I resolved it by doing the following:

1. Shot the hose into the fluid tank. Eventually, gross slimy black/brown gunk came out in pieces.
2. Blew air into the line (towards the tank after disconnecting it). It made the water bubble and more slimy gunk appeared; I had to shoot water into the tank again to get the gunk out.

 

Thanks for the update. Good to know. I wonder if there are better washer fluids out there that don't accumulate in the hoses. I might ask my shop to jet-hose the windshield washer contraption and tubes before refilling next time.

 

I wonder if the washer fluid you were using is a brand you don't want to continue using.

 

I bought the car in May, whatever was in there was put or topped off by the dealer. It's likely the issue began with the previous owner.

 

Have you been using the green washer fluid? I used the green for awhile until I discovered it goes bad and gets all gunky. It clogged the washer pump in my Sedona and I had to get a new pump. After that I just switched back to the cheap blue stuff and never a problem since.

 

I've got a jug of the blue stuff from Dollar Tree. Been hesitant to use it since it says summer use only. Guess no methanol, but I don't see any junk in the bottom of the jug. Maybe next summer. Do our Niros have a float switch or something in the washer fluid tank? I've never had a light come on, but maybe the dealer has been topping it up at oil changes.

Geoff

 

The cheap blue stuff if fine. If you got summer stuff it will freeze below 32 but you can just add a little rubbing alcohol to make it winter lol

 

I once had a 1979 Mazdal 626 (loved that car) that did have a low washer fluid light.

Geoff

 

That gunk sounds awful but great to learn how to address the problem because I’m a consummate window washer! Is it not ok to dilute blue fluid with water? Related: I’m wondering if anyone has had issues with the rear window wiper motor. My 2019 Niro has a really noisy motor and I’m predicting issues. (The design should improve but it’s kinda of a game to time the squirt while the arm is about to move up!)

 

You can dilute the blue stuff with water but it will just make the cleaning qualities less and will raise the freeze point so in winter it will freeze up sooner. In the winter I usually do the opposite and add a little rubbing alcohol to it so the freeze point will be lower and it melts the frost easier. Just have to be careful not to overdo it so it doesn't screw up the paint.

 

That’s a really good reminder to keep some in the car as part of the emergency kit!

 

I have a 2020 Niro (Touring model). The pump, which powers both the front and rear window washer, stopped working. The dealer replaced it under warranty.