my windshield washer fluid on my 2007 legacy suddenly got very weak...won't reach even halfway up windshield. pump is obviously working, what could be the problem?

chuxter,

 

Chances are that the fluid lines from the washer pump, or the end nozzles are partially plugged with debris. Its also possible that the pump intake could be partially plugged. Of course, this assumes that the pump hasn't grown tired and needs replacing.

 

To clear the lines/nozzles pull them from the pump exit tube and blow air through them, possibly even from the reverse end. You could use a fine wire to clean the nozzle openings. The pump motor fix will require some parts removal and dexterity. Good Luck!

OK, I'll try that. If I need to replace the pump, how do I get to it? Seems like the fluid reservoir is buried under metal. Go at it from underneath?

have someone activate the spray while you watch underhood. I recently had low spray on our OB and it was a deteriorated rubber elbow leaking.

It is full of fluid right?

chuxter,

 

To get at the fluid reservoir and the pump, may require pulling a front wheel and part of the inner fender liner, or even the front bumper cover. It depends on the pump location.

As mentioned above, it may be a hose that is kinked, leaking a little, or one of those plastic elbow joints is cracked.  They become brittle after a few years.  A few years ago I had a hose come loose from one of the connections (on one of those awful Toyotas).  Might be a good idea to check for those small things before taking bigger things apart.

 

Just my 2 bucks

This happens a lot right after waxing the car.  It is easy to get a little wax into the nozzles.  Just stick a pin or needle in to the nozzle holes gently.