Hi

I have a repeated problem with the rear washer fluid pipe on my 52 plate Fabia 1.4 Estate. When we have freezing weather, the pipe blocks, and if I try to wash the rear windscreen, the pressure from the washer pump blows the connecting pipe out of the washer fluid bottle.

I've had it fixed once by my Skoda dealer, but it's getting tedious having to go back again. Does anyone know if I can I fix this myself without putting the car on a ramp? Also, does anyone have a more permanent fix for this problem?

I notice there's a plastic engine cover under the front of the vehicle near the front wings. Can this be easily removed and re-attached to gain access to the washer bottle? I can't get access to the dislodged pipe from above, but can see the fluid squirting out at the bottom of the engine bay when I use the wash/wipe.

Many thanks

David

Have you tried using the correct VAG screenwash at the appropriate concentration to avoid this problem? One part Windscreen Clear (PN: G 052 164 A2 for the 1 litre bottle) to two parts water protects against freezing down to -16°C or 1:1 down to -35°C. The summer-time concentration is 1:4.

Have you tried using the correct VAG screenwash at the appropriate concentration to avoid this problem? One part Windscreen Clear (PN: G 052 164 A2 for the 1 litre bottle) to two parts water protects against freezing down to -16

No, I don't use the VAG screenwash, but I do use a high concentration of other screen wash, usually 1:1 or 1:2, which will supposedly protect to -15 or -16, which would appear ample around here. The front washers have never frozen, it's only the rear one that seems to freeze. Although I take the point about the washer mix to avoid it freezing in the future.

My real point is how do I fix the existing problem, i.e. the disconnected washer pipe, without having to schlepp back to the garage? Is it easy to remove the front underside plastic engine shield, and can this be done successfully without putting the car on a ramp?

Rgds

The pipe is very easy to refit (I get the same problem myself). From looking at the car from the front (i.e., standing in front of the bonnet), shine a torch down at the back and right of the engne bay. You'll probably see it. I can reach it without removing anything on my PD100 and I see no reason why any other Furby would be any more difficult. If you can't spot it, spray the rear washer and then look for the fluid in the engine bay, follow it back to the source!

It requires a bit of a push to get it to go into place, but it will click when it's in.

How about not using the screenwasher whilst frozen?

If you join all the pipes up so they dont come off then you will either blow the fuse for the pump or the valve at the bottom of the pump will split apart.

Where has the pipe come off? n/s/f, bulkhead or tailgate?

Thanks a lot for that. It saved me a lot of unnecessary fiddling around under the car. I can't get it to click into place as the pipes are quite tight, but I can get a tight enough fit for them to stay put. I'll leave it as it is for now, until the weather warms up. I don't want to force the pipes when they're v cold and possibly brittle.

Thanks again.

Rgds

David

As for not using when frozen. How do I know it's frozen before using it? When it doesn't work, I don't try it again until the weather's well above freezing. When nothing happens again, that's when I find puddles under the car.

Rgds

How do I know it's frozen before using it?

Ice on the car, temps below freezing are usually good signs.

As mentioned the propper fan jet washer fluid will stop clogging of the jets.

If the washers pack up alltogether check the fuses, quite often blow this time of year as the pump freezes up.

Thanks alot chaps for this thread , just been messing around for half an hour in the snow trying to get to the washer bottle where i thought the pipe was, a seach on here and im done in seconds:)

Was at Skoda dealership in Oxford and it actually had some notice up about this stating to use the VAG screen washer stuff. I've not used it so far but the recommendations are there & I will switch to it. The price isn't too bad either.

That said, a GB may be an excellent idea for this?

Yes but they only sell it in little bottles, and with headlight washers you can get through 2.5 litres on a motorway journey. Personally I use the halfords stuff, 1:1 in winter and 1:4 in summer. Never frozen and you can often get it 15 litres for the price of ten.

Yes but they only sell it in little bottles, and with headlight washers you can get through 2.5 litres on a motorway journey. Personally I use the halfords stuff, 1:1 in winter and 1:4 in summer. Never frozen and you can often get it 15 litres for the price of ten.

Yes but you arent supposed to it all in in one go. One bottle should dilute 15 litres or so. And unlike the Halfords stuff it wont clog the fan jets up.

And its less that £3 for the litre bottle.

i've fixed my brothers elegance twice and i find it reasonably easy to get a cup of warm water down to the pipe connection , dunk it in the cup to warm up , then clip the two parts back together , but i must admit it does seem easy to get it apart than puttin it back together again . not had the problem on my vrs but using autoglym screenwash which comes foc from work , oh no my dads pipe has come off his vrs now , ahhhh

I've used halfords bright green stuff for ages, on the last few cars I've had, and even with my Fabia, and never had a problem, well, the only problem I've had was at the 10k service the dealer topped up with genuine (I assume) and the combination created an awful smell, so I had to sit for ages using the washerjets in bursts to drain the system, flush and refill.

I've not experienced this blocking that is mentioned, even when I run fairly strong concentrations for winter.

I object to paying through the nose for 'genuine' products such as these, the only thing I've bought genuine was Oil, for topping up in the first 10k.

Reackon i need to look at this as the rear washer has packed up on the mrs fab, not seen any puddles but its gotta worth a look rather than a trip to the dealers.

ACSC

I too have had same problem on my car. Usually can get my hand down the back of the engine and reconnect. On previous Fabia, the pipe came apart inside bootlid. Had to force off plastic trim on bootlid and get my hands inside to reconnect. A bit of elbow grease certainly saved a trip to the dealer. These problems seem to be rather commonplace. I now use Holts screenwash in a big 4 litre bottle, (from Costco) - 2 parts water to 1 part fluid. Been okay ever since.