Rear washer fluid

[SonicBum]

I hear the motor turning when I press the lever, but nothing is coming out the rear squirter.

I did not see any evidence of fluid under the hood. Possible the tube cracked or came loose somewhere. Anyone know the route of this line so I can troubleshoot?

Thanks,
Don

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Hate to ask the obvious, but is your wiper fluid tank full? If not, top it off and try again. The front and rear pull from the same tank but the rear pump sucks higher up in the tank than the front one (so even if you're low, the front will likely have some fluid).

If that doesnt do it, I'd start with checking the rear nozzle at the hatch and going from there. Might have to pull the interior panel off to check it.

 

[SonicBum]

No offense taken. Yes, level is good. I have not seen any fluid coming out of the hatch, which I assume would happen if the nozzle itself was broken. I could check it, but I still might need to know the route of the tube from front to rear in case. Thanks.

 

[SonicBum]

Do you happen to know of any potential breakage dangers of removing the hatch panel? Any tips?

 

[Trevinator]

mine stopped working this winter. I figure that it froze somewhere on the car. damn stores didn't have winter washer fluid a week before it got down into the negatives!

I think it was leaking out when I hit the washer though, as a short while after I hit it, the airbag light would come up on the gauge. I don't even bother with it right now, side mirrors work ok.

 

[Natesriv]

the reservoir for the washer fluid is under the driver's side wheel liner. There's about 6 or so torx screws/push pin like retainers holding it on. The inner wheel liner is actually two pieces, which meet at the top of the wheel well.

That will give you access to the motor. I think the hoses hook up there, it's not conceivable that one came loose there... if so it would just spray the fluid into that area... possible the hose is blocked too...if possible, disconnect the hose from the motor and blow into it, have a friend feel around the nozzle on the hatch... if air comes out it's not disconnected... it's also possible it's clogged and nothings wrong, just a blockage.

the hose nozzle is accessed from the hatch, just two Phillips screws...above the rear 3rd brakelight

 

[McD6113]

I actually had this problem as well. The line to the rear is routed with the body wiring harness and comes through the firewall under the dash. Mine froze and cracked here so it sprayed fluid on my feet when I hit the rear washer switch. The dealer I took it to told me that the hose can't be purchased separately from the wiring harness and they had to replace the entire body harness, thankfully it was still under warranty.

 

[tastelessparrot]

My rear washer line has either separated from the wiper housing or cracked. I had fluid running down the inside near the point where the hose leaves the main body of the car and enters the hatch. Made a huge mess on the upholstery in the back. I have an appointment tomorrow to have it fixed. Thankfully, I'm still under warranty.

 

[SonicBum]

I've been so busy, I haven't tackled this yet. Thanks for all the input and I'll let everyone know Sunday hiw it works out.

 

[Stew]

I actually had this problem as well. The line to the rear is routed with the body wiring harness and comes through the firewall under the dash. Mine froze and cracked here so it sprayed fluid on my feet when I hit the rear washer switch. The dealer I took it to told me that the hose can't be purchased separately from the wiring harness and they had to replace the entire body harness, thankfully it was still under warranty.

Seriously, the entire main body wire harness needs to be replaced in order to replace the hose? What is this hose made of, rubber or some kind of hard plastic?

Warranty or not I would be replacing that hose myself rather than risking who knows what kind of electrical issues down the road from having all that wiring messed with.