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While locating the access panel for the tow hook (1 in the photo below), I "discovered" a second access panel (2 in the photo below) that I don't know anything about.
I haven't been able to spot a reference to it in the handbook, does anyone know what the lever behind it does?
They achieve nothing and exist only to appease gummint diktats.
That might the case in your country where it never rains, but in a mucky country (lots of filth thrown up from the car in front) like the UK they're very useful.
That might the case in your country where it never rains, but in a mucky country (lots of filth thrown up from the car in front) like the UK they're very useful.
So I must ask, have you ever noticed the washers in operation and if so did you really notice a difference or improvement in the light from the dipped/low beam HID lights?
So I must ask, have you ever noticed the washers in operation and if so did you really notice a difference or improvement in the light from the dipped/low beam HID lights?
Agree, that they are odd and not useful. Have them on Porsche Cayenne S, BMW X5, and BMW 3 Series. An awesome feature is in the winter, they have frozen shut on both BMWs, and then broken off when you use the windshield washer! Have never noticed a benefit or difference...But, I guess some may like them?
So I must ask, have you ever noticed the washers in operation and if so did you really notice a difference or improvement in the light from the dipped/low beam HID lights?
I've noticed them in operation (they only work once every 6 screen washes) as it looks like I'm driving through a stream with the water coming over the front wings! They're most effective at washing road muck off the glass, and mine always look clean after a drive when I've used them, even when the rest of the front of the car is quite dirty. As to whether the light levels are noticeably different - tough one that as I don't drive in really dark places.
I’ve actually never seem them function other than a damp headlight when I stop and get out of the car. I am assuming they have been functioning but can only guess lol.
Only way to see them in use would be to watch them outside while someone activated them in car. if no wiper is involved, and wipers would look stupid on our cars. I just cant see how they would do a decent job cleaning anything. Then again, I avoid rain and snow anyway so ill probably never know nor care. 😁 my beater/foul weather car doesnt have them and they get rain, snow, salt etc never had a visibility issue. I guess its a cute option, but just another piece to break imo. To each his own.
Only way to see them in use would be to watch them outside while someone activated them in car. if no wiper is involved, and wipers would look stupid on our cars. I just cant see how they would do a decent job cleaning anything. Then again, I avoid rain and snow anyway so ill probably never know nor care. 😁 my beater/foul weather car doesnt have them and they get rain, snow, salt etc never had a visibility issue. I guess its a cute option, but just another piece to break imo. To each his own.
Thing is it's not an option, it's mandatory on all cars with HID headlights, which means ALL F-Types ever made, except maybe the later models with LED headlights but I doubt it.
At least in UK and Oz and maybe Europe, USA and/or Canada as well.
Mandatory coz as I said in post #6 it's decreed by the gummint, either by a law or a regulation.
As far as I can figure out some "saaaaaaaaafety" bureaucrat somewhere sometime decided that dirty headlight covers scatter HID bulb light "too much" and the "solution" was auto headlight washers. Ralph Nader strikes again!
Thing is it's not an option, it's mandatory on all cars with HID headlights, which means ALL F-Types ever made, except maybe the later models with LED headlights but I doubt it.
At least in UK and Oz and maybe Europe, USA and/or Canada as well.
Does anyone have a picture of these in the deployed/operating position?
That's a two person job! AIUI (but I could be wrong!), the water pressure just pushes them forward and the water then squirts up over the headlamp glass. My front end was misaligned (there's a surprise!) and the left side one wouldn't retract completely - it had to be reseated by hand after use. A dealer managed to realign it when it was in for some warranty work - it's still not perfect, but it's much better.
Another problem with these (on XFs, XJs and XKs not so much F-Types) is the hose from the washer fluid tank to the headlight often falls off the back of the headlight.
When this happens most of the washer fluid leaks out and you get a "low washer fluid" message, and it's a right royal PITA to diagnose.
When I first got my old XFS back in 2013 I had this problem and it took me several months before I figured out what was going on.
The washer hoses are clipped onto spigots on the under sides of the headlights by very small and extremely feeble plastic circlips.
If you have skinny and nimble hands and fingers (which I don't!) it is possible to reach down the back of the headlight cluster and reconnect and reclip the hose, otherwise it's a headlight out job.
12-03-2020, 11:48 PM
Access panels on front
