Screen washer priming problem

[Mr Spigot]

On my wife's 2014 Fiesta, the screen wash fluid seems to take a long time (4-5 seconds) to spray onto the screen once the control is pressed. It suggests to me that there is a fault in a non-return valve, which I assume exists, allowing the fluid in the pipes to drain back into the reservoir after each use. If you operate the washer again soon after using it, the wash fluid comes out almost immediately. Is this a common fault? Does anyone have any suggestions for what might be causing it?  In every car I can think of that I have used before, the washer fluid comes out almost as soon as the pump starts.

Thanks.

[Jollyandy]

On my wife's 2014 Fiesta, the screen wash fluid seems to take a long time (4-5 seconds) to spray onto the screen once the control is pressed. It suggests to me that there is a fault in a non-return valve, which I assume exists, allowing the fluid in the pipes to drain back into the reservoir after each use. If you operate the washer again soon after using it, the wash fluid comes out almost immediately. Is this a common fault? Does anyone have any suggestions for what might be causing it?  In every car I can think of that I have used before, the washer fluid comes out almost as soon as the pump starts.
Thanks.

We had the same problem with my wife’s car too. I mentioned it when it went for a service, only to be told there was nothing wrong with it. Quick trip to Halfords, and for the princely sum of £1.50 a non-return valve was fitted into the washer feed pipe - that’s what you need.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Mr Spigot]

Thanks. That is a lovely simple, practical solution.