Hi there,

I'm hoping someone will be able to help. I am new to the forum and I have read other topics in this forum but haven't been able to find one that covers my exact issue.

 

I have a sedan model 2012 Octavia. My rear windscreen washer does not get water (pump does not switch on and no noise) and the rear wiper does not operate. However, my front washer and wiper works just fine - the pump switches on and the wipers work at the front.

This is what I have checked so far;

* I have checked fused for rear wiper and all ok

* I have checked water levels

* I have checked for water leaks/water in boot under spare tyre - nothing

* I have checked pipe connection at the water pump at the water reservoir

* I have checked rear boot is closed and no warning lights are on

 

Has anyone else experienced this problem or can help?

 

Given there is only 1 pump that supplies water to front and rear, I am thinking it must be a connector/power/switching issue that tells the pump to turn on and the wiper motor to work for the rear. The power and connector to the motor itself works as it turns on for the front wipers, just not the rear.

 

Does this suggest a relay maybe, how do I checked? Are there other checks I can make?  

I'm hoping to narrow this problem down and get a DIY fix. (...crosses fingers...)

 

Thanks in advance!

Check for voltage at the pump motor, that would be my first step then follow the wiring back to the steering wheel stalk.

Hi MicMac, thanks for the feedback.

I've checked and found that I get power to the water pump when I activate the front washer jets (using the lever behind the steering wheel), but no power when I activate the rear.

So I've been trying to find a fuse for the rear that may have blown, but I haven't had any luck.

I'm using the owner manual fuse diagram as a guide. I've found that not all the fuses match with what is on the diagram (e.g No 42 that is mentioned in these threads, in my manual says, 'not assigned' and there is no fuse there - even though the white sticker on the fuse box cover shows the washer symbol. A little confusing!) I've also read all the other fuse labels in the manual and none are listed for the 'window washer water pump' or something similar. Its got me puzzled!

 

At the moment I'm thinking that there must be 1 fuse that connects the lever at the steering wheel to activate the pump for the front water jet, and then a separate fuse that allows activation of the same pump for the rear water jets? And if so, I'm not having any luck finding it. Maybe there's something else I'm missing??

 

Thanks!

 

 

I'm not able to check at the moment however I'm confident that there is only 1 fuse for the pump regardless of direction of operation, that is controlled by the CAN bus.

 

Check the tailgate is electrically closed ie retract load cover to see if boot lights are off as the washer/wiper won't operate when open.

 

Test for voltage at the fuse when selecting rear wash, if you have power then there is a break in the wiring somewhere, most likely at the environmentally exposed pump end which is why I suggested working backwards.

 

Still half asleep...

 

If there are only 2 wires connecting the washer pump and forward direction works then the wiring/fuse is ok, the most likely problem being the switch on the steering column else the controller has gone faulty as this is what changes the direction of current flow AFAIK.

Edited 14 August, 20187 yr by MicMac

On a diagram I have for a pre-facelift model, the washer pump is controlled by two relays (one for the rear and one for the front). These are board mounted in the power supply/ control module.

Facelift models likely to be the same.

Thanks MicMac ad pikpilot! I really appreciate your time.

The relay for the rear washer makes sense I think. I'll see how I can access the board/control module, but it sounds like it is quite involved.