Front Screen Washer Circuit Not Working

[lapazlane 0]

My front screen washer isn't working. I'm in the process of putting the original engine back in following rebuild (just need to put inlet manifold back on following coolant leak befoer attempting first start, but all electrics seem to be working ok (instruments, lights, electric windows etc). Car has been standing for long time and needs MOT so crucial to sort..

The pump definitely works (put it on rear screenwash and works fine).

The fuse is ok.

Checked the two green relays bolted to scuttle (between wing and coolant overflow on near side) and they seem ok (if relevant which I don't think it is).

 

When the car was laid up, the screenwasher worked fine. The column stalk operates all wipers and rear washer. When I press it for front one there is silence. I even tried baring the wires to pump in case it was corroded connectors but still nothing.

 

My circuit tester battery needs replacing so unable to check voltage (if any). Could it be a poor earth somewhere?

[welshpug 1,666]

faults tend to be poor earth or poor contacts, corrosion usually, the circuit itself is generally reliable.

 

do the wipers operate when you pull the stalk for a wash?

[Redtop 14 2 Cars]

More than likely the actual stalk itself. Had the problem myself, all earths clean, new pump working etc. Try wiggling the stalk to see if you can get it to work abit. I ended up changing the stalk and that sorted it (bad internal connection). Rear screen wash is a different pump and tank and activated different to the front washers.

[Anthony 1,003]

Generally this fault is down to one of two things:

 

1) The stalk is faulty - the easiest way to tell is to see whether the wipers move as normal when you pull the stalk back. If they don't, the stalk is goosed.

 

2) The connectors on the pump are notoriously bad, and even thought they look OK at a glance, give issues and the pump won't run. Give them a squirt of WD40 and reseat them several times, and give it another go, or even better, have someone hold the stalk back and wiggle the connectors around to see if the pump springs into life. Check that the wire hasn't broken away from the back of the connector plug as well, as they have a habit of corroding where the wire enters the pin.

 

Just about every 205 that I've owned has had one of those two issues!