Rear washer failure.

[PhilHornby]

The rear washer on my Tucson just packed in. There was the tiniest dribble, but not enough to wash the window. I topped up the (almost empty) fluid and could hear a pump running (under the bonnet), but no improvement. Since there is no sign of any accessible components that might be implicated, I was resigned to it staying broken for a few months, until the next service.

However...

I found this Youtube video:-


He was right, it was the problem

I managed to unjam the spring and valve, by sticking the blunt end of a 2mm drill bit in the bottom ('black') end of the valve and agitating it, until I acquired some 'springy' resistance - so drilling it out might not be necessary. I had to unclip the wiring to the wiper motor to gain access to the valve, because the motor is at the top of the tailgate, not the bottom. The plastic trim didn't want to go back on properly; it seems to have a lip on the lower edge that has to be clipped on first.

[Indalo1]

The rear washer on my Tucson just packed in.

Well done and thanks for doing the research and uncovering that neat little fix.

One wonders why Hyundai chose to use that particular valve but I’m unaware as to the reliability stats for the unit. Perhaps you were just unlucky but if the failure rate is high, then Hyundai needs to improve its quality control of parts, be it their own or bought in.

I haven’t checked but I would imagine that the warranty would cover that as it’s a non-serviceable item.

[Pogleswood]

In the 2 and a bit years we’ve had our Tuscon I’ve never used the rear washer & rarely use the rear wiper, always forget it’s there as it’s neatly parked under the spoiler.

A washer on the reversing camera would have been really useful..

[PhilHornby]

One wonders why Hyundai chose to use that particular valve

Indeed. As can be seen from the video, it is a really simple thing, so I don't quite see how it managed to get stuck.

I found a generic valve on Ebay, that looks like it would fit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272848777660, so I might try one of them if it gets stuck again.

[Indalo1]

I found a generic valve on Ebay, that looks like it would fit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272848777660

I rarely venture into eBay these days but just last week, I found a lawn mower grass box that I was having great difficulty sourcing elsewhere. Best £20.00 I’ve spent in a while! When all else fails, eBay’s always worth a look.

[pharaoh]

My wifes car had a similar problem which had a valve system the same/similar to yours. I left it out and the washers worked perfectly well afterwards.
I suppose the valve is there for good reason, but I fail to understand what it is.

[PhilHornby]

I suppose the valve is there for good reason, but I fail to understand what it is.

It's a non-return valve, to stop the fluid draining back to the reservoir. Without it, there is (apparently) a sizeable delay when you operate the washer switch, as the pipe-work fills up again. The chap in the video thought you could live without it...

[pharaoh]

I suppose the valve is there for good reason, but I fail to understand what it is.

It's a non-return valve, to stop the fluid draining back to the reservoir. Without it, there is (apparently) a sizeable delay when you operate the washer switch, as the pipe-work fills up again. The chap in the video thought you could live without it...

Yes, that makes sense, although the guy is probably correct as I remember no problems with my wifes car.
I'd be interested to know how much a Hyundai dealer would charge to fix it ?

[PhilHornby]

I found a generic valve on Ebay, that looks like it would fit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272848777660, so I might try one of them if it gets stuck again.

It did get stuck again, so I replaced it.

There is far more water being dispensed by the new one, than the old one ever did - I suspect it was dodgy from day 1. I dremmeled the old one apart, but there was nothing to explain how it was getting stuck (it's just a 'biro' spring and a little plastic cap, inside a tube)

[Trollie]

23 plate ultimate. Rear washer failure as above. removed the one way valve and appeared to free it by poking and spraying with WD40 but still would not work when refitted to the car. Drilled it out as described and now a really good stream of washer fluid. I will try this first but may buy one of the generic valves if needed.
My local dealer wanted £74 to investigate the issue.
Thanks for all the help.