Alfa GT Washer System Dead Despite Full Reservoir

I had a very similar issue with my 2004 Alfa 147 diesel last winter. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I first tried the standard checks myself since the dashboard light kept showing low wiper fluid despite having just filled it. The spray jets were completely blocked in my case. After checking the windshield washer reservoir which was indeed full, I found that the issue was caused by mineral deposits in the spray nozzles. The workshop cleaned the entire system, including the tubes and spray jets, for 25 Euro. They also mentioned its quite common for the tubes to get clogged if the system isnt used regularly. However, since you mention a stored error code, it might be something different. Could you provide: When did the issue first appear? Can you hear the pump working when activating the washers? Have you noticed any leaks under the car? Did you recently fill the system with new fluid? This information would help determine if your issue is mechanical or electrical. The warning light staying on could also indicate a faulty sensor, which is a different repair path than blocked nozzles.

Thanks for the detailed tips. Just to follow up, the issue appeared right after the last service at 65401KM. Yes, I can actually hear a faint humming from the washer motor when activated, but no fluid comes out at all. No visible leaks anywhere under the vehicle. The windshield washer fluid was topped up during service with fresh fluid. I am starting to suspect either a damaged washer motor or a blockage somewhere in the fluid lines since the pump sound seems weaker than normal. Will try cleaning the nozzles first, but given the error code and weak pump noise, I might need to consider replacing the washer motor assembly. Has anyone successfully diagnosed a similar wiper system issue through the pump sound alone?

Thanks for the update with those details. Since you mention the pump sound is weaker than normal on your Alfa, this actually matches exactly what happened in my case before the pump failed completely. While cleaning the spray jets helped temporarily, the humming sound you describe was the key indicator that led me to the real issue. The washer fluid pump on these models tends to get weak over time, especially if mineral deposits build up inside. When my pump started making that faint humming instead of its normal sound, it was running but not generating enough pressure to push the fluid through the system. Since your issue started right after service, check if the washer fluid lines are properly connected to the pump, sometimes they can get disturbed during maintenance. If the connections are good, the warning light combined with the weak pump sound strongly suggests a failing pump assembly rather than just blocked spray jets. In my case, replacing the washer pump assembly resolved both the weak spray issue and the persistent warning light on the dashboard. The repair was straightforward and the part cost around 85 Euro. If you are hearing that weak humming sound, I would recommend going straight for the pump replacement rather than spending time with partial fixes.

I appreciate all the feedback. After considering the suggestions, I went ahead and checked the connections first, all lines were properly attached to the pump. You were right about the pump being the likely culprit. The weak humming sound from my washer motor was indeed very similar to what you described. I ended up replacing the entire washer pump assembly yesterday. The repair was straightforward as mentioned and immediately fixed both problems, the wiper fluid now sprays properly and the dashboard light is finally off. The spray jets are working at full pressure again, which confirms the old pump was failing. Total cost was 90 Euro for the part plus installation. For anyone else facing similar wiper system issues with weak pump sounds, checking the pump should probably be the first step, even before cleaning the spray jets. The combination of the error code, weak humming, and the dashboard light staying on despite proper fluid levels turned out to be clear indicators of a failing pump rather than just a blockage.