Headlights washers not working after bumper refit

[dan yeates]

I had an issue with my headlights which meant it failed it's MOT recently. I've now sorted them but had to remove the bumper in the process.

Refitted it but now the headlight washers don't work!! They make a noise, but no water comes out.

Any ideas what I may have done? I connected the two hoses back up to the jets. Is there something I may have disconnected without realising?

The car is now back on its wheels and I definitely don't want to take the bumper off again! I've got the MOT retest tomorrow!

Thanks.

 

[bluespit]

maybe not but I had the bumper off last year and inadvertently pulled off the washer jet connectors. lost all the fluid so didn't see any leaking

 

[MACK]

I know its sounds stupid but have you checked there's fluid in the tank. Even if there is it can take a while for the fluid to build back up in the pipes to the jets and bear in mind the headlights washers are only activated every 4-8 washer activation's (depending on what they have been set to)
Maybe it just needs a few more goes to build up pressure

 

[dan yeates]

I know its sounds stupid but have you checked there's fluid in the tank. Even if there is it can take a while for the fluid to build back up in the pipes to the jets and bear in mind the headlights washers are only activated every 4-8 washer activation's (depending on what they have been set to)
Maybe it just needs a few more goes to build up pressure

Well the reservoir was empty, so I topped it back up. I thought the same as you, that I might take a while to prime through, but I tried it about 10 times. I kept switching the ignition on and off to reset the headlight wash. Maybe it just needs more goes to get it primed through.

 

[MACK]

I know its sounds stupid but have you checked there's fluid in the tank. Even if there is it can take a while for the fluid to build back up in the pipes to the jets and bear in mind the headlights washers are only activated every 4-8 washer activation's (depending on what they have been set to)
Maybe it just needs a few more goes to build up pressure

Well the reservoir was empty, so I topped it back up. I thought the same as you, that I might take a while to prime through, but I tried it about 10 times. I kept switching the ignition on and off to reset the headlight wash. Maybe it just needs more goes to get it primed through.

To be fair you'd have though 10 goes would be enough really. You didn't clamp the pipe at all and have forgot to remove it. I nearly did that with mine.

 

[Zoomer]

Try getting someone to hold the washer units up when you press the headlight wash activation and try a couple of times as it can be very hard to get the air out of the system.

 

[Roundozo]

10 goes might not be enough. I recently replaced both headlight washers as one was leaking and the other made a bid for freedom. After installing them and filling the tank it felt like a million goes before pressure built up enough to pop them. I'd keep going before resorting to bumper removal.

 

[dan yeates]

Cool, that's what I wanted to hear! They make a noise, so they're doing something! I'll try lifting them up gently whilst spraying and see if that helps purge the air.

 

[dan yeates]

No, I didn't clamp the pipe, just pulled them off the jets in the bumper.

 

[dan yeates]

Ok, it was just me being stupid! I lifted up the washer jet and as it raised I could hear the air rushing out of it and then gurgling water. Works fine now.

For future reference, I think the washer jets just need lifting up to purge the air out.