Here's the scenario behind the questions: Drove up to NY from PA this weekend. Outside temp was 20 in PA and down to 0 by the time I got up to NY. Went to wash my windshield towards the end of the trip and the darn thing was frozen. Stored the car in a heated garage where the lines defrosted and again worked. Pulled it out Sunday morning and started driving with outside temp at 5 degrees. Within a half hour the lines were frozen again and didn't defrost until I was well into PA. Had to pull over 4 times to clean off windshield - very frustrating. Nozzles were clear and reservoir was full.

My questions:

1. I've never had this happen in any temp with any other car in the past. Is this something I need to consider or fix with the Maxima?

2. I've noticed that the washer fluid streams out to a height about 1/4 of the way up the windshield, where it gets pushed up by the blades. Is this by design or do I have a wimpy washer fluid motor/sprayer?

3. Are there aftermarket motors that have more "umph" in them and are they worth the expense and hassle to install?

4. Could the problem detailed at the beginning have been partially caused by the fact that I have a wimpy wiper fluid motor? I theorize that there may not be enough pressure generated by the motor to force the fluid through the cold lines.

Since I'm not at all knowledgeable about how these things work but just smart enough to get myself in trouble, could you all help me with any tips or suggestions?

Thanks in advance

David

 

It's common for Maxima windshield washer systems to freeze up in cold weather driving. If you don't have a some good additive to keep the fluid from freezing, it will freeze every time. The washer jets are adjustable on your car. You'll need a small needle to stick into the hole to aim them higher. I would try that before condemning the pump and motor.

*EDIT*
http://www.castleproductsonline.com/...ld_washer.html

 

Thanks for the info, and for the link. Are most of Castle Products' stuff pretty good?

 

You're welcome. I have never used Castle products so I can't say how they are. I just gave you that info to show you what I was referring to. Just do a search on Google for winshield washer antifreeze to get more choices. I used a product that I bought at Kmart many years ago and I can't remember the name of it. It was a clear liquid that I poured into the washer fluid tank. It worked perfectly.

 

never heard try some Prestone yellow.about $2 great stuff. I think it the fluid you useing that is causing the freezing. don't buy cheap washer fluid because some cause the windsheld to haze,smudge and freeze.

 

http://www.prestone.com/about/index.html