Windscreen Washer Pump replacement & repair made easy

The windscreen wiper / washer system enables you to clean your windscreen while driving. The washer fluid assists the window wipers to clean the windscreen of dirt and debris. The washer nozzles that distribute the washer fluid over the windscreen are powered by the washer pump.

• The mechanic will inspect the windscreen washer system.
• The mechanic will carry out checks to determine the exact fault in the electrical system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the faulty washer pump.
• The mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will test the windscreen's wiper / washer facility to ensure it works correctly.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments to the washer jet direction.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a windscreen washer pump replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

• When there is no washer fluid coming from the washer nozzles.
• When there is an irregular or poor supply of washer fluid coming through the washer jets.
• If you go to spray the windscreen and cannot hear the pump running to build the pressure.

A windscreen washer pump replacement usually takes around 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

There is no set interval to replace a windscreen washer pump. When you have symptoms like no washer fluid coming from the washer nozzles, or another of the symptoms listed it is possible the washer pump may need replacing. At an inspection the mechanic will establish, step by step, what the exact fault in the electrical system is before replacing any parts.

Please note, though, when there is no washer fluid being distributed over the window it is not necessarily the washer pump that has failed. In some cases it might be that the wiper switch has failed or that the system has blown a fuse. Equally it could be a loose or corroded wire connector.

Although it's a common item, its simplicity, if maintained, means failure happens occasionally rather than regularly.

The only thing you can do, and this is more important than you may think, is use the right screen detergent at the correct ration. This stops the pump getting clogged up with detergent if it is too undiluted and keeps it lubricated.

Never, ever, use washing up liquid in the washer system. It's not designed for using it and you will clog up the pump as well as producing a string of bubbles each time you spray the windscreen!

No, UK legislation sets out that all washers which are required to be fitted to a vehicle by law must be properly adjusted and maintained in efficient working order. A faulty windscreen washer pump therefore could mean you get fined if pulled over. Furthermore it is potentially a safety hazard as your vision of the road may be impaired if your are not able to wipe the windscreen in case of rain or dirt splashing onto the windscreen. If you suspect there is any issue with the windscreen washer pump or there are concerns about its condition, book with a professional mechanic immediately so they can check and advise on next steps.

Depending on the severity, yes, it is likely that a worn windscreen washer pump could result in an MOT failure. If the MOT tester finds that windscreen washer components are not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, it can be classified as a major fault. If you suspect that there may be a fault with the windscreen washer pump, it is best to get it checked and fixed before the MOT test.

A windshield washer can stop working due to a:

• Blocked nozzle
• Broken pump
• Faulty relay
• An electrical issue