Troubleshooting the wiper spray system

[wolfturbo]

OK guys, who can tell I am by myself bach'ing it this weekend??? HINT: my high number of DIY questions today! :mrgreen:

OK, on my recently acquired CSi I noticed the wiper fluid reservoir was empty. I filled it up, hoping that it would actually deliver fluid as intended to the windshield.

When I push the turn signal stalk my wipers work but no fluid shoots onto the windshield. Is there some way that I am missing to make this happen?

I suspect the answer to my question is NO, and that my system isn't working. How would I begin to troubleshoot the system? Is the pump that little cylindrical apparatus at the bottom of the reservoir? Should I start by seeing if it is getting power? Any other ideas? As usual, thanks to all! I come from the Porsche world, so I am starting at ground zero with respect to my knowledge of how these old Bimmers work!

Best regards to all.

Rob

 

[Stevehose]

You better finish all the home projects she thinks you're supposed to be doing!

Yes you should check voltage there with a meter on the 2 wires but I suspect the motor is frozen.

Remove it from the reservoir then you can unscrew the little gear box housing to see what's going on in there, mine was frozen inside and a simple cleaning/lube and the motor spins fine now.

 

[adawil2002]

Pull the stalk towards you to activate the washer system. Pushing the wiper button only turns the wipes on.

If it still does not work:
Check that there is power to the cylindrical motor at the base of the fluid reservoir. The impeller could simply be stuck.