So it would seem that the headlight washer jets on my 2013 Octavia Mk3 VRS have stopped working :(

 

I believe that fuse "42" is the fuse for the headlight washers and the rear central locking, but the central locking is working fine. So that eliminates it being the fuse.

 

I believe the relay for the headlight washers is tied in with the fuel pump and a load of other things, so as the car is running fine that rules that out (unless it's a different relay of course, if someone could confirm that would be awesome).

 

If it's not the fuse or the relay, does anyone have any suggestions at all?

Are your lights turned on?  Sorry for asking a basic Q but the headlights don't wash everytime unless lights are on (not just in auto).

The lights only wash on every 5th pull of the washer stalk ( think its 5 ) and as said above the lights must be on.  I had mine doctored with a VCDS so the lights only got washed when the washer stalk was pulled for more than 2 seconds.  

8 minutes ago, MarkyG82 said:

Are your lights turned on?  Sorry for asking a basic Q but the headlights don't wash everytime unless lights are on (not just in auto).

I always have my lights set to auto, but have tried with the headlights turned on and they still don't seem to want to work :(

I think it only washes the lights after 10 or 20 window washes , not sure if these need to be done with the lights on though.

5 minutes ago, 3rdoctavia said:

I think it only washes the lights after 10 or 20 window washes , not sure if these need to be done with the lights on though.

I believe the default is 10 washes, which again I've tried with the headlights switched on as opposed to set to auto.

Thinking about the system, I wouldnt take the fuel pump relay thing as an indicator as to whats happening.

 

It is controlled by a module somewhere, i.e. theres a logic process that activates the solenoids under certain conditions. The actual movement of the washers is driven by water pressure, i.e. no water no movement.

 

I would be trying to find a drawing of this arrangement to see if its a common solenoid or actuator, this would be likely as both work at the same time. I would then be seeing if it likes to actuate with a supplied voltage.

 

With the lights on they should activate on the first pull, normally at a standstill on the drive covering the freshly washed and waxed car in soapy water.

 

There may also be a lack of pressure, maybe a pump issue or blockage in a common pipe.

 

Without knowing the system entirely thats my best guess from a fault finding perspective, cars arent my day job so I may be wrong.

3 hours ago, ExSEAT said:

Thinking about the system, I wouldnt take the fuel pump relay thing as an indicator as to whats happening.

 

It is controlled by a module somewhere, i.e. theres a logic process that activates the solenoids under certain conditions. The actual movement of the washers is driven by water pressure, i.e. no water no movement.

 

I would be trying to find a drawing of this arrangement to see if its a common solenoid or actuator, this would be likely as both work at the same time. I would then be seeing if it likes to actuate with a supplied voltage.

 

With the lights on they should activate on the first pull, normally at a standstill on the drive covering the freshly washed and waxed car in soapy water.

 

There may also be a lack of pressure, maybe a pump issue or blockage in a common pipe.

 

Without knowing the system entirely thats my best guess from a fault finding perspective, cars arent my day job so I may be wrong.

Trying to find decent diagrams seem's to be a bit of a problem unfortunately. Not sure how accessible the pipe work is for the headlight washers to start trying to diagnose the problem.

 

If it's a known problem, so to speak, it may be easier and quicker to take it into my local Skoda stealership.

Headlights washers also stop working when the low washer fluid light comes on.

2 minutes ago, match14 said:

Headlights washers also stop working when the low washer fluid light comes on.

Washer fluid level is fine, and the low fluid light isn't on.

Can you hear the headlight washer motor trying?

 

Give the screen a quick wash with the lights on you should hear the headlamp washer motor run for a few seconds and then again after a few more seconds as they wash the headlights twice.

 

If you can't you have an electrical issue or a failed pump motor. If you can you have a blockage or leak.

 

Lee

I had a a problem with the headlight washers not spraying- turned out one of the hoses connecting to the jet was snapped and needed replaced.  You'll know if you have this problem because the washer bottle will pretty much empty every time you use the washers and the low level light will appear.. also, if you pull the stalk and check underneath, you should see the leak.  It was dripping from the side skirt on the left hand side for me- not directly under the headlight/bumper like you'd expect.  Good luck, let us know if you discover anything!

Edited 30 April, 20197 yr by Baillie

Thankfully, it would seem that the headlight washer jets are now working again. No idea what caused them to stop working in the first place though.