Windshield Washer Fluid System

**SilveradoBrett** · 10-22-2008, 06:37 PM

Hey everyone,

So with snow coming into colorado I figured it would be a good time to fix my windshield washer fluid problem. So I have some ideas on how to fix it, but I was wondering if anyone has some advice. So when I have the ignition key in the one position and I turn the windshield washer fluid on, nothing comes out. I look at all the lines and there is not even any fluid in them. The motor does not seem to be making any sound either. So I am guessing that I should start at the fuse and see if it is blown and then the next thing is to see if there is any fluid in the lines or if the motor begins to make sound. If I see that there is fluid and there is no spray then I know the nozzles are clogged. So I know the basics of how to fix the system. I have also been reading my very handy chilton manual and see that there is a motor and a pump. I am guessing the pump is located in the resovior and I know where the motor is. I am going to tackle that this weekend since I am putting in my new system and will have my truck mostly torn apart for that. So do you think I should just go to checker and get a motor and a pump and fix the motor first if the fuse is alright? Just looking for a little feedback before I go spend $100 bucks on parts getting this fixed. I would guess that it is the motor, but I have never really messed around with this system before. Has anyone? Thanks for the feedback!

**04sierracrewcab** · 10-22-2008, 06:43 PM

I would check the fuse/ijectiors and if both looked ok I personally would go get a used one. Or you may be able to find one at a local junk yard for much cheaper

?

What is Checker btw, i see that name being used often. Is it an auto parts store?

**SilveradoBrett** · 10-22-2008, 07:00 PM

Thanks for the reply and yeah I was going to check the fuse first and see what happens. I was going to check the nozzles (injectors) last because there is not even any fluid in the lines. I have clear lines on the system and there is no fluid in there. I also did a little experiment and filled it up with fluid and it looks like the res is not broken or anything. But yeah checker is the best autoparts store in the world. They have basically everything in stock, I rarely have to order something. It is like a autozone, but I think its part of the Advanced auto parts chain, but I am not sure. We have all of those places out here in colorado. I was surfing the net and I can get a motor from checkers for $54.99 plus $30 core. By the time I go to a junkyard I would have paid more than that in time to find the truck and get the motor out. Plus newish trucks are hard to find in junkyards here in colorado. People hold onto everything that has 4 wheel drive because the winters suck and you have to have 4X4 to get to work some days. I willl let you all know how it goes!

**04sierracrewcab** · 10-22-2008, 07:06 PM

ok good luck. keep us posted!

**retired2001** · 10-22-2008, 10:15 PM

My '04 Chevy has a problem with the "washer system", too. Mine leaks like a sieve. It has since I bought it used two years ago. I have tried to get my hands in there to it, but I give up! I carry water in the bed to pour on the windshield, if it gets that bad. I have never just given up on something like this since I tried to change the spark plugs on the firewall side of a front wheel drive Cadillac!

**04sierracrewcab** · 10-22-2008, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by retired2001

My '04 Chevy has a problem with the "washer system", too. Mine leaks like a sieve. It has since I bought it used two years ago. I have tried to get my hands in there to it, but I give up! I carry water in the bed to pour on the windshield, if it gets that bad. I have never just given up on something like this since I tried to change the spark plugs on the firewall side of a front wheel drive Cadillac!

now there is an idea

**dwill3015** · 10-22-2008, 11:49 PM

Start with the simple things and work your way forward. Late 90's-early 2000's washer pumps get coroded from being below the battery box. I had to replace both motors and lines on my 2001 suburban.

**SilveradoBrett** · 10-23-2008, 12:25 AM

Under the battery box? On my 96 the battery is on the passanger side and there is a storage box that sits above the windshield fluid so I dont really think that the pump could be corroded but it might be old and wore out from 13 years of service. I am guessing it is the fuse, or the motor. But I am just puzzled? Give up on changing the firewall side spark plugs on a caddy? That does sound like a pain! Did you see if it was leaking from the resovoir? I need to fix them due to all the slush and snow that makes the windshield impossible to see through and the water in the bed would freeze. I carry around some extra fluid that I stop and throw on there in those blind situations but its a luxury I want back. I will attempt but may also fail miserably.

**zippy** · 10-23-2008, 12:31 AM

Your K1500 may be one several models that had a bad pulse circuit board in the wiper motor. Do all Siverados have intermittent wipers? Before you replace the washer fluid pump verify that it's getting power.

I had a problem with my washers after visiting the body shop. When they reinstalled the cowl, the washer hose was pinched. I couldn't see the problem without removing the cowl. Disconnect the hose after the pump and before the firewall to pressure test for an obstruction.

**SilveradoBrett** · 10-23-2008, 06:39 PM

Thanks that is very helpfull zippy. I will try those things first! Well after the fuse, knowing me its probably been the fuse for a long time and I was just being a little silly.