Windscreen washer problem, motor or something else?

[DSM10000]

I was about to book the MOT this week as I have about 4 weeks before it expires but the windscreen washer system is not working correctly.

When I press the switch the motor seems to run very briefly and stop, if I press it two more times it runs and the screen is washed. I am assuming the motor is failing and sticking so each time I press the switch it moves a little until it makes full contact and runs?

The headlight washers work every time so I am assuming these run from a different pump?

Is the screen washer pump fitted to the washer bottle and if so is it available separately and easy to change over. The car is a 2003 W203 saloon.

Many thanks.

[Dec]

Is it not the case that if you press the wiper stalk softly and briefly, you get one sweep and no washer fluid and if you push the wiper stalk harder, for longer, you get a sweep/s plus washer fluid?.. in other words you have a 2 stage push switch on the end of the stalk.

Dec

[DSM10000]

Originally Posted by Dec

Is it not the case that if you press the wiper stalk softly and briefly, you get one sweep and no washer fluid and if you push the wiper stalk harder, for longer, you get a sweep/s plus washer fluid?.. in other words you have a 2 stage push switch on the end of the stalk.

Dec

It is but this is a change in behaviour and not the action you are referring to, if you push and hold the switch down the motor runs very briefly and stops with no water coming from the jets, you have to repeat this twice to get water on to the screen.

[renault12ts]

The pump is fitted to the bottle, and is available separately. Check Ebay.

[DSM10000]

Originally Posted by renault12ts

The pump is fitted to the bottle, and is available separately. Check Ebay.

Thanks!

[Dec]

There should be a non-return valve in the washer tubing, its purpose is to stop the water in the tubes/jets from draining back into the screen wash bottle after you have squirted, if this non-return valve wasn’t closing properly then the tubes would empty and you would have to press the switch for longer until the air is removed from the tubes before water appears at the jets.

Just one possible explanation, otherwise it might be a faulty pump or a bad connection to the pump.

Dec

[DSM10000]

This evening I have changed the pump and the problem remains. I will try a non-return valve tomorrow, I presume one from Halfords would suffice as they seem to be a standard size and fittings on cars I have worked on before?

What is puzzling is having to press the switch 3 or 4 times to get water to the screen, I would have thought that keeping it pressed would eventually pump the water up or does this sound like a problem with the switch? The wipers start immediately so I assumed the switch was working but is it a two position switch to first operate the wipers then the washers?

I need to get it fixed ASAP as the MOT is booked for Friday!

Thanks in advance.

[renault12ts]

I presume you can hear the pump working (or not)?

[SJX]

I bet there is a relay acting up somewhere in the pump circuit. The stalk is applying the power to the relay correctly but its output contacts are not doing the business.

Check out where it lives in your model.

See here for a little, no doubt similar insight.

W209 Washer pump fuse/relay?

[DSM10000]

Originally Posted by renault12ts

I presume you can hear the pump working (or not)?

Yes, it is a new pump and will, after a few presses of the switch work fine.

[renault12ts]

Originally Posted by DSM10000

Yes, it is a new pump and will, after a few presses of the switch work fine.

Then its the switch...or a relay (as mentioned).

[martyz]

Sounds like your problem could be with the contacts in stalk itself.

[DSM10000]

I would surprised if there was a relay, it does not draw much power, Iwonder how much a new stalk is???

[mr. shr]

Once it starts working (after 3-4 presses), does it work on every push thereafter?

[SJX]

Mercedes A-C-E-CLK-G-Class Washer Pump Relay 0025420319 A0025420319 | eBay