Windscreen washer fluid - low indicator failed
#1
Windscreen washer fluid - low indicator failed
I ran out of windscreen washer fluid but got no warning.
It had to happen late on a wet night with lots of traffic plus road film on the screen.
RTFM says there should be an amber light plus a " Low washer fluid level" displayed on the Message Centre.
I did not see such a message and from what I read it should override other messages ( activated by the left stalk )
I added a little water to the tank and the washers are OK.
I an guessing that either the level sensor in the water tank or the wiring is where the fault is.
Can anyone detail how I access the tank / wiring. Thanks
In the meanwhile I will ensure I keep to tank topped up.
It had to happen late on a wet night with lots of traffic plus road film on the screen.
RTFM says there should be an amber light plus a " Low washer fluid level" displayed on the Message Centre.
I did not see such a message and from what I read it should override other messages ( activated by the left stalk )
I added a little water to the tank and the washers are OK.
I an guessing that either the level sensor in the water tank or the wiring is where the fault is.
Can anyone detail how I access the tank / wiring. Thanks
In the meanwhile I will ensure I keep to tank topped up.
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henry k (11-01-2012)
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Join Date: Sep 2008
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#7
I an now confused about the situation.
There was only one screw ( next to the wheel arch ) to undo but I needed to release a further two, low down, near the engine.
I was able to ease back the wheel arch liner to see the electrics.
There is a pump with a small bore tube at the bottom of the tank.
There is what I assume is the water level sensor a little higher.( it has a couple of very thin wires that suggests it takes no power)
There is, what I guess is another pump higher up.
Am I right ? I do have headlamp washer so two pumps ?
I eased out the middle unit part of the way out and washer fluid poured out.
I then realised that the water level was way above what I think is the sensor.
I have tested ( and observed) the headlamp washers in action for the first time.
With sidelights only on, every six squirts the headlamp washers activate which I understand is the correct function.
I will now try to empty the reservoir using the washers to see what happens.
In taking the sensor part way out I may disturbed it into sending correct signals.
A little later on.
Washers still working but not the headlamp washers. I can hear the pump trying but what I think I am hearing is a dry pump - not a nice noise. Still no warning message!!!
I assume the headlamp washers will be deprived of water before the normal washers. I also assume that the headlamp washer will come to no harm when running dry.
I am now getting the proper warning message and the amber light so time to celebrate !
The message I have from this is.
By the time you get the warning message the headlamp washer motor is pumping air ( not the best design) so be aware of the situation and top up the washer bottle immediately. Better still keep the washer bottle topped up ( unlike me!!!)
Thanks .
There was only one screw ( next to the wheel arch ) to undo but I needed to release a further two, low down, near the engine.
I was able to ease back the wheel arch liner to see the electrics.
There is a pump with a small bore tube at the bottom of the tank.
There is what I assume is the water level sensor a little higher.( it has a couple of very thin wires that suggests it takes no power)
There is, what I guess is another pump higher up.
Am I right ? I do have headlamp washer so two pumps ?
I eased out the middle unit part of the way out and washer fluid poured out.
I then realised that the water level was way above what I think is the sensor.
I have tested ( and observed) the headlamp washers in action for the first time.
With sidelights only on, every six squirts the headlamp washers activate which I understand is the correct function.
I will now try to empty the reservoir using the washers to see what happens.
In taking the sensor part way out I may disturbed it into sending correct signals.
A little later on.
Washers still working but not the headlamp washers. I can hear the pump trying but what I think I am hearing is a dry pump - not a nice noise. Still no warning message!!!
I assume the headlamp washers will be deprived of water before the normal washers. I also assume that the headlamp washer will come to no harm when running dry.
I am now getting the proper warning message and the amber light so time to celebrate !
The message I have from this is.
By the time you get the warning message the headlamp washer motor is pumping air ( not the best design) so be aware of the situation and top up the washer bottle immediately. Better still keep the washer bottle topped up ( unlike me!!!)
Thanks .
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