Dual Washer System Failure: Blocked Lines or Pump Issue?

Had the exact same issue on my 2007 Chevy Tahoe last month. When both systems fail simultaneously, it's typically the washer pump that's gone bad, not a hose issue. The pump handles fluid delivery for both the windshield and headlight cleaning systems. In my case, the pump motor had corroded connections and eventually failed completely. Washer fluid was just sitting in the tank with no pressure to push it through the system. Once the pump was replaced, both systems started working perfectly again. This isn't typically a serious repair, but you'll want to get it checked soon, especially if you have xenon headlights, those need regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Quick diagnosis tip: if you activate the washer and don't hear the pump motor humming at all, that's a pretty clear sign the pump's the culprit. Worth checking the fuse first though, it's a cheap and easy fix if that turns out to be the problem. Look for the windshield washer fuse in your fuse box before assuming the pump's bad.

Thanks for the detailed response! I had the same thoughts about the pump being the issue. Just got it fixed last week, turned out you were spot on about the pump failure. The connections were completely shot. Quick question, do you remember roughly what the repair cost you? My bill seemed a bit steep. Also, has everything been working smoothly since the fix? I'm a bit concerned about the system clogging up again since the old pump left some debris in the lines.

Great news that you got it sorted! The repair cost you mentioned (165) was actually less than what I paid for mine. My repair bill was higher because they had to clear out some gunk that had built up in the lines while the pump was failing. The headlight cleaning system malfunction cleared up immediately after they fixed the cable connection. Both systems have been working flawlessly for about 3 months now, no leaks or clogs to report. Getting strong, steady spray from both the windshield and headlight cleaners. Don't worry too much about debris, if they did the job right, they should have flushed the system while replacing the pump. One tip though: run the washer system regularly, especially the headlight cleaners. Regular use helps prevent the system from getting gunked up again. For the xenon headlights especially, keeping the cleaning system in good working order is crucial for maintaining proper light output and avoiding future malfunctions. Sounds like you caught the issue early enough to prevent any major system damage.

Thanks everyone for the input! Wanted to share how this all played out. Finally got the nerve to visit a new mechanic after my previous bad experience. Brought it in last Tuesday, they diagnosed it right away as a pump issue. The old pump was completely corroded and had stopped working. The repair was straightforward but took longer than expected because they found some buildup in the hoses that needed clearing. Total bill came to around 200 Euro including parts and labor. The mechanic actually showed me the old pump, looked pretty nasty with all the corrosion. Both the windshield washer and headlight cleaning systems are working perfectly now. The xenon headlights are getting proper cleaning again, and the spray is actually stronger than I remember it being before. No more malfunction warnings on the dash either. Only wish I'd done this sooner instead of driving around with dirty headlights for weeks. The new mechanic mentioned I should run the cleaning system at least weekly to prevent future issues. Already noticed a huge difference in nighttime visibility with clean headlights.