Windscreen washer problems on XC70 D5

[elwyn]

Both windscreen and rear washers have stopped working but I do get a dribble from one of the headlamp washers. The fuses are OK and I can hear the relays clicking. Any help would be appreciated!!!

[XC70Bob]

Originally Posted by elwyn

Both windscreen and rear washers have stopped working but I do get a dribble from one of the headlamp washers. The fuses are OK and I can hear the relays clicking. Any help would be appreciated!!!

Assuming there is water in the washer bottle !
if the pumps are running and water is present, a common problem is a slim that forms in the washer bottle, which is a bacterial growth, and it blocks the filter on the pump intake.
if this is the cause you will need to remove the pump and clean out the bottle and pump filters.
also seen this result when washing up liquid is used instead of screen wash again forming a slim that blocks the pump filter.

[elwyn]

Thanks XC70BOB. How on earth do I get at the reservoir? Is it a matter of removing the wheel arch liner? Oh!, and yes, the washer is full and only ever used screen wash

[DieselDoNicely]

I only use screen wash and I get the damned slime too.

DDN

[XC70Bob]

You are going to have to remove the bumper to gain good access, I don't think you can reach the pumps if you remove the wheel arch liner, as if I remember correctly they are on the front side of the tank.

To combat the slime I use a food safe sanitiser, I put just a splash ( about a tablet spoon full if you want actual amount) in to my 5ltr top up bottle, when refilling the washer bottle , but only in the first fill of the top up bottle.
This is the one I use only because it came free from work, were we used it to sanitise the condensate drains on ventilation equipment.

[TiredGeek]

There is actually an access plate under the front corner of the bumper just about where it meets the arch liner. Remove that and with a bit of a struggle you can replace the washer pump or just remove it to clean the resevoir. I replaced mine that way a couple of years ago when it stopped spraying the headlights....
Removing the bumper does give better access but it's not strictly neccessary