The windscreen washer pump is an important component of any vehicle’s windscreen washing system. It pumps the washer fluid from the reservoir to the jets mounted on the windscreen to clean the glass while driving. A faulty or broken washer pump can render the washing system inoperable and unsafe. Knowing how much it costs to fix or replace a faulty washer pump can help motorists budget for this common repair. In this article, we will look at the typical cost to fix a windscreen washer pump in the UK.
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What is a Windscreen Washer Pump?
The windscreen washer pump is an electric motor driven pump that draws washer fluid from the washer reservoir and pressurizes it so it can squirt out of the jets mounted on the windscreen and hit the glass with enough force to clean off dirt, grime, bug splatter, and other debris.
Modern washer pumps are designed to produce various spray patterns and adjust fluid pressure based on vehicle speed and environment. Most pumps operate when the driver activates the washing system by pulling the washer stalk on the steering column. This sends an electrical signal to the pump motor to start running.
The washer pump draws fluid from the reservoir through an inlet filter and pushes it out through the outlet hose that connects to the spray nozzles on the windscreen and rear window. The pump requires an adequate amount of fluid in the reservoir to prevent dry running which can damage it.
Typical Washer Pump Problems
Some common problems that can affect the windscreen washer pump include:
–Pump failure – The pump motor can burn out or fail mechanically preventing fluid from being pumped. This is often caused by a jammed or stuck pump.
–Low fluid – Driving with an empty washer fluid reservoir can cause the pump to fail from dry running. Always keep the reservoir topped up.
–Clogged filters – Debris sucked into the pickup filter in the reservoir or inline filter on the pump inlet hose can clog it reducing flow.
–Damaged hoses – Cracked, loose, or leaking hoses to and from the pump will result in loss of fluid pressure and flow.
–Electrical issues – Faulty wiring, connector issues, blown fuse, or relay failure can prevent the pump motor from running when activated.
–Stuck or jammed pump – Sediment buildup inside the pump can cause the internal impeller to jam and prevent operation.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the windscreen washing system components, including refilling the washer fluid, can help minimize operational problems with the pump. Running the washers periodically helps keep the system primed.
Cost to Replace a Windscreen Washer Pump
When a windscreen washer pump fails, the most straightforward repair is to replace it with a new pump. The typical costs for washer pump replacement in the UK are:
–Pump cost – The pump unit itself ranges from £10 for a basic universal model to £40 or more for an OEM pump from the vehicle manufacturer.
–Labor – Most garages charge £40-£80 per hour for labor to replace a windscreen washer pump. This covers removing the old pump, installing the replacement, and testing. Total time is 0.5-1 hours.
–Parts markup – Shops will add a markup on the pump price. This can range from 20% over the pump cost to 100% markup or more.
–Total cost – The typical total cost for windscreen washer pump replacement ends up between £60 to £150 at most garages. It’s less if you supply your own new pump.
So you can budget around £100-£120 for parts and labor to have your faulty or failed windscreen washer pump replaced at a garage. The cost is usually less at an independent mechanic compared to main dealer replacement.
Cost of Diagnosing Washer Pump Problems
Before replacing the windscreen washer pump, a mechanic will first diagnose the fault to confirm the pump requires replacement. This diagnostic process and related labor costs up to an hour can add £50 or more to your total repair bill.
Typical diagnostic steps include:
– Testing pump operation when activated
– Checking electrical connectors and voltage at pump
– Confirming adequate fluid in reservoir
– Inspecting hoses, filters, nozzles for clogs or leaks
– Measuring pump inlet and outlet pressure
– Verifying fuse, relay, wiring condition
– Checking for binding or jammed internal pump mechanisms
Proper diagnosis of washer pump problems avoids unnecessary replacement of still functioning pumps. It also identifies other issues like clogged filters that just require a quick service to restore normal operation.
Saving on Washer Pump Replacement Costs
You can save on windscreen washer pump replacement costs in a few ways:
–Do it yourself – Replace the pump yourself if you are mechanically inclined. You save on labor costs, just the pump and fluid cost.
–Shop around – Get price quotes from several garages, they often vary widely for the same repair.
–Supply your own part – Provides the new pump yourself bought at a discount auto parts store to avoid markup.
–Buy a remanufactured pump – Quality professional remanufactured pumps can be much cheaper than new.
–Clean vs replace – Try cleaning a stuck or jammed pump before replacing if diagnosis finds that may be the issue.
–Prevent failure – Routinely inspect and maintain the washing system. Top up fluid. Use pump periodically. This allows fixing minor issues before pump fails.
With some effort, you can reduce the cost and hassle of windscreen washer pump repairs and keep your washer system working safely. Proper preventative maintenance is key to maximize the lifespan of your washer pump.
When to Replace the Washer Pump
Signs that indicate the windscreen washer pump needs to be replaced include:
– No spray comes out of washer jets when activated
– Greatly reduced spray flow compared to normal operation
– Leaking or damaged hoses and connectors
– Burnt electrical smell from pump motor
– Constant pump motor running noise but no spray
– Finding internal components like impeller broken when disassembling pump
– Pump fails diagnostic electrical and pressure tests
It’s unsafe to drive without properly functioning windscreen washers and wipers. Dirty glass impairs visibility leading to potential accidents. So replace a confirmed faulty washer pump promptly.
Windscreen Washer Pump Replacement Procedure
Replacing a windscreen washer pump involves:
1. Disconnecting the battery ground cable to prevent electrical shorts.
2. Locating the washer pump, often under the hood, attached to the reservoir, or behind bumper.
3. Disconnecting the inlet and outlet hoses from pump. Capping hoses to minimize fluid loss.
4. Unplugging the electrical connector to the pump motor.
5. Removing pump mounting bolts to detach it from the vehicle.
6. Cleaning any dirt, debris or leaked fluid from pump mounting area.
7. Installing the new replacement pump using mounting bolts.
8. Attaching inlet and outlet hoses securely to pump.
9. Plugging in electrical connector. Verify it locks in place.
10. Refilling washer fluid reservoir to proper level.
11. Testing operation of pump by activating washer switch.
12. Reconnect battery ground cable once done.
13. Verify strong spray from all jets. Add fluid if needed.
14. Dispose of old pump properly.
The procedure varies somewhat by vehicle make and model. But in general, the steps above outline the pump replacement process. Some key safety tips include avoiding fluid in eyes, working in a ventilated area, and wearing eye protection.
Conclusion
Having to replace a failed windscreen washer pump is an inconvenient and untimely repair. But when the pump stops working, restoring proper washer operation is a safety necessity. This article reviewed typical washer pump problems, outlined the general replacement procedure, and provided guidance on repair costs. Budgeting around £100-£150 for a garage to diagnose and replace a faulty pump is realistic. But shopping around and trying DIY can reduce costs. With routine system maintenance and catch early issues, costly pump failures can often be avoided.