Hi,

I have a 1984 Trans Am.
I have problems with the front (windshield) washer pump.
Sometimes it takes 1-2 minutes until fluid comes out to the
windwhield.

What I did:

I moved the pump near to the reservoir and under the reservoir.
I though that the problem is that these pumps do not work with
air and then if the hose is empty then it can not suck the fluid.
Now the hose comes out of the reservoir at the top and goes
immediately down under the reservoir into the pump.
The pump is new. I wanted that there is always water above the
pump and in the pump.

I had the problem again, the fluid came after about 1 minute...
I push the button on the lever, wiper work but no fluid.

What can be the problem?
Or if there is a reversed U shape in the hose then the fluid will go
down always in both sides of the hose???

I saw some newer Firebirds where the pump is mounted on the side
of the reservoir. Is it better? Did anyone have similar problems with
those newer Firebirds?

Does such newer reservoir fir my 1984 Trans Am? Would it be possible
to build them in? And does it makes sense or I do wrong something else
and I could resolve them problem using my original parts?

Thank you,

Laszlo

 

I have the front and rear washer on my 85 Camaro. Same problem as yours. Annoying.

JamesC

 

You could try updating to the 1989-1992 version, the pump attaches directly to the tank on the corner and had no feed hose. It works instantly without any delay when activated. See link below for photo (typo error, it should read 88-92):
http://www.ecklerscamaro.com/product...dept%5Fid=1317

 

There was a TSB for the washer pump losing prime that rerouted the hose.

 

Here's a link to a photo of the pump, it has a "male" end that slips into an opening on the tank, therefore eliminating the hose from the tank to the pump:
http://www.ecklerscamaro.com/product...dept%5Fid=1317

 

read my final solution here:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ghlight=washer

still works great.

 

Anyone have info on the above TSB?

JamesC

 

I've got it somewhere.

 

Try looking in this link:


http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...callSearch.cfm

 

I appreciate the link, but I couldn't find anything.

JamesC

 

Yeah, probabl wouldn't find it on NHTSA. It was a TSB, not a recall.

 

Hi,

I think, problem resolved.
First I moved the pump under the reservoire.
Please find attached 2 pictures.
I think this was necessary. Then there is always
water in the pump and above the pump and also
after the pump because it is at the deepest point.

 

But I had the problem again!
The water came out after let's say a minute or so.
And sometimes it came immediately.
And also the timer of the wiper was not working!
I tested everything and I found the reason.

The housing of the wiper electronics/gears has a black
plastic cover. The electronic is inside this cover. And it
gets the power through 2 spring contacts. There is no
gasket between the cover and the metal housing. Dust
can get in onto the contacts. And also the springs can
be weak and the contacts on the printed circuit are worn.

That causes that if dust gets between circuit and spring
then there is no contact. And then the pump and the timer
of the wiper do not work. Why do they work again after a time?
I think because the vibrations of the car and wiper motor
make the contact sometimes. The springs are moving a little bit
on the printed circuit.

I made the contacts on the printed circuit thicker by soldering
and I cleaned the springs. I wanted to put a gasket between
cover and housing but then I would make the distance between
the contacts bigger again... I just put vazelin between cover and
housing. So the dust can not get inside again.

Maybe a better solution would be soldering wires between printed
circuit and springs. Then dust does not work anymore but I think
also my quick method will work for years.

Please find attached some pictures.

Laszlo

 

I'm so sorry to reopen an old post, but I have the same problem with my '87 T/A. Would you mind letting me know what this TSB said, or tell me where I can view it.

Thank you....jster (please forgive me if my posting etiquette is wrong)