my windscreen washer on the drivers side isn't working. i've tried to see if the hose was blocked, but i couldn't access the whole tube, as it travels behind a panel / plastic cover. the car is a honda crv and it is a 2003 reg. any ideas please?

james siney, June 2009

I have had this problem on a regular basis. I fix it by disconnecting the pipe at the elbow bend near the washer reservoir and connecting a similar pipe that also fits over my air hose. I fill this pipe with methylated spirits and blast this through the washer jets with the air hose. It unblocks it well, but I think I have slag or old soap in my reservoir, and that is the real issue. I need to remove the reservoir and clean it properly.

Graham, August 2009

get a small pin and put it into the hole of the squrter clean it out

eam, June 2009

If you live in a hard water area the blockage in the jet may be a lump of limescale. If so half a cup of limescale remover (Viakal) in the washer bottle may be a solution solution... Leave it for a couple of hours or overnight before expecting any result.

Peccavi, June 2009

Most likely its just the nozzle thats blocked, not the plastic pipe....is it possible to disconnect the pipe from the nozzle, under the bonnet, and blow the nozzle clear? Failing that, gently push a thin needle into the nozzle and try the washer again.

John, June 2009