windshield washer inop

[Hkp7]

my washer pump hasnt worked since i got the car. I removed the fluid bottle and cleaned it out, and tested the motor with 12v and it worked. Wires and connections are clean, fuse is good, headlight washers work, wipers work. Maybe switch is bad? Is there anything in between I should check?

[Mrmerlin]

if you unplug the washer motor and connect a 12v light bulb does it light up when you pull the handle

[911blex]

Did you have someone else confirm that the pump is not running while you attempted to make it work from inside the car? The reason I ask this is because the pump may be working, but your washer nozzles may be plugged with junk and/or your check valves clogged/worn-out. The check valves I am referring to are the ones that go inside of the hood. I was able unclog my washer nozzles by boiling them in water for 5 minutes. My washer system's peformance made a night and day difference between doing this and replacing all of the check valves.

[Niles]

Can you hear the pump? I've had problems in other cars with clogged nozzles, this gives the appearance that the pump is not working. Also make sure the tubing is intact. It may be spraying the wash fluid under the hood.

[Danglerb]

The catch is many owners don't like squirting water on their Porsche, so the washers never get used and things clog up.

[Mrmerlin]

not to mention the fact of the metal collars that fill the washer tank with rust and then clog the headlight squirters.
Remove the metal from the fill tube and the tank inlet then wash the tank

[911blex]

Originally Posted by Mrmerlin

not to mention the fact of the metal collars that fill the washer tank with rust and then clog the headlight squirters.
Remove the metal from the fill tube and the tank inlet then wash the tank

So true! IMO, nearly all 928's washer systems deserve a good going through as the metal collar because the rust from it can clog up everything. After I removed my washer tank, I wire brushed the metal collar, degreased it, acid-etched it, painted it with POR-15 rust preventitive paint, and put a second coat of POR -15 topcoat to encapsulate it. This may sound like overkill, but if it keeps rust away it is worth it.

Also important IMO, is to only put -35 degree or colder "winter" washer fluid in the washer tank if you live in a cold climate because non-winter washer fluid will turn into a slush that will damage the check valves in the washer system.

[Mrmerlin]

911Blex the new suggestion for the tank and fill tube is to remove both of these metal collars, and dont overtighten the clamps on the transition hose.
If you buy a new fill tube simply dip it into hot water and the metal collar will slide out, the tank is usually rusted and will take a bit more work but it will also come out

[Hkp7]

Ok, heres what happened last night, I re installed the tank and pump, hoses to washer squirters were already disconnected due to cracked t's which I had on order for some time now. I hit the button under the right side of the pod and the wipers wiped and the washer motor worked squirting fluid everywhere. What is that button supposed to be for because it seems obvious that the wiper switch is installed incorrectly. Also tonght I am going to attempt to solder new wires to the low fluid level float assy. the plug was corroded and one of the pins broke off the sensor itself. I was able to cut away the plastic to find a flat spot to solder to. In the process of all this, I did find the fill tube (tank side) rusted but put the unit back in before knowing I could remove that neck. Also whoever was in there before me failed to put hose clamps on anything. Thanks for the tips and info, I will boil the squirters before I attempt to hook them up. Just need to know what that button is for. Thanks, Bill

[Mrmerlin]

the little button on the bottom of the pod is for the intensive wipers, this is a separate washer/tank mounted to the front pan next to the hood latch or on the later cars under the plastic cowl cover.
The intensive washers are usually filled with a silicone cutting fluid thats extra strong, it also runs the wipers at a higher speed for a few cycles.
The regular washer system is actuated with the wiper stalk by pulling back on the lever.
The headlight washers are run by pushing the stalk forward and having the headlights up/on
You should still remove the metal collars in the washer tank and the fill tube.

To figure out the correct washer fluid line routing simply look at the PET it gives a detail of how the one way valves run and the T fittings and how they are connected to the squirters