Steve in New Hampshire

Well I got all the new little valves in and readjusted the jets after plugging the second line that goes into the reservoir and all was well.

So yea, it is a might bit cold out there this morning, about 0 degrees F. Hit the washer, and nothing. So I thought okay, it IS cold...so probably have some slushy fluid. Change to that nasty orange stuff that's good to 25 below...and everything works fine in the garage. Get it out in the cold and nothing again!! <img border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" title="" src="graemlins/cussing.gif" />

So though I froze my butt off checking...it isn't the fluid after all. When I get the car into the cold the washer motor doesn't turn on!! Get it back in the slightly warmer (maybe 35 degrees) and she works again!!

Anyone seen this happen? Is this simply the washer motor giving up?

Steve

Bryan

I don't know what causes this, but I can tell you my '88 944 does EXACTLY the same thing down here near Boston where the temp is about the same as it is for you in NH (well, maybe a tad warmer). I replaced the check valves and blew all the lines and nozzles out with compressed air, and I put in a new pump and tank too. So imagine my disappointment when they suddenly stopped working. And yes, it has to do with the temperature. When it's real cold, they don't want to work. When it's around freezing or warmer, no problem. And I'm also using the unfreezable fluid too. The orange Prestone stuff.

In my car, the pump runs but nothing comes out of the nozzles. What I've been doing is leaving the defroster on all the time. I think that the washer nozzles are heated when the defroster is on (I'm not sure and will post a new question about this). And when my nozzles are warm, I can wash my windshield.

So that's what works for me so far.

Bryan

Steve in New Hampshire

Yea Bryan I thought I was having the frozen nozzle issue as well...so I went with the orange stuff too. But this morning I checked...and the washer motor was silent when outside in the cold...but worked when it was warmer in the garage!! Evil spirits?

Bryan

Did you replace your pump? Mine was dead, so I had to. Also, my '88 has the later, simplified system that doesn't recirculate fluid. The line goes straight from the pump to the nozzles and that's it. Anyhow, I have no idea what the issue is with your setup. The only thing to suggest is check for 12v at the pump connector when you squirt the windshield, and go from there. Which is lots of fun in this weather. Maybe pull the pump out (mine is just held into the tank with a rubber grommet) and take it inside and let it thaw and dry out. 'Course all your washer fluid will dribble out of the tank - at least mine would with the later setup.

Bryan

Steve in New Hampshire

Yea, I'll check with a voltmeter tonight (shiver). Hey anyone know if there is a relay in the circuit for the windshield washer pump? I could have a wimpy relay that won't trip in the cold. PET shows one for the Headlight washer, but not the Windshield washer...

At least it's so cold here now we don't have to worry about any salt spray for a while!!

Steve in New Hampshire

P.S. No I haven't replaced the pump...since it works like a charm at 32 degrees...could shoot fluid onto the rear hatch when the nozzles weren't adjusted! But I did price one today...$34...so if I'm getting 12 volts to it that'll be my next move!

Bryan

The more I think about this, the more I'm wondering about the pump. I bet there's some moisture trapped inside the pump that's freezing it up. I bet you'll get 12v at the connector, and if you take the pump inside and get it nice and warm and dried out, it'll work again.

Bryan

ArcticCzar

Bryan - You're exactly right. The motor inside the pump siezes when it gets too cold. You'll need 2 people for this, but try the ol' window motor trick. That means, with power applied, GENTLY give the motor a love-tap - like with a small hammer. The shock should loosen any fluids that have coagulated. Steve - you can check your relay by turning the key to accessories only and (in complete silence) pull the washer lever and listen carefully. You should hear a click come from the fusebox. Then you know the relay is working and the motor inside the pump isn't.

Steve in New Hampshire

Sounds like a plan! I'll give it a shot (literally!) tonight. Failing that perhaps if I take it off, which is pretty easy on the '87 version, I can get good and dryed out in the house with a hair dryer.

Danke!