Windshield Washer Pump or Clogged Nozzles

[Observer_68]

Welp, took my 2019 Ram 1500 Limited 4WD 5.7 to dealer for a recall ABS re-flash and had them check the windshield washer just dribbling out of the DS nozzle and nothing coming from the PS nozzle. Service seems to be sooooo slow these days. 4 hours later was informed that they suspect the little washer pump may be weak and the estimated repair was $689.85 ( IF that was the problem) so I thought "WHOA" and rejected the repair. All they did was remove the hood insulation (not completely) to check if the lines were still connected. Anyway, after I got home I began to look the system over. I disconnected the tubing where it turns at the DS hinge and goes into the hood and ran the pump with a 16oz water bottle attached and it filled it up in about 5 seconds. I could place my thumb on the tubing to stop the flow so I don't know how much pressure the pump is suppose to supply, but it seems descent to me. I'm waiting on some push pins I ordered for the insulation unit and see if I can get to the nozzles to see if they are just plugged. Does anyone else have any history with this issue and if so can you share please? My model has the nozzles connected to a 10" or so line that is under the hood near the windshield. I tried to search the forums but I seemed to bounce around in a loop, sry.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Richard320]

I used to shoot a staple out of a stapler and straighten one leg to clean out washer nozzles when I was wrenching for a living.

 

[Marine6212]

Chase those washer fluid lines all the way from the nozzles to the pump, they use hard plastic connectors and tees that break easily. My 2016 had low pressure and found a plastic connector about a foot from pump was cracked, replaced under warranty a week later same issue. I got some metal connectors from work and install them, end of problem. 2023 same issue about a month ago, except connector was under the sound deadner in the hood broke in half.

 

[Wild Bill]

I just did a Google search on clogged windshield washer lines and nozzles and some results popped up that Rain X windshield washer fluid is known to do this.

 

[Observer_68]

Thanks for your replies fellas. I've dug deeper into this issue and removed the DS nozzle assembly and cannot get anything through this, even air. How could they not check this??? At any rate, I will vacuum the reservoir out, back blow some low pressure air and try to clean the supply real good. Couldn't even clean the nozzle out with pins.. sigh, and get those nozzles ordered.... Will report when finished.