wyogf45

My 1968 Cutlass only has 13 digits, not 17 like 'TECH' wants in order to give you information. Whats up?
How do you trouble shoot windshield wiper fluid issues. My car's wipers work, the hoses are not blocked, there is washer fluid in the reservoir but it doesn't come out. The **** seems to work properly. Any help would be appreciated! Bill

MDchanic

1. All GM cars in 1968 had 13 digit VINs.
VIN decoding information is given in Section 0 of the Chassis Service Manual,
available free from WildAboutCars.

2. The windshield washers can be having problems with the electrical system, the mechanical drive, or the pump.
Test the wires that go into the pump to make sure the positive wire is hot when you push the button, and that the negative wire goes to ground.
Put 12V on the wires to make sure the solenoid pulls in.
Run the washers and see if you can hear the pump engaging when you push the switch, running for about five cycles, and then stopping. If you can't hear it, there is probably a problem with the drive mechanism, and you should look in the Fisher Body Manual for your year (it's in the CSM in earlier years) for the section on the windshield wiper motor and drive.
If the drive works and the hoses are clear, then buy a rebuild kit at the local auto parts store and replace the pump O-ring and valves, and it should work fine.

Good luck.

- Eric

jaunty75

VIN's had 13 digits through 1980. They went to 17 digits in 1981.

jaunty75

GM VIN's from 1972 and later can be decoded here:

http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vincards/


Oldsmobile VIN's from 1947 through 1997 can be decoded here:

http://www.v8cars.hu/oldsvin/decode.php

MaxDog

I would check that the screen at the end of the hose that sits in the washer fluid reservoir is not clogged/blocked.

Also, on mine the washer fluid hose was not connected to the pump. It was connected to something else, but I can't remember what.

Good luck.

wyogf45

Thanks for the information