BMW 5 series E39 windscreen washer pump failure

[kesavva]

Hi, I have a '97 E39 523i and the windscreen washer has suddenly stopped working. When I try to activate it, the wipers start working for 3 sweeps but with no fluid from the bonnet nozzels and no noise from the washer pump. The reservoir was nearly full. I topped this up but then noticed water leaking from the top of the o/s wheel arch from the gauge. I couldn't see any loose hoses or exactly where the leak was coming from. I checked all the fuses but all were OK.

Any ideas ??

[skwdenyer]

kesavva said:

Hi, I have a '97 E39 523i and the windscreen washer has suddenly stopped working. When I try to activate it, the wipers start working for 3 sweeps but with no fluid from the bonnet nozzels and no noise from the washer pump. The reservoir was nearly full. I topped this up but then noticed water leaking from the top of the o/s wheel arch from the gauge. I couldn't see any loose hoses or exactly where the leak was coming from. I checked all the fuses but all were OK.

Any ideas ??

My parents just called to tell me that the same thing happened (washer failing to wash) \to their E39 on Sunday night. They changed the fuse apparently (I have no idea if it needed changing or not...), but to no avail.

Since I'm sure I'll get asked to assist here, I'll reiterate - any ideas?

[mybrainhurts]

They don't work very well when the water freezes....

[pits]

As you are new, I will refrain from being to blunt , firstly probably better of posting in the BMW related section, secondly I would guess that due to temperatures dropping below 0c which is waters freezing point, I will guess that your washer bottle, motor, and lines have frozen solid. Try pouring hot water over the reservoir, around the motor not all over the motor, the lines, and the washer jets, dont pour the hot water on the glass though, it will end badly.

Failing that, have you checked perhaps the fuse? Or that the wires are on and connected properly to the motor?

Welcome btw

[Kinky]

pits said:

As you are new, I will refrain from being to blunt , firstly probably better of posting in the BMW related section

Beat me to it

But it's moved now

[mybrainhurts]

Sir, I do believe I beat you....

[Kinky]

mybrainhurts said:

Sir, I do believe I beat you....

Oh yeah? Which bit of the following beats me?

mybrainhurts said:

They don't work very well when the water freezes....

In fact - stuff that ..... Get your top gear top trumps cards out ...... I'll have you beaten

[mybrainhurts]

Kinky said:

mybrainhurts said:

Sir, I do believe I beat you....

Oh yeah? Which bit of the following beats me?

mybrainhurts said:

They don't work very well when the water freezes....

In fact - stuff that ..... Get your top gear top trumps cards out ...... I'll have you beaten

I was talking to Mr pits, sir...

[skwdenyer]

mybrainhurts said:

They don't work very well when the water freezes....

Yes, very funny... my parents' situation was in non-freezing conditions. Any thoughts?

[mybrainhurts]

skwdenyer said:

mybrainhurts said:

They don't work very well when the water freezes....

Yes, very funny... my parents' situation was in non-freezing conditions. Any thoughts?

The pump is knackered. It happens. Even to my lowly Mondeo, last year....

[pits]

mybrainhurts said:

Kinky said:

mybrainhurts said:

Sir, I do believe I beat you....

Oh yeah? Which bit of the following beats me?

mybrainhurts said:

They don't work very well when the water freezes....

In fact - stuff that ..... Get your top gear top trumps cards out ...... I'll have you beaten

I was talking to Mr pits, sir...

Yes, but in the grand scheme of things your only trump card is time, where as mine is a whole different section for different vehicles, so ner

[mybrainhurts]

pits said:

mybrainhurts said:

Kinky said:

mybrainhurts said:

Sir, I do believe I beat you....

Oh yeah? Which bit of the following beats me?

mybrainhurts said:

They don't work very well when the water freezes....

In fact - stuff that ..... Get your top gear top trumps cards out ...... I'll have you beaten

I was talking to Mr pits, sir...

Yes, but in the grand scheme of things your only trump card is time, where as mine is a whole different section for different vehicles, so ner

Stop trying to confuse me, I can do that perfectly well myself...

[paoloh]

And don't forget to check the filters in the bottom of the tank.

They get badly gunked up.

You need to remove water bottle and flush out.

[Beamish]

If you can hear the pump run you probably have a leak at one of the hose connections, either at the nozzles, or there is also a connection on top of the inner offfside wheelarch which sometimes comes apart. It is only a question of pushing the connections back to-gether.