Rear Windshield Washer Not Working

[rwschill]

Have new 2004 SRX and rear windshield washer does not work. Is their a TSB out on this? If so what is the number? Love driving the car but a few design issues.

[syrob@MSN.COM]

Originally Posted by LMM

Hi Guys,
I want to find out how rear washer supposed to work? On my 2005 SRX it looks like it works but not the same way like front windshield washers, water doesn't spray on whole surface of the rear window but rather it spray vertically (Jet Spray). Could anybody comment on this?

I think that might be a deliberate design goal, as a stream would be less upset by turbulence than a mist which might blow away. Remember, this is not the front and airflow is all irregular.

Syrob

[Rubberdee]

Add me also... this piece of crap... no heat in rear also, what a ripp off.. i will never buy a Cadillac again

[Barca10128]

I love this car. However, I have had two problems: first I had the problem with power steering (twice) and now I see I have the rear window washer problem. Not sure how long the problem has been there, since this weekend is the first time I can remember using it in the last year.

All in all, I think this is a great car ad the best car I have ever owned.

[paci]

This may help those affected:
I had the out of town dealer that I purchased my SRX from address the rear washer problem that I read about here as part of the purchase agreement. They tried it and it did not squirt so they ordered the part needed. They delivered the car without telling me that they did not make the repair. There was some delay in receiving the part and they did not want to delay delivery. I found this out when I tested the rear washer and it did not work. They also said that when it left the lot it was now working. So they sent me the part and much to my surprise it was just the nozzle and asked my to go to my local dealer and have it installed. When I scheduled my appointment the service writer informed me that IF THE FLUID FALLS BELOW 1/2 OR SO THE REAR WASHER WILL NOT WORK. So the night before the appointment I filled the container and much to my surprise the rear washer worked.

So for all those who had the rear washer serviced and then find out that after a while it does not work...this may be the reason rather than a defective system, just an apparent design flaw. I was told that this was meant to ensure that the front washer did not run out. The rear washer not working should be your indicator to refill the washer fluid.

[mack1a]

Originally Posted by paci

So for all those who had the rear washer serviced and then find out that after a while it does not work...this may be the reason rather than a defective system, just an apparent design flaw. I was told that this was meant to ensure that the front washer did not run out. The rear washer not working should be your indicator to refill the washer fluid.

I am sure that Cadillac now will tout this defect as another undocumented feature. They will probably now refer to it as the "rear window based windshield washer early warning low level indicator system".

[MortnCyn]

Quote:
Originally Posted by paci

So for all those who had the rear washer serviced and then find out that after a while it does not work...this may be the reason rather than a defective system, just an apparent design flaw. I was told that this was meant to ensure that the front washer did not run out. The rear washer not working should be your indicator to refill the washer fluid.

Originally Posted by mack1a

I am sure that Cadillac now will tout this defect as another undocumented feature. They will probably now refer to it as the "rear window based windshield washer early warning low level indicator system".

Our fluid level is to the top and still nothing out of the rear washer. Tried a small wire to see if it was clogged with no results. Possibly hose is off as suggested by someone else earlier.
Mack1A, the undocumented feature appears to be copied from the gas gauge on our '59 Volkswagen. It did not have one. You ran out of gas, flipped a lever with your right foot and you had 1 gallon of gas left.

[jabi]

I took my SRX back to the dealer four times to have this problem fixed. He gave up on it and indicated that Cadillac is aware of this problem and they are trying to address it...Recall maybe.... Good luck.

[paci]

I feel for you all. I just wanted to relay my experiences. The local dealer mentioned that on some that they had to "reconnect" them on several. But I can't believe that the selling dealer thought the fix was a new nozzle.

[NewCaddyFan]

Just had my 04 serviced today. The slip said hose was blocked by sediment. From the length of this thread I wonder what the percentage of cars have this defect.

[Wagoneer]

Add me to the list of people with a dead rear washer. Dealer ordered a new pump; we'll see if that fixes the problem.

[magredoak]

Just bought a new 2004 V8 AWD. The rear washer does not work. Out of state purchase, and they told me it needed a new nozzle, but they did not have it in stock. I will take it in to the local dealer, and report back. I will fill up the fluid level first, and give it a try.

[louisn]

Just tried mine; 3 weeks old-500 miles. back washer was dry as a bone! Reservoir was filled to the top. I did notice the front washer and wipers worked well and were very smooth.
My last car (acura) had problems with severe wiper streaking-seems like wipers are more complicated or a more visible problem than one might think.

[Flash]

A slightly different take on the rear wiper/washer issue. I have never liked them. I wish I could order a vehicle with it deleted. Have driven SUV's/Trucks w/ toppers, many years without a rear wiper. That is what side mirrors are for.

That said, any vehicle that has an item designed to function, then that item should function. No excuse for Cadillac on this one, although I will likely never use mine to even find out if it works, as I prefer it not there in the first place. One feature that made the SRX's rear wiper design more "tolerable" was its smaller slimer profile. Not quite as noticible as some I've had. However, it should still work.......for those that use them.

[Killer Dobs]

Count me in! I noticed it not working 2 days after delivery. They ordered a nozzle and of course its backordered. I do wonder how many are affected. I'll test the 1/2 full theory while waiting for my nozzle.
Matt
04 SRX V8 AWD