Headlight washer not working..

[Nuclear Jam]

After a few weeks of suspecting it wasn't working I finally got around to checking today and discovered the headlight washer is not working on the passenger side. The head rises up to about half the height that the other side gets to (very slowly) then drops back at the same time as the other side, without ever actually spraying any water.

I have searched the forum and although I have found other threads relating to issues with the headlight washers I haven't found the same fault mentioned. The car has BMW AUC so hope whatever is at fault will be covered by this but I'm curious as to what might be causing the problem, anyone have any ideas?

 

[dmo]

Sounds like the motor's going bad. I always thought they were put in an exposed position (to water for example) - best to take it to the dealer to have a quick once over. Could be a simple as recalibrating it - let us know how you get on.

 

[Sloth]

This is an old topic but is exactly my problem atm. Extensive investigation (playing around) shows the nozzles at the headlight is working fine with no blockages. I took the jet head off and blew threw it with no resistance at all.

The jet itselft is sprung loaded to pull it back into the bodywork. The water pressure from the reservoir pump extends the nozzle stalk and at full extension the nozzles are released to spray the water onto the lights (and over your nicely cleaned bodywork!) How that mechanism works I dont know but assume that the nozzle feed is sealed until the stalk piston is fully erect/extended. Wish I had that fitted as a teenager!

Drivers side nozzle is closest the water reservoir and pump. The passenger side pipe goes along the bottom of the front bumper from the same reservoir pump feed. There is enough pressure from the pump to extend the driver's side and spray the length of the car. The passenger side nozzle moves a few mil before giving up. I've physically pulled the nozzle all the way out so the nozzle spray is unrestricted by the extending piston. Trying the headlight spray again showed there wasn't even enough pressure to dribble out the passenger side nozzles. Even without having to extend the nozzle with its own pressure.

Judging by the amount of spray from the working nozzle, I'm taking a guess that there is nothing wrong with the reservoir pump but more likely a blockage in the feed pipe running along the bumber.

Any other thoughts or ideas would be greatly received. The next step I guess for me would be to remove the pipe and physically clean/check it.

Anyone have a manual for that? (M Coupe version would be better but will accept anything!) :?

 

[inkey$]

Raising an old thread as I'm experiencing an issue like this.

Drivers side washer isn't doing it's washing thing. Haven't been able to ask anybody to check if it moves at all and today I tried to levy up the washer using a credit card under the cover but didn't want to pull it up too much in case I broke it.

Any ideas? Or is it just easier to take it to my friendly neighbourhood stealer?

 

[Stuart Truman]

Check the filters at the bottom of the reservoir pumps. You can remove them relatively easily and there is often enough gunk to reduce pressure.

 

[inkey$]

Check the filters at the bottom of the reservoir pumps. You can remove them relatively easily and there is often enough gunk to reduce pressure.

Cheers Stu. Are the reservoir pumps easy to access? What's the best way?

 

[cj10jeeper]

First port of call is def the filter in the washer bottle, however this usually appears as a fault on the NS as it's further from the pump.

Next just put your finger nails under the cover and lift it up. Real easy to do and if you lift it carefully on both sides you won't break anything. Once out a couple of cm you can easily get a hold of the whole jet mechanism and work it in and out a few times to ensure it's operating freely.

If it still doesn't work access through the lower inspection hatch. Disconnect the hose by undoing the plastic C locking clip and pump some water through. Also take the washer unit out (just unclips) then on the bench clean it and check the jet nozzles, or do that while on the car.

Really nothing much to these units, but stealers going to cost you £50 in labour and the same in parts as they'll swap the jet out regardless.

 

[inkey$]

Good instruction CJ. My weekend job has arrived