Windscreen washer problem Z4 e89

Newboy1946 · Post by **Newboy1946** » Thu Dec 02, 2021 7:38 pm

My windscreen washer stops washing the screen after a few tweaks but continues to wash the headlights

acm · Post by **acm** » Thu Dec 02, 2021 8:41 pm

I had this problem a few weeks ago and it turned out to be a blocked filter on the screen washer pump.

Assuming it isn't a failed screen wash pump (check power across plug when operating washer) nor frozen pipes check the screen wash tank for sludgy deposits.

I found numerous discussions on this topic and discovered the problem is likely a result of a reaction between BMW screen wash fluid and other brand screen wash fluid. This in turn blocks the pump filters

I tried the Steradent trick, but it had little effect. I ended up pumping out the contents of the screen wash tank, removing the pumps, disconnecting the wash fluid level sensor, extracting the screen wash tank and cleaning it out thoroughly.

The screen wash pump filter (located on the rubber seal) is smaller and lower in the tank than the lights pump filter, so as a consequence was blocked by a gooey blob of gunk. Using an old toothbrush and spraying water into the tank removed all the sludge

Hope it's as easy for you as it was for me. Took me about an hour in all.

Cheers!
Andy

warmasice · Post by **warmasice** » Thu Dec 02, 2021 8:46 pm

acm wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 8:41 pm I had this problem a few weeks ago and it turned out to be a blocked filter on the screen washer pump.

Asuming it isn't a failed screen wash pump (check power across plug when operating washer) nor frozen pipes check the screen wash tank for sludgy deposits.

I found numerous discussions on this topic and discovered the problem is likely a result of a reaction between BMW screen wash fluid and other brand screen wash fluid. This in turn blocks the pump filters

I tried the Steradent trick, but it had little effect. I ended up pumping out the contents of the screen wash tank, removing the pumps, disconnecting the wash fluid level sensor, extracting the screen wash tank and cleaning it out thoroughly.

The screen wash pump filter (located on the rubber seal) is smaller and lower in the tank than the lights pump filter, so as a consequence was blocked by a gooey blob of gunk. Using an old toothbrush and spraying water into the tank removed all the sludge

Hope it's as easy for you as it was for me. Took me about an hour in all.

Cheers!
Andy

Very sensible advice. Had the sludging up in my E46 many moons ago.

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Thu Dec 02, 2021 9:32 pm

I had the sludgy algae problem on an E46 and on my 2nd E86.

After getting the filters and reservoir cleaned up I only ever used one brand of screenwash and both were still working fine for the next 3 years I had them.

Newboy1946 · Post by **Newboy1946** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 1:18 pm

Ok guys thanks for the advice will act on it asap

Newboy1946 · Post by **Newboy1946** » Sat Dec 11, 2021 12:08 pm

Question how do you remove the washer fluid level censor from the main reservoir don’t want to break it

acm · Post by **acm** » Sat Dec 11, 2021 6:07 pm

After unplugging the three wiring plugs (2 × pumps and 1 x level switch), washer pump pipes and removing the washer reservoir, turn the windscreen wash level switch through 90° and pull out downwards.

Cheers!
Andy

Newboy1946 · Post by **Newboy1946** » Thu Dec 16, 2021 5:30 pm

I now have a windscreen washer Code A6D3 Signal or Value Below Threshold !!!
Reservoir all cleaned out no blockages pump working intermittently
What’s the solution please

obewan · Post by **obewan** » Thu Dec 16, 2021 5:52 pm

Here's a couple of threads when searching that code.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/wind ... ng.736132/
This one has a fault trail to follow

viewtopic.php?t=124599&p=1786548

Seems to be pointing to pump failure
Can you clear the code and see if it returns?

I'm sure an expert will be along shortly

mcbutler · Post by **mcbutler** » Thu Dec 16, 2021 6:58 pm

Neat washer fluid every time in mine, seems to keep everything clean.
The purple one from Halfords smells lovely when you use the washers mmmmmmmm

step_change · Post by **step_change** » Tue Jan 11, 2022 4:46 pm

I had this problem too, windshield washer motor just stopped working or worked very intermittently without rhyme or reason and yet headlamp washers work fine. I had tried the usual wash and clean of the bottle and filters. No joy. I had it fixed under BMW extended warranty. £100 excess.

They had changed the motor twice and it kept coming back. They traced the wiring and buzzed it all out. All fine. There is a controller that not only controls the washers but many other peripheral things on the car. The output cct on that for the washer had gone kaput. £1400+ VAT had I not had the extended warranty. Now works perfectly.

Selling it in spring time. I get loads of complements about it.

304frp · Post by **304frp** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 7:50 pm

Same here , only ever used the Halfords pink one , undiluted and everything’s clean and lovely.

mcbutler wrote: ↑Thu Dec 16, 2021 6:58 pm Neat washer fluid every time in mine, seems to keep everything clean.
The purple one from Halfords smells lovely when you use the washers mmmmmmmm

step_change · Post by **step_change** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 9:24 pm

I would have thought neat fluid too strong? Doesn't it harm the paintwork?

mcbutler · Post by **mcbutler** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 9:25 pm

step_change wrote: ↑Wed Jan 12, 2022 9:24 pm I would have thought neat fluid too strong? Doesn't it harm the paintwork?

nope its harmless

Mr_E85Bim · Post by **Mr_E85Bim** » Wed May 25, 2022 10:54 pm

Just had this problem with my E85. Took the reservoir out and gave it a good clean, including the filter. Put it all back in and nothing!!

I made sure to clean the filter and I could hear the motor so knew it wasn't an electrical issue.

Left it for a couple of hours while I did more reading. Decided to give it another try and like magic it started working!!

So if it happens to you after cleaning. Just leave it a while. May just need a while to flow through pipes or something

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com