Washers not Working

BeerHunter · Post by **BeerHunter** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 7:58 pm

The windscreen washers aren't working and i suspect the pump motor as it's not making any noise, but waht's puzzling me is the headlamp washers do work (or they did at least twice when trying to get the windscreen washer to work).

So does this mean - a) there's a separate pump for the headlight washers... or - b) there's residual pressure in the headlamp washer lines... or - c) something else ?

I'm guessing it will just need a new washer pump but is there anything else I should check first ?

And is there an saving getting a non-BMW part off ebay or should I just go to the dealer ?

flybobbie · Post by **flybobbie** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:01 pm

Separate pumps, common problem, take apart and clean.
It's a breeding ground for mold.

noiseboy72 · Post by **noiseboy72** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:39 pm

If you mix certain types of washer fluid, it turns into a type of mouldy jelly, that totally gums up the pump. Pop the pump out, empty and wash out the bottle and reassemble. If it still doesn't work, check the fuses and wiring.

parabolica · Post by **parabolica** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:42 pm

The filter on the pump in the reservoir will be clogged; easy to remove the reservoir from the car and clean out.

MACK · Post by **MACK** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:43 pm

As above, its really common for the washer fluid tank to get a load of gooey type crap at the bottom of it near the pick ups for the pumps.
Its only secured by one bolt so its well worth whipping out and checking the filters into the two pumps are clean etc.
Its also worth checking the front washers pump is actually getting a live feed while the tanks out before buying a new pump.

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 10:21 pm

Yes, gunk blocking the pump filters is a common problem. BMW screen-wash doesn't seem to be compatible with any other brand!

I've had to deal with it on a Z4 and an E46 3 Series.

Once you've got it all cleaned up and flushed it's probably best to only ever use the same brand of screen-wash - I've just stuck with cheapy Prestone stuff from Tesco and in 2+ years it's been fine.

BeerHunter · Post by **BeerHunter** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 10:45 pm

Thanks guys. Looks like I've got a job for the weekend

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Wed Apr 24, 2019 10:50 pm

It doesn't take long though - I'm no master mechanic but even taking my time I had it all done in about an hour.

And it's so satisfying when it all works!

BeerHunter · Post by **BeerHunter** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 7:35 am

Also, where will I find the pump for the headlights ? I could see what looks like the main pump for the windscreen. Is it integral with this, or do I need to look somewhere else ?

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 8:58 am

My screen jets are only letting out a poor jet that barely hits the bottom of the windscreen so I want to clean out the reserviour as mentioned on this thread.
Is this how its removed:

single bolt:

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and release both clips here?

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parabolica · Post by **parabolica** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 9:08 am

Yes pretty much - those clips are the electrical connectors for the two pumps; once off you can pull the pumps out as they act as anchor points for the reservoir if I recall correctly. They take a bit of a tug but can be done by hand. Once loose the whole thing will come out.

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 9:17 am

parabolica wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2019 9:08 am Yes pretty much - those clips are the electrical connectors for the two pumps; once off you can pull the pumps out as they act as anchor points for the reservoir if I recall correctly. They take a bit of a tug but can be done by hand. Once loose the whole thing will come out.

Thanks - do I need to disconnect the battery?

parabolica · Post by **parabolica** » Thu Apr 25, 2019 9:24 am

Nope.

BeerHunter · Post by **BeerHunter** » Fri May 03, 2019 5:24 pm

Thanks for the help with this. It turned out the washer pump itself was dead so a simple replacement job

. But only after I'd purchased the head-light washer pump by mistake and then had to queue again for what seemed an eternity to swap it for the right one

roblightbody · Post by **roblightbody** » Sat Jul 06, 2019 12:44 pm

I just successfully did this on our car - both windscreen and headlamp washers weren't working (but could hear the pumps). Removed the bolt. Then had a 10 minute struggle as i tried to free the bottle - its fiddly but not difficult. Once you've removed it you can see how it all hangs together. The filters on mine stayed in the bottle, so I had to yank them out with pliers - they were completely gooped up - used hot water and some bleach to clear - the put it back in. While fighting to get the bottle back in - one of them popped out - so make sure and check before filling with water - I didn't!

I used Bluecol screenwash - which says on the bottle that it prevents mould growth - I've never really looked for that on screenwash before now, but I will from now on.

Anyway, both washers systems now working and big smiled on my part.

Amazingly - the previous owner paid a Specialist £28 to fix exactly this on the 7th of December... only 7 months ago. Either they didn't do it right, or he then put rubbish screenwash in afterwards (or none I suppose)

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