Hyundai i20 Washer Jets Not Working — The Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

Understanding the Problem With Hyundai i20 Washer Jets

When our Hyundai i20’s washer jets stop working, it feels a bit like trying to clean glasses with no cloth—everything becomes blurry, frustrating, and borderline unsafe. Washer jets seem simple, but behind that tiny stream of fluid lives a surprisingly intricate system. When one part falters, the whole setup calls it quits.

In this guide, we dive deep—really deep—into why the washer jets on a Hyundai i20 fail, how we can diagnose each issue step-by-step, and what it takes to fix every possible fault. Whether you're dealing with weak spray, no spray, or washer fluid leaking, we’ve packed this article with everything you need.

Why Washer Jets Matter More Than We Think

It’s easy to overlook—until grime, road salt, or tropical rain sets in. Without washer jets, visibility drops, the windscreen smears, and driving becomes a gamble. The system exists for safety above all, and knowing how to rescue it when it quits pays off big time in peace of mind.

Common Symptoms When Hyundai i20 Washer Jets Stop Working

Let’s look at what we typically notice before we get our hands dirty:

• No spray from the jets
• Weak spray or misdirected spray
• Washer pump humming but not delivering fluid
• No sound from pump at all
• Leaking washer fluid under the car
• Rear washer working but front not (or vice-versa)
• Washer level full but jets still dry

Each symptom is a clue in our detective work—follow the clues long enough and a solution always emerges.

How the Washer System Works in the Hyundai i20

Understanding the mechanics helps us solve the puzzle faster. The system consists of:

Washer Fluid Reservoir

Typically located near the engine bay, holding the fluid supply.

Electric Washer Pump

Pushes the fluid through hoses to the jets.

Rubber or Plastic Tubing

Carries the washer fluid.

Non-Return Valves

Keep fluid from draining back.

Washer Jets (Nozzles)

Spray the fluid onto the windscreen.

When any one of these fails, the jets won't work.

Step-By-Step Diagnosis: Why Your i20 Washer Jets Aren’t Working

Let’s walk through a full diagnostic routine.

1. Check Your Washer Fluid Level

It sounds too obvious, but we’ve all been there—thinking something is broken when it’s simply empty.

Signs It’s Just Low Fluid

• Pump hums loudly
• No leaking around system
• No attempt at spray

Top it up and try again. If still no joy, keep moving.

2. Inspect for Frozen or Thick Washer Fluid

If you live in colder regions or used cheap, high-water blends, fluid can thicken or freeze.

Fix

• Replace fluid with a winter-rated formula
• Run the car until engine bay warms
• Flush old mixture

3. Check the Washer Pump (The Usual Suspect)

The pump is the heart of the system. If it’s dead or struggling, everything else follows.

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Test the Pump

1. Turn on ignition
2. Activate washers
3. Listen for pump noise

If You Hear the Pump

The issue lies in tubing, blockage, or nozzles.

If You Hear Nothing

The pump may have burnt out or lost electrical supply.

4. Examine the Washer Pump Fuse

The fuse protects the pump from electrical surges.

How to Check

• Locate fuse box
• Identify washer fuse from diagram
• Remove and inspect

You’re Looking For

• Broken element
• Burnt smell
• Discolouration

Replace if faulty. Fuses are inexpensive, and this is one of the quickest fixes.

5. Inspect Tubing for Leaks or Disconnections

A disconnected or kinked line starves the jets.

Steps

• Trace tubing from reservoir to jets
• Look for wet patches, cracks, or loose joints
• Repair or replace as needed

This is especially common after engine work.

6. Check the Non-Return Valves

These tiny components ensure fluid doesn't retreat back into the tank.

Failure Signs

• Weak spray
• Long delay before jets activate
• Only one jet working

Cleaning or replacing them usually solves the issue.

7. Clean the Washer Jets (Blockages Are Common)

Dust, wax, mud, or debris can clog the tiny holes.

How to Unblock

• Use a fine needle or pin
• Gently poke the nozzle holes
• Spray compressed air backward through the nozzle
• Flush with warm water

Avoid being too aggressive—you don’t want to deform the nozzle.

8. Realign the Washer Jets

Sometimes jets do work but aim at the sky or bonnet.

Adjust Using a Needle

• Insert gently into nozzle opening
• Tilt direction up or down
• Test spray after every micro-adjustment

Precise positioning makes a world of difference.

9. Check the Washer Jet Filter (If Equipped)

Some i20 versions include small inline filters.

Symptoms of Blocked Filters

• Weak spray
• Intermittent flow
• One working jet only

Clean or replace the filter.

10. Investigate a Faulty Stalk Switch

The steering column switch controls pump activation.

Signs the Switch Is Faulty

• Pump doesn't activate despite power and fluid
• Occasional random activation
• Other controls on stalk malfunction

Replacing the stalk switch typically resolves it.

11. Potential Electrical Issues Beyond the Fuse

If wiring has corroded or connectors loosened, the pump can’t operate properly.

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Checklist

• Inspect wiring harness
• Look for green rust (oxidisation)
• Clean terminals
• Verify grounding points

Electrical issues often masquerade as “broken washer jets.”

12. If Only the Rear Washer Fails

The rear system has separate tubing and pathways.

Likely Causes

• Kinked rear hose near boot hinge
• Pump direction valve failure
• Blocked rear nozzle

Rear washer troubleshooting follows the same logic—just different pathways.

13. If Only One Front Jet Works

This usually signals:

• Local blockage
• Jet misalignment
• A damaged T-splitter
• Partially blocked tubing

Cleaning or replacing the nozzle is the fastest fix.

Tools We Recommend for i20 Washer Jet Repair

Basic Toolkit:

• Needle or sewing pin
• Pliers
• Trim removal tool
• Socket set
• LED torch

Cleaning Supplies:

• Warm water
• Compressed air
• Washer fluid concentrate
• Vinegar for mineral deposits

When Replacement Is Better Than Repair

Washer jets and pumps are inexpensive. If:

• Jets crack
• Pump hums but produces no pressure
• Tubing leaks in multiple places
• Electrical supply is unstable

…it’s better to replace the faulty unit rather than endlessly troubleshooting.

How to Replace Hyundai i20 Washer Jets

Step-By-Step

1. Lift the bonnet
2. Locate jet mounts
3. Release retaining clips from underside
4. Disconnect feed hose
5. Install new jet
6. Reconnect hose
7. Test spray

In most models, this takes less than 10 minutes.

How to Replace the Washer Pump

Step-By-Step Guide

1. Remove wheel arch liner or lower splash guard
2. Access washer reservoir
3. Unplug pump connector
4. Remove pump from grommet
5. Fit new pump
6. Refill reservoir
7. Test both front and rear washers

Preventing Future Washer Jet Problems

A little maintenance goes a long way.

Best Practices

• Use proper washer fluid, not plain water
• Clean jets monthly
• Replace fluid seasonally
• Check for leaks during routine servicing
• Avoid high-pressure washers on the nozzle area

Why the Hyundai i20 Is Prone to Washer Jet Issues

Several owners report recurrent blockages due to:

• Narrow nozzle design
• Dust-heavy environments
• Hard water mineral deposits
• Ageing fluid hoses

Knowing these tendencies helps us stay ahead of the problem.

Cost Guide: How Much Will Repairs Set Us Back?

Typical UK/Global Costs

• Washer jets: £10–£25 per pair
• Washer pump: £20–£40
• Tubing replacements: £5–£15
• Diagnostic check: £40–£60
• Dealership fix: £80–£150
• DIY fix: mostly free

Washer system faults are among the cheapest issues to resolve.

Final Thoughts: Getting Your Hyundai i20 Washer Jets Working Again

When washer jets stop working, it’s annoying—but rarely catastrophic. Nearly every fault can be fixed at home with simple tools, a bit of patience, and this guide. Sometimes it’s a clogged nozzle, other times a tired pump or rogue fuse. But with the right steps, clarity returns in minutes.

We regain visibility, safety, and that reassuring feeling that our Hyundai i20 is ready for whatever the road throws at it.

FAQs

1. Why are my Hyundai i20 washer jets not spraying at all?

Likely causes include a blown fuse, failed pump, blocked nozzles, or empty washer fluid reservoir.

2. How do I unblock washer jets on a Hyundai i20?

Use a pin to gently clear debris, flush with warm water, or blow compressed air backward through the nozzle.

3. Why is only one washer jet working?

That points to a single-nozzle blockage, damaged tubing, or a faulty splitter.

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4. Can I use plain water in my i20 washer tank?

We don’t recommend it—plain water encourages blockages, freezing, algae growth, and pump damage.

5. What if the washer pump makes noise but no fluid sprays?

This suggests a blockage, disconnected hose, split tubing, or failed non-return valve.

If you want to know other articles similar to Hyundai i20 Washer Jets Not Working — The Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide you can visit the category Common Problems.