Windscreen washer - fuse or faulty pump?

[Luke717]

The windscreen washer pump in my 2020 Corolla Excel HB suddenly didn't work yesterday. I pulled the windscreen wiper control towards me, the wipers started but no fluid came out of the nozzles. I was driving at the time. When I arrived home, I first checked the fluid reservoir as I had topped it up a few days ago. Still full. I tried the wipers again and listened for the sound of the pump. Silence. And no fluid. So I checked the nozzles, no indication of blockage. Ditto with the tubing under the bonnet lid, no problems found. I also tried the rear-window washer but the same thing: no fluid getting there and no pump sound.

This morning, I had to go out but before I set off, I tried the wipers - and the washer worked! I could hear the pump and saw fluid spraying from the nozzles onto the windscreen. My "hooray!" was short-lived, though. When I released the wiper control and pulled it towards me again, nothing happened. No sound of the pump and no fluid from the nozzles. That suggested to me an electrical problem somewhere.

A good search online produced no end of how-to videos, some of which are very helpful indeed even if most are to do with US models. Also a really useful video that explains the location of the two fuse boxes in a UK spec 2020 Corolla so I could see which one has the washer pump fuse. Unfortunately, it's in the really awkward-to-get-at fuse box beneath the glove compartment https://youtu.be/GEQGHL_eyqk

So I think the next steps are:

1. Check the fuse. If it's blown replace it. Then test again. If everything works that was the problem (but I'd like to know why the fuse blew).
2. If not, consider the pump is faulty. For me that means a trip to the Toyota dealer or a good independent Toyota garage although none near me  (Newbury) that I know of.

For the fuse, I don't have a voltmeter or means of checking if the fuse is blown. Nor do I have the means (or the desire, frankly) to troubleshoot other possible reasons for this, eg, a fault somewhere else in the electrical system. So in all, I'm inclined just to take the car to the dealer to resolve this. Is that like giving them a blank cheque? I have a good relationship with my dealer so feel comfortable going there.

But if the dealer were to do 1 and/or 2 above, any idea on what cost I should expect for this? Thanks.

 

[fourbanks]

It should be free under warranty

[Luke717]

11 minutes ago, fourbanks said:

It should be free under warranty

Hmm, that's interesting, I hadn't considered this might be a warranty issue. Thanks for mentioning it!

[Corolla Mike.]

Sounds likd the filter that the pump sits in is blocked, had this on my CH-R 1 week into ownership. 

[Luke717]

I spoke to the Toyota dealer. Their first response was "this sounds like it could be a warranty issue." Encouraging! Booked in for discovery.

[Sooty]

If it worked intermittently I would suspect that the wiper control stalk is faulty.

Glad that the dealer has agreed about warranty.

[Luke717]

I like a story with a happy ending, and this is one of those.

On July 19, the dealer examined the fault and concluded the washer pump was faulty and a replacement was needed. This would indeed be covered under the warranty. The parts would be ordered and the work done. Getting a slot for that work proved a challenge due to looking for mutual availability in our calendars and it wasn't until today, August 1, that it could be done.

I've always been impressed with the dealer from whom I bought the car in 2020 (Jemca in Bracknell) for their courteous and friendly staff and the sheer professionalism of everyone with whom I come into contact there. Today was no exception. I booked in for 8am, they started straightaway, and the work was done by 9.30 while I waited.

I'm especially pleased about the warranty as the work order listed the job at a total cost of £213.65 for parts and labour. Interesting description of the issue: "Washer pump inop - found wiring connector has pump pins stuck in, new washer pump required".

Hopefully, this replacement will last at least three years, perhaps a lot longer. 

[Roy124]

1 hour ago, Luke717 said:

On July 19, the dealer examined the fault and concluded the washer pump was faulty and a replacement was needed

At, my MY19 Corolla's first service I was asked to return for a washer pump change, that was back in 2021.  I had had no issues so was surprised.  Maybe there had been a faulty batch.

[Sooty]

Glad to hear that it is all sorted Neville.

[Luke717]

2 hours ago, Roy124 said:

At, my MY19 Corolla's first service I was asked to return for a washer pump change, that was back in 2021.  I had had no issues so was surprised.  Maybe there had been a faulty batch.

Thanks for that bit of insight, Roy, good to know.