D.I.Y. MAINTENANCE: Fixing a Windshield Wiper Nozzle

Do-It-Yourself car maintenance on,

Fixing Windshield Wiper Spray Nozzles

Spray nozzles often collect dirt or dry windshield wiper fluid. This causes the nozzles to spray unevenly or might even stop fluid from getting through at all. Usually a simple fix and a good way to fix it will be explained here)

Fig 1: Nozzle comparison of malfunctioning nozzle (left) and working nozzle (right)

1) Open the hood and set it fixed open.

2) Most nozzles for Joe's can be removed by popping the nozzle out of the car, away from the engine. Depending on certain models, a flathead might be used to unlatch hooks on the nozzle. Check the service manual for your car to see if it is necessary.

Fig 2: Example of a nozzle that requires a flathead tool

Fig 3: Nozzle unlatched from hood

3) Twist the nozzle off from the hose. Clip the hose with some sort of clamp to hold it in place.

Fig 4: Clipped nozzle spray hose

4) Soak the nozzle in a bowl of water for a couple seconds. Wait till all the air bubbles get out and clean the nozzle in the bowl of water. Soaking the nozzle helps loosen contaminants and you'll be able to see how much dirt is cleaned out. After soaking, use a toothpick and rub the walls of both openings of the nozzle.

Fig 5: Nozzle being soaked in water (left). Visible dirt from nozzle (right)

5) Using a a dust buster, spray the nozzle dry, as well as spraying through all openings of the nozzle.

Fig 6: Dust buster and windshield spray nozzle

6) Reattach the nozzle back on the hose and hood.

Fig 7: Windshield wiper nozzles fixed