The spray from the windshield washers on my 2012 XF is weaker than on any vehicle I have ever had. The dealer tech checked it and says it is normal. Has anyone else noticed this?

 

That's because it is not a spray. Like many cars designed for high speed driving, the XF applies the fluid directly to the windshield from the wiper blades, rather than spraying it at the windshield through the air. Although it doesn't look as impressive at first glance, this method ends up putting more fluid on the windshield and much much less into the air surrounding the car, especially at speed.

 

It also only sprays the upside of the wiper blade. The amount of each spray is preset nd two sprays are initiated per wash cycle. Headlight washers activate only if headlights are ON (DRL do not count as ON). Also, headlight washers only activate once after the headlights are switched ON and thereafter only evey fifth consecutive wash cycle, unless switched OFF and thn ON again which resets the count.

 

My headlight washers come on for the first cycle after ignition on, regardless of headlight status. Then every fifth cycle. As per the manual.

 

That's the way it should be set up. Jaguar must have changed the software settings. Mine must have the headlights ON before any headlight wash occurs. Even when the DRL are on there is no wash cycle, the headlights must actually be ON.

2009 model.

 

It might be clever and efficient but I am pretty much a results focused kind of guy, and this set up is rubbish. I get great big smear marks on the screen unless I hold the button for a very long time. Even then, it misses parts of the screen, particularly low down in front of the driver. Because it delivers in a stream rather than a spray, it makes sure that the rest of the car from the screen back gets nice big water marks over it too. I think this "feature" is the most irritating thing about my Jag, fighting it out with the keyless entry for top honours.

 

Well, it is designed with winter muck in mind. It works very well for an automated system. Streaking may result fom the washer fluid you are using. Methanol based antifreeze mixtures work well. Additives such as RainX brand or bug detergents generally do not work at all and can result in streaking.

Also, replace your wiper blades at least every to years, maybe more frequently if you live in places with intense sunshine. UV kills the rubber in short order whether the wipers are used or not.

Finally, if you live where rain is infrequent then the windshield will acquire a film of oily mung which washer systems cannot remove. Regular use of detergent or Windex or Bon Ami type cleaners are the only answer then.