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

[elwyn]

Thanks for all your help. I've found the plate behind the bumper so will try to remove it later today. I'm just a little worried that the problem may be elsewhere as none of the washers work now - front, back and headlamp!!!

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by elwyn

Thanks for all your help. I've found the plate behind the bumper so will try to remove it later today. I'm just a little worried that the problem may be elsewhere as none of the washers work now - front, back and headlamp!!!

There are non return valves in the system just before where the tubing splits off in different directions which can cause a similar problem - I posted a diagram of the system a couple of months ago but can't find the page so I've posted again below.
Part number 24(s) are the one way valves - if they block everything stops! If you remove the valve you can reverse blow through the tubing which will usually clear it. I replaced both of the valves using a single valve earlier in the system.

Apparently the valves are there to hold water in the system up to the nozzles so that there is a shorter time delay between turning the washer on and the wash getting to the screens or headlamps.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Mattye]

Hi ASt85,
Apologies for restarting the thread but where did you get the two non return valves from (items 24? I'm battling with my V70 headlight washer system after the Valeo valve stopped working and Volvo want £70 for new valve and hoses which you have to buy in one unit. I'm thinking of replacing the single non return valve with the two shown in the diagram (No's 24).
Thanks

[ASt85]

Hi Mattye,

Apologies for the delay in my reply.

I had them included in an order from FRF so they might have been genuine volvo spares - no idea how much they were at the time - all the receipts went with the car when I sold it, but the valves were sold on their own.

However, the one's in my son's MX5 system were replaced with a single non-return valve from our local motor factor cost was around £2 - they kept them in different bore sizes. I'm fairly certain Halfords also stock them.