Hello, I just purchased a 2013 Prius C One a few days ago, and unfortunately the windshield nozzles aren't spraying (although I do hear the pump buzzing away). I do live in the midwest, and it's been bellow 25 deg for the past few days. How would I go about "unfreezing" them? Also, would it be a good idea to empty the reservoir to replace the current stuff that's in there? If so, what would be the best way to empty it? Thanks!
congrats and welcome! hard to say what is wrong without testing. certainly, they could be frozen if someone put plain water in the reservoir. start there, if the fluid in the reservoir isn't frozen, than that probably isn't the problem. you'll have to pull the tube off the reservoir at the discharge end, and see if the pump is working. if it is, then there is a clog or frozen line. unlikely that both nozzles would clog. you'll have to bring the car somewhere warm to melt the lines, or maybe a hair dryer at the nozzles.
The car was previously titled in Southern California, so I have a suspicion that the fluid in there was only rated for 32 degrees and above. I'll have to take a closer look at the reservoir when I change the oil later today. Thank you for the suggestions!
That'd be my guess. Maybe siphon out as much as you can and fill to the top with freeze protected. If you can get it in somewhere warm for the oil change that'd help too.
Look in the reservoir. If it is not frozen, you don't have to worry about that right away. The nozzles will sometimes freeze even when you are using the right stuff. Only safe way to fix the problem is to get the whole car inside so it warms up.......and then run the washers several times.
If you're at the dealership getting stuff for the oil change, Toyota makes a decent windshield washer fluid, says good to -40F I believe. (You have to take the claims with a grain of salt, though.)
The water in the nozzles will freeze before the water in the reservoir, so if the car hasn't been in the cold too long then the fact that the reservoir hasn't frozen doesn't rule out the possibility that the nozzles have.
nozzles and/or lines were definitely frozen. Sprayed perfectly after sitting in my friends garage for a few hours. Went ahead and used the remaining fluid and topped it off with the better stuff. Thanks again guys!
Heat gun to the nozzles and lines. Add some hot water/ cleaner to the reservoir. Yes, Toyota fluid instead of aftermarket next time. (GM Optikleen concentrate is also a great product.) Some times aftermarket product formulas have a soap that will clog a system. Last resort....insert a needle to the nozzle. Good luck.
Inserting needle is how you aim some Honda nozzles; it's the only way to get a purchase on them. The nozzle's a little recessed ball in socket: you insert a needle and then use it as a lever, to nudge the ball to a new position.
Good to put miniscule bead of silicon spray (or WD40, what have you) on the ball joint first too, they can get a little glued.
When we lived in the Pocono's I would just add a little rubbing alcohol to the washer fluid. Just shake it up good so it mixes. Don't go crazy though you don't want to ruin the paint.
Even straight isopropyl is fine; that's what I use before touch up painting. But for washer fluid: I just get the right stuff.
