No water when Rear windscreen washer is operated

RevPhil · Dec 12, 2022

Can anyone help? T6 2016 California Ocean. I noticed my rear windscreen washer wasn't working when it made a motor sound and the front windscreen washers worked. After several attempts the washer bottle warning came on the front dash. I filled the reservoir under the bonnet to full with ready to use screen wash, the light has gone but still no rear windscreen water.
I thought the nozzle might be frozen, but when I look (casual glance) I can't even see where the water might come from. Now I'm stuck - is there a separate rear washer reservoir that needs filling that I can't find? Is there no windscreen washer on the rear window? Newbie question - advice please.

Ch1pbutty · Dec 12, 2022

There is only one reservoir, so water is most likely frozen in the rear pipe work. Front tubes thaw quickly due to heat from the engine.

You could empty the reservoir using the front squirters, then refill with undiluted winter screen wash. This might then clear it, then just top the reservoir up every now and again with fresh water To dilute when temps rise above freezing.

From tent to van · Dec 12, 2022

I recently had this on my car and it turned out to be a bacteria build up in the bottle which was blocking the water flow to the rear initially then after a few weeks it also blocked the front.

Something to consider if it doesn’t thaw.

Stu@rt · Dec 12, 2022

RevPhil said:
Can anyone help? T6 2016 California Ocean. I noticed my rear windscreen washer wasn't working when it made a motor sound and the front windscreen washers worked. After several attempts the washer bottle warning came on the front dash. I filled the reservoir under the bonnet to full with ready to use screen wash, the light has gone but still no rear windscreen water.
I thought the nozzle might be frozen, but when I look (casual glance) I can't even see where the water might come from. Now I'm stuck - is there a separate rear washer reservoir that needs filling that I can't find? Is there no windscreen washer on the rear window? Newbie question - advice please.

Agree with @Ch1pbutty quite likely to be frozen.

As an aside, can I politely suggest that you remove your postcode from your Bio. Some might suggest that advertising where you keep your pride and joy, might not be prudent. Hope you are ok with me pointing it out? :thumb

WelshGas · Dec 12, 2022

RevPhil said:
Can anyone help? T6 2016 California Ocean. I noticed my rear windscreen washer wasn't working when it made a motor sound and the front windscreen washers worked. After several attempts the washer bottle warning came on the front dash. I filled the reservoir under the bonnet to full with ready to use screen wash, the light has gone but still no rear windscreen water.
I thought the nozzle might be frozen, but when I look (casual glance) I can't even see where the water might come from. Now I'm stuck - is there a separate rear washer reservoir that needs filling that I can't find? Is there no windscreen washer on the rear window? Newbie question - advice please.

The rear washer nozzle is on the rear wiper spindle.

Just check, when you operate ONLY the rear washer, does the water level in the reservoir go down?
If it does, then there may be a leak on the pipe run.

WEHILL@SONS · Dec 12, 2022

This happened to me recently, the nozzle was blocked. Try giving it a blast of compressed air.

dspuk · Dec 12, 2022

It's on here and 100% frozen. Spray with de-icer but the water itself may also be frozen in the tube if you don't have a rich enough mix with water and anti-freeze washer fluid.

RevPhil · Dec 12, 2022

Ch1pbutty said:
There is only one reservoir, so water is most likely frozen in the rear pipe work. Front tubes thaw quickly due to heat from the engine.

You could empty the reservoir using the front squirters, then refill with undiluted winter screen wash. This might then clear it, then just top the reservoir up every now and again with fresh water To dilute when temps rise above freezing.

OK thanks

RevPhil · Dec 12, 2022

dspuk said:
It's on here and 100% frozen. Spray with de-icer but the water itself may also be frozen in the tube if you don't have a rich enough mix with water and anti-freeze washer fluid.
View attachment 103042

That's really helpful - thanks.

RevPhil · Dec 12, 2022

WelshGas said:
The rear washer nozzle is on the rear wiper spindle.

Just check, when you operate ONLY the rear washer, does the water level in the reservoir go down?
If it does, then there may be a leak on the pipe run.

OK - hadn't thought about that!

RevPhil · Dec 12, 2022

Stu@rt said:
Agree with @Ch1pbutty quite likely to be frozen.

As an aside, can I politely suggest that you remove your postcode from your Bio. Some might suggest that advertising where you keep your pride and joy, might not be prudent. Hope you are ok with me pointing it out?

Hopefully I've done that now!

trix1975 · Jan 21, 2023

my rear washer was not working. Then I found out it was leaking. Not sure what I did or what happened to dislodge the hose. Attempting to put back togetherness. Hose is located in the rear cupboard at the top

trix1975 · Jan 21, 2023

trix1975 said:
View attachment 104293my rear washer was not working. Then I found out it was leaking. Not sure what I did or what happened to dislodge the hose. Attempting to put back togetherness. Hose is located in the rear cupboard at the top

View attachment 104294

Managed to get the hose reattached.