Windshield Washer Issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 21, 2021 | 10:40 AM
  #1  
Phoenix8990's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,162
From: Asheville NC
Windshield Washer Issue

I have a 69 Cutlass, the wipers work but not the washer. If I press the button the wipers start but no fluid. I have 2 extra wires in the area of which I believe the yellow should go to the pump but I see no place for a connection. I have attached a picture.
Old Apr 21, 2021 | 01:11 PM
  #2  
Fun71's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,409
From: Phoenix, AZ
The pump is a mechanical device attached to the wiper motor. There is an electric solenoid that engages the pump operation, so if that is not being energized, the pump won't operate.

Pull the cover off the pump so you can inspect it and see what's going in in there.




Old Apr 21, 2021 | 02:51 PM
  #3  
RandyS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,972
From: New Mexico
I'm thinking that the green wire needs to go away, and the taped yellow wire would attach in it's place.
Old Apr 21, 2021 | 03:02 PM
  #4  
Yellowstatue's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,086
From: Too close to Toronto!!
Maybe the green wire goes to a switch under the dash for manual operation.
Old Apr 21, 2021 | 03:13 PM
  #5  
Fun71's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,409
From: Phoenix, AZ
Originally Posted by Phoenix8990
I have a 69 Cutlass, the wipers work but not the washer. If I press the button the wipers start but no fluid.
Let's review this. When you activate the washers, do you hear anything, such as clicking or other mechanical noise?

If yes, that could indicate the washer pump is trying to engage or is moving but no water is being drawn through the hose from the reservoir. In that case you may need to prime the washer by disconnecting the hose from the washer end and drawing (siphoning) water into the hose from the reservoir.
Another possibility is the rubber check valves in the pump are leaky and need to be replaced.

If there is no sound when the washer is engaged, it's time to check the electrical connections to make sure the washer is being energized properly when the switch is closed.
Old Apr 22, 2021 | 05:42 AM
  #6  
Phoenix8990's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,162
From: Asheville NC
I'll dig into it more today, thanks for the responses. It hadn't occurred to me that it may take a bit for the pump to get primed. I'll also try swapping the wires. And yes I have a clicking sound but I'll have to listen carefully as it may be linkage.

Steve
Old Apr 22, 2021 | 08:02 AM
  #7  
matt69olds's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,104
From: central Indiana
Dorman use to offer a rebuild kit for the washer pump. If the washer click when activated, the. You know they work electrically. Hopefully it’s just a matter of getting the washers primed so they pump
Old Apr 22, 2021 | 08:33 AM
  #8  
Phoenix8990's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,162
From: Asheville NC
Well, it clicks all the time. Even with all 4 loose wires disconnected, green, black, and 2 yellows. Obviously I have 2 extra wires for something. I gather it should only click when trying to pump washer fluid?

Steve
Old Apr 22, 2021 | 11:50 AM
  #9  
matt69olds's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,104
From: central Indiana
I have a 69 book at home, I’ll try and take a decent pic later.

I can’t blow up the 71 wiring diagram photo that’s in the sticky well enough to read on my phone. If I remember right, yellow is power to the wiper motor, and power to the washer solenoid coil. The blue wire should show a ground when the washer button is pushed.
Old Apr 22, 2021 | 02:32 PM
  #10  
Yellowstatue's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,086
From: Too close to Toronto!!
Sometimes the three small rubber valves stick from sitting and if you remove that part with the hoses it can be checked easily.
Old Apr 22, 2021 | 04:06 PM
  #11  
Phoenix8990's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,162
From: Asheville NC
Well I got the wiring straightened out. It now clicks only when the washer pump is working then turns off. Unfortunately no fluid comes out. I primed it, NG. I removed the cover where the 3 lines connect and there was a bunch of dirt and dust in there. I cleaned it up but still not working. I would think that the o-rings have gotten hard and I'll need a rebuild kit. Any other thoughts?

Steve
Old Apr 22, 2021 | 04:10 PM
  #12  
Phoenix8990's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,162
From: Asheville NC
I also have a green and yellow pair of wires that appear to come out of the WW motor or from behind it. Any clue as to what they are for?

Steve
Old Apr 22, 2021 | 06:11 PM
  #13  
Vintage Chief's Avatar
Running On Empty
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26,014
From: Earth

1971 Original GM Oldsmobile CSM Wiring Diagram A Body "V-8"

Old Apr 23, 2021 | 06:04 AM
  #14  
BackInTheGame's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,471
From: Colorado - Front Range
No Washer Pump/Spray

I am following along. I have the same issue on my washer fluid pump on my '68. I've already rebuilt it, and replaced all the hoses. I believe it is OK, electrically; it clicks appropriately and I've seen the pawl engaging when the dash button is depressed. No fluid ever hits the windshield, nor is drawn into the intake line. The only thing I have not done at this point is to prime the pump and the hose from the reservoir to the pump.

Last edited by BackInTheGame; Apr 23, 2021 at 06:08 AM. Reason: spelling
Old Apr 23, 2021 | 06:17 AM
  #15  
Phoenix8990's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,162
From: Asheville NC
As far as priming the pump, I took the hose off at the wiper motor and sucked on the hose until fluid came to the end, I'm wondering if I should get a dropper and put some in the hose connections in case the o-rings are just dried up?

Steve
Old Apr 23, 2021 | 06:36 AM
  #16  
72455's Avatar
1972 U code Supreme
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,096
From: Chesapeake, VA
Originally Posted by Phoenix8990
As far as priming the pump, I took the hose off at the wiper motor and sucked on the hose until fluid came to the end, I'm wondering if I should get a dropper and put some in the hose connections in case the o-rings are just dried up?

Steve
I've been following your thread and had the same issue on my '72 Supreme. After a week of troubleshooting and scratching my head, I just replaced the whole unit. Something to think about...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/68-69-70-71....m46890.l49286

Last edited by 72455; Apr 23, 2021 at 06:40 AM.
Old Apr 23, 2021 | 07:17 AM
  #17  
BackInTheGame's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,471
From: Colorado - Front Range
In reviewing the CSM, CH 12B (for 1968) I see two additional possibilities. 1) there is an O-ring within the plastic pump body/cylinder - that could be cracked so it does not draw vacuum/fluid, or 2) Maybe a PO had the mechanism apart and did not reassemble the CAM and Drive Gear Pin correctly.. I may uncover other tidbits as I review the CSM in between Work From Home activities
Old Apr 23, 2021 | 08:18 AM
  #18  
Koda's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 12,796
From: Evansville, IN
It's also worth noting that these work 20% as well as modern ones even when they are working.
Old Apr 23, 2021 | 09:07 AM
  #19  
Fun71's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 15,409
From: Phoenix, AZ
This is what the washer pump rebuild kit looks like. $6 at the local auto parts store.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/fi...pair-kit.c9134


Old Apr 23, 2021 | 09:25 AM
  #20  
Phoenix8990's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,162
From: Asheville NC
I'm on my way, $5.99, that's great, OPGI and Fusick both want $20. I'll post results.

thanks
Old Apr 23, 2021 | 09:38 AM
  #21  
matt69olds's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,104
From: central Indiana
If you want it to work perfectly, install one of these. Leave some hoses connected to the factory pump, mount this one out of sight, problem solved.

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...:1,prmr:1,cs:1
Old Apr 23, 2021 | 09:50 AM
  #22  
BackInTheGame's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,471
From: Colorado - Front Range
Originally Posted by matt69olds
If you want it to work perfectly, install one of these. Leave some hoses connected to the factory pump, mount this one out of sight, problem solved.

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...:1,prmr:1,cs:1
That's cheating, LOL!
Old Apr 23, 2021 | 10:53 AM
  #23  
Phoenix8990's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,162
From: Asheville NC
That's a thought, I'll see how pathetic the original is, if I can get it to work.
Old Mar 27, 2023 | 03:20 PM
  #24  
DTencza's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 6
Originally Posted by 72455
I've been following your thread and had the same issue on my '72 Supreme. After a week of troubleshooting and scratching my head, I just replaced the whole unit. Something to think about...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/68-69-70-71....m46890.l49286
not sure if anyone will see this, but I put a new pump in from OPGI. 72 Cutlass S, no hidden wipers. Does that make a difference? I can’t seem to find a pump that doesn’t say “for hidden wipers”. When I put in the new pump, it made a pretty good clicking noise. Is that normal? Fluid did come out but wipers would turn off with the car on.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Neil F85
General Discussion
3
Jun 18, 2019 03:18 AM
Rlasley
Cutlass
4
Jun 10, 2018 03:40 PM
Bernhard
General Discussion
7
Mar 6, 2017 07:12 PM
Gmcdually
Parts Wanted
0
Aug 21, 2015 04:09 PM
Gustav455
Electrical
3
Mar 5, 2010 03:41 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:34 AM.