Hi all,

I had a towbar fitted to my 2005 Octavia estate about two weeks ago and I've suddenly noticed the rear windscreen washer isn't working, where I definitely had some liquid coming out of it before. I can hear the pump working (or sounding like it is) so I was wondering if anyone knows if the electrics fitted for the tow bar go down the same side as the water hose for the rear windscreen wiper fluid. And if so, what's the likelihood that it's been squashed or disconnected in some way? Of course, the garage that fitted the tow bar are sure the problem isn't their fault.

Any views/expertise out there?

Thanks in advance.

The rear washer failing is a common problem on the Octavia so it could in fact be coincidence. Then again there is everychance they have knocked or squashed it in the process.

The connectors along the pipe are weak and can pop off, likewise (only really on the hatch) the nozzles block up.

If the washer bottle is full, the pump is working and there is no screen wash leaking underneath the car or appearing at the nozzle then you are filling the interior of your car up somewhere with screenwash!

The most common areas are above the passenger rear seat (above the door), behind the boot carpet just above the CD Multichanger (not good for the cars electronics) or it'll pool into the lowest point which is the spare wheel well.

Thanks Briskodian, I will check those places out before going any further.

Hey, Briskodian. Just to let you know you were right on the money! Opened up the boot and sure enough, on the left hand side, right by the CD multichanger, I have a damp (Windscreen wash smelling) patch.

Took it straight back to the garage that fitted the tow bar and they are going to remove the panelling and check it out next week - they're not very happy about having to do the work but they've not got a leg to stand on, really. Worked before they got the car, stopped and got damp after they worked on the car.

You've saved me a lot of hassle.

Thanks

If you have hachback with original PDC do it soon because the pipe conector is upon PDC unit so be carefull.

If combi there are conectors to rear lid so controle it too

Good luck

Glad I was able to help

As above though, don't use the washer until it is fixed as there are some electrics around that part of the boot somewhere.

Keep an eye out for strange symptoms (brake lights permanently on, high level brake light lit up permanently but dimly, non opening boot, boot/door open warning light on, no number plate lights, no rear wiper etc.)