My windshield washers, and also the rear window washers are not working. The headlight washers are working though. Do any of you guys have any ideas for that?

Thank you in advance,
Ken
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2000 V70 XC / 1975 164E / 2005 XC90 / 2001 S60 totalled while parked :(

Did you ever get this figured out?

There are two separate washer pumps. One does both the front windshield and the rear window, and the second is the high pressure for the headlights.

Interesting note: the window motor spins both directions - one way it goes to the front windshield, and the other way it goes to the rear window.

I had this same problem, and the pump motor was failed. I replaced it as a unit. You can pull the plug off the motor and check the voltage if you want to confirm, just have a helper activate the motor. The + and ground will switch, depending on which way it's supposed to be turning. They are different tubes for the fluid though, so a blockage would be the answer if one worked but not the other, but likely not if both are not working.

Hope this helps!

Roger

Start at the reservoir and disconnect the hose/hoses at the first item that you get to. No squirt means that the problem is in the reservoir or motor.

There might be a filter near the hood opening, attached to the front fender. See that the water goes in and out at nearly the same volume.

Above the hood pad there should be a check valve T. I find that the best way to deal with the pad without damage is to have a partner. Each of you should have a screwdriver - turn the fasteners 90 degrees to release them. Take them all out and remove the whole pad. BTW - the clips are designed to release the pad if they get hot in an engine fire and the pad is meant to smother a fire. If you have broken or missing fasteners, replace them with the correct Volvo parts.

By the way, did you read the 700/900 FAQ? See Electrical Wipers

Yeah, I know that your Volvo is not one of those - BUT - MANY systems work the same.

The check valve is a T with a thin disc and a spring that work to keep the lines full of fluid, otherwise it drains back to the reservoir. The disc can rip, or in one case in one of our 740s, washer fluid turned the disc to goo, clogging it up.

I do not type too well, so I am getting tired - read the FAQ, it covers the system quite well, including a cheap way to fix the check valve - I use a piece of dish washing glove myself - the repairs have lasted for years.