100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

maximilianwalter10

Buick Enclave Washer Fluid System Goes Silent & Dead

Recently my 2012 Buick Enclave has stopped spraying wiper fluid completely. The washer motor makes no sound when activated, and theres a warning light on the dashboard showing low washer fluid. I checked and the reservoir is actually full, so thats not the issue. I also found an error code stored in the system when scanned. Has anyone dealt with this problem? Looking for insights on potential causes and what repairs were needed to fix it. Particularly interested in whether its likely the washer motor, spray jets, or something else entirely. The wipers themselves work fine, its just the fluid spray thats completely dead.

4 comment(s)

raphael_silber3

Thanks for posting about your 2012 Buick Enclave wiper fluid issue. I had a similar problem with my 2014 Buick LaCrosse last winter. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I can share what worked for me. When my washer motor stopped working and the dashboard light came on despite having a full reservoir, I first thought it was just frozen fluid. But after checking everything, it turned out the washer motor had failed. The symptoms were identical, no sound when activated and a constant warning light for low washer fluid even though it was full. I took it to a repair shop where they diagnosed a faulty windshield washer pump. The total repair cost was around 25 Euro including labor. They replaced the pump and the system worked perfectly again. Before suggesting specific solutions for your case, could you share: Have you noticed any leaks under the car? Did you recently fill the wiper fluid reservoir? What error code did the scan show? Does this happen consistently or intermittently? This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if its something else entirely.

maximilianwalter10 (Author)

Given my previous repair history at 141,000 KM in November, this washer fluid issue is a new development. A scan pulled the B0533 code, indicating a washer motor circuit issue. I notice there are no leaks underneath, and I tried adding fresh washer fluid but the warning light persists. The windshield washer system is completely unresponsive now, no spray, no pump noise at all when activated. Wondering if anyone else has experience with the B0533 code and what it typically indicates for repair needs.

raphael_silber3

Having dealt with that exact B0533 code on my Buick LaCrosse, I can confirm its almost always related to the washer pump circuit. The symptoms you describe, no spray, no pump noise, persistent warning light, match what I experienced before replacing my pump. The washer fluid warning light staying on despite a full reservoir is a telltale sign of a pump failure, as the system cant detect proper fluid pressure. When the pump dies, the circuit breaks and triggers that specific error code. Given your wiper system worked fine until recently and theres no evidence of leaks around the spray jets or reservoir, a failed pump is the most likely culprit. In my case, the pump had simply worn out from regular use. The repair is typically straightforward. The washer pump is usually accessible from under the vehicle or through the wheel well, depending on your specific model. When my pump was replaced, the warning light cleared immediately and the spray function returned to normal. Based on your mileage and the clear symptoms, Id recommend having the pump replaced rather than attempting other fixes first. The B0533 code is pretty specific to pump circuit issues.

maximilianwalter10 (Author)

Thanks for the input and code information. Since getting my initial scan with the B0533 code, I checked the wiring connections around the washer pump but found no obvious issues. The warning light still comes on every time I start the car, and the washer fluid system remains completely dead, no spray or pump noise at all when activated. Given this matches what others experienced with failed pumps, and considering the mileage on my vehicle, I think I will move forward with replacing the washer pump. The consistent symptoms and error code seem to point clearly to pump failure rather than a clog or other issue. Will update once the repair is complete to confirm if this resolves both the sprayer function and the dashboard warning light.

Join the discussion now: