radman Auto Repair in Etobicoke does this repair every week. Book online or call (416) 742-4521.
Also Known As
People search for “windshield washer not working”, “washer fluid not spraying”, “washer pump not working” or “frozen washer fluid”. The part is the washer pump in the reservoir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washer fluid not spraying?
Frozen fluid, a blown fuse, a failed pump, clogged nozzles or a cracked hose.
How do I unfreeze washer fluid?
Park in a warm garage and refill with winter fluid rated to −40.
How do I know if the pump is bad?
If it has power but doesn’t run, it is bad.
Why does only one nozzle work?
A clogged nozzle or cracked hose on that side.
Can I use water?
Not in winter; it freezes.
Where is the washer pump?
On most cars it is pressed into the bottom of the washer fluid reservoir, behind the front bumper or inner fender liner. Some cars use one pump for front and rear washers, others have two.
Why does washer fluid freeze even in winter fluid?
If summer fluid or water was left in the lines and reservoir, the mix is weaker than the label rating. Run the old fluid out and refill with fluid rated to −40.
Why does my rear washer not work but the front does?
The rear hose runs through the roof or liftgate hinge and often cracks or comes apart at a connector, or the rear check valve sticks.
See also Wiper Blade Replacement, Winter Car Preparation Checklist, Multi-Point Inspection, DIY Repair Guides by Manufacturer.
Prefer to Have It Done? Radman Auto Repair, Etobicoke
Independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999. We fix what this guide covers, explain what we find, and keep the old parts for you to see.
This Service Includes
✓ Washer system check
✓ Pump replacement
✓ Line and nozzle repair
✓ Winter fluid top-up