windscreen washers not working

[smurfette]

My windscreen washers haven't been working too well for the past wee while but I put it down to the cold weather and them probably still being frozen when I was driving to and from work. However, since it's become milder, I realise that the passenger side one works fine, it's the driver's side and the rear ones that are the problem. Booked it in to the garage today, and they've fixed the rear one as the hose had come off and report that they have 'modified' it so that it doesn't happen again. (I'm wondering if 'modified' means they have used lots of gaffa tape??) Anyway, the front one is a bit of a bigger issue and apparently they need to order in new washer jets. None in stock anywhere in the country so they're coming from Italy (apparently). Not that I'm cynical at all, but they hope to be here on Wednesday so we'll see how that goes. On a plus note, at least the service guy didn't talk to me like I was some sort of idiot. Maybe he's heard about me before.......
Anyone else had any similar problems in the past? I've never owned a Fiat before so not really sure what to expect in the way of common faults.
Cheers.

 

[muppet42]

Not heard of that problem particular to Fiats, but blockages can occur of course. One of my jets has always been blocked on one of the nozzles, but since it's one of three on that side, it's never bothered me too much.

Like many modern cars, electrical issues tend to make up the majority of problems. Well, I've found that anyway. Not sure how the 500 stands in this particular way though. There's one or two other members on here that I believe have 500's that can perhaps give their opinions on the matter too.

I do have to say, Fiat don't always come across as the most professional dealers. Got RGZ serviced last week and they went to replace the number plate bulb. Now, this would be simple, but the near 6 year old bolts had rusted and almost fused with the panel. Neglected to tell them that though as I'd been fannying around with it for a while

Anyway, amazingly they didn't call me up and tell me they couldn't get them out, so thought "Great, they've solved a problem I've had for months." Well, picked it up and looked at the light...one new screw, one rusty and the lense cover was hanging off a little as they'd prized it off. Since they'd done it for free and it technically worked, I swallowed my annoyance and went to my work, got some self tappers and fixed that side. The lense cover's still a little damaged, but sealed from the elements and looks fine.

Just need to sort the other one out at some point

 

[FiatFXR]

Get ur hands on a compressor and blast the crap out of the jets with the pressure of the air. lol

 

[mrcinquecento]

Disconnect the hose and unclip the washer jet from the bonnet, put a pin in the holes to loosen any crap, then try the same from the other side and reconnect to the hose, give it a blast, see if it works better. if not, disconnect again and put the jet unit into a bowl of warm water, leave for about 20 minutes then go and try it again, if alls good, the reconnect it to the bonnet, reconnect the pipe and enjoy being able to clear your screen

same for the rear, but also check the condition of the hose leaving the washer tank if you can

 

[smurfette]

Thanks for the tips. Since it's under warranty I'll let them have a go first..... (I'd probably break it!)

 

[M21MFS]

Thanks for the tips. Since it's under warranty I'll let them have a go first..... (I'd probably break it!)

At the end of the day that's exactly what your wararenty's for

Fingers crossed it'll be a nice simple fix!

 

[Andi9386]

Hmm might have to try that for my motor, as the passenger side jets not as good as the drivers side.

In fact need to get a few things sorthed on the car, the list is:

Get Rear Bumper fixed as there's a BIG Crack in it
Get the Aireal somehow or other attached back on the car
Get 1 new tyre

That's about it for now (I hope)

 

[kirstyfs]

jus witever ye do dont change the jets, keep the 1s from the manufacturer, a ordered a set for my car. it said the fitted the "94-99 punto" ther crap lol. they dnt fit n work rite. stick to the standard stuff wish i did

 

[Andi9386]

LOL I wouldn't change mine because of thr hassle of removing them and fitting new ones.

 

[smurfette]

I'm still waiting......apparently they're on back order........:thumbsdown:

 

[kirstyfs]

mines dont sit rite at all :L speshly when yer on the motorway a get scared the r gony fly off lol

 

[smurfette]

Well, I finally got my washer jets replaced today. Had to take the car in as I could smell petrol whilst driving and it turns out I had a cracked breather pipe which was causing the petrol vapour to channel into the car via the air vents. Turned up at the garage unannounced and asked that they have a look. Also queried why after 6 weeks I still hadn't heard anything about my washers. One hour later, new breather pipe and 2 new washer jets! Makes a change to get good service leased:

 

[M21MFS]

The worst part is the waiting...6 weeks :huh2:

Least its all sorted now! :thumbs: