I took my car in for an oil change over the weekend and when the service tech filled my windshield washer tank, the fluid leaked out completley in about a minute. So I guess there is either a substantial crack or something is unplugged and allowing it to run out. As a test of the system itself after I got home, I filled the tank and had my daughter turn the washer on while I knew it still had water...the pump ranbut I didn't get any fluid to the nozzles. I didn't get a chance to troubleshoot by disconnecting the hose from the filterbecause it was too dang cold. But I do need to find out if the tank is ok. I think if there are any clogs in the lines I can rod the nozzles with a fine wire and blow them and the lines out with compressed air. Is there a DIY on removing the washer reservoir and servicing the windshield washer system as a whole?

Thanks

Jack

 

I can only assume that the tank suffered damage either due to hitting something or someone left plain water in freezing cold.

I wouldn't use wire method to clean out the line, as you may damage some components. I assume the T-fitting could be clogged. There is one T-fitting for the windshield/screen, one for the headlights. I have also replaced the in-line filter on my 850. Also, the OEM nozzles are kind of lame; I would consider getting the upgraded version:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850wiperwasher.htm

I hope this is of some use. Tech would be able to give you better diagnosis on the leak, though.


JPN

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How do you remove the tank?

 

The tank should just un-clip/pull out of its bracket. If not, you may have to remove a couple of bolts for the bracket itself.

 

If it's like the tank in my 97 850GLT, there are two bolts and one nut on the underside, 10mm on each. The nut is very easy to get to, and one of the bolts isn't bad with a short extension. For the second bolt, you'll need either a super long extension or two extensions together to make it easy. It's kind of tucked away behind the fenderwell shield, which you'll have to hold a bit out of the way to get your socket on the head.

After all the nut and bolts are loose, the only things that hold it in are the filler neck and the hoses. After you disconnect the wiring for the pump and hoses, it should drop down

Did none of your squirters work? Our 850 got a bubble in the system that let the headlight washers work and not the windshield washers. We were able to simply unplug the windshield hose and blow through it. Plugged it back in and it's worked ever since.

 

Thanks for the info. I looked at it and I couldn't tell how it is attached. I will dig into it on Saturday. I havea purge vent valve to replace so I will be under the hood anyway. I'll keep you posted as to what I find.

Did none of your squirters work? No...the only thing that I know works is the pump..and it made noise. But no squirt.

Jack

 

Windshield washers now working. It turns out that I had two problems. The tank leak turned out to be the fill tube not seated good. I also fished out a piece ofaluminum cap from a washer fluid bottle. The check valve tee was also clogged. I used the diy repair to replace the diaphram using a kitchen glove. Works good so far. Iwill order another tee the next time I need something from Grofton. I also replace the purge vent valve and now I'm not sure I really needed it. The vacuum hose was very crumbly. Talking about nasty. Just touching it would get your hands black. Anyway I think it may have gotten porrus with age. I didn't try to just replace the hose to see. So I may have a good valve that I removed. Anyway that beings up another question because of all of this. There is a small bracket with a diapharm and electrical connection that slides out above the radiator shroud that I would like to identify. There are two vacuum hose connections on one side and a small filter (?) on the other. What is it and what does it do?

 

One is probably coming from the EGR valve? Not sure about the other one, without a pic.


JPN

 

I figured it out this evening. It is the air pump solenoid valve and the little filter looking item is a check valve. Not sure if it is part of the evap system that causes a P0440 code. Groton has it listed as secondary air pump system. So far..knock on wood. The cel has not come back on since changing the air purge vent valve and hose. Time will tell.