Can you code off headlight washers?

[MarkyTDI]

Hi folks,

 

The screen wash consumption on my superb is driving me mad. Is it possible to code the headlight washers off?

 

I just disconnected the motor on my Z4 but I can't get to it on the Superb. 

 

Mark. 

[newbie69]

I remember I had it done on mine via OBDEleven. If you have it (or VCDS) try this:

1)  Select Central Electrics

2)  Select Security access

3)  Enter  31347

4)  Select Adaptation

5)  Search for "Scheinwerferreinigung" and select Headlamp washer system

6) set to  "not installed"

[TimothyT]

Drove me mad for a while too. Now I occassionally shut off the lights for the moment where I am gonna pull the lever for washing the windscreen. Works good.

[SC03OTT]

You’re best setting them to a 2 second pull of the washer stalk. That way it will pass MOT and you can control the water usage. 

[gav_is_con]

Or on my superb2 set it to only wash every 10th time rather than every 3rd, something like that. 

[Patent]

How big is the tank on these? 

[KenONeill]

8 hours ago, MarkyTDI said:

Is it possible to code the headlight washers off

Which type of headlights do you have? This would make the car illegal if you have plasma discharge or LED headlights.

[Berisford]

4 hours ago, SC03OTT said:

You’re best setting them to a 2 second pull of the washer stalk. That way it will pass MOT and you can control the water usage. 

Is this available via the on-screen set-up options?

[SC03OTT]

Just now, Berisford said:

Is this available via the on-screen set-up options?

No. You’ll need to set it using VCDS or similar. 

[ApertureS]

Headlight washers not working is an MOT fail and against the law. 
do so at your own risk

 

alternatively, switch the headlights off when you use the headlight washer

[JR RS]

Wow....how many times do u spray ur windscreen!?!?!

 

The headlights only get sprayed the 1st and 5th sprays, and only if the low beams r on.

[MarkyG82]

Indo find that the screenwash gets used more at different times of year for different reasons. Summer for bugs, winter for dirty roads, etc. Could just be that.

[PhilDigs6259]

On 20/11/2021 at 18:02, SC03OTT said:

You’re best setting them to a 2 second pull of the washer stalk. That way it will pass MOT and you can control the water usage. 

 

Where is that option on VCDS? I'd seen something similar a few years ago for the Mk3 octavia but I've not found that post again and not been able to find anything searching the superb forums either 😕

[SC03OTT]

38 minutes ago, PhilDigs6259 said:

 

Where is that option on VCDS? I'd seen something similar a few years ago for the Mk3 octavia but I've not found that post again and not been able to find anything searching the superb forums either 😕

This is Mk3 Octavia instructions. Don’t see why it would be any different. Only one way to find out I guess. 
 

 

[MarkyTDI]

Cheers for all the info folks. Just seems like it goes through washer fluid twice as fast as my old Octavia did and I'm wondering if the headlight washers explain the amount of fluid. I know there isn't a leak as I've left it parked for a couple of months with a full bottle and it stayed full. 

 

My Z4 has had them deactivated since 2009 and it's never been mentioned in a MOT thus far. I know they are a legal requirement but I'm not sure how effective they actually are at cleaning the light. Snow build up can be a problem with xenon's as there isn't enough heat to melt it from the lens but that's not too much of a problem in Cornwall. Remember when Volvo's, saabs and BMW's etc had the little wipers?! 

 

I think the plan will be to turn down the frequency. OBD11 arrives soon so I'll give that a go. 

 

[PhilDigs6259]

@SC03OTT perfect, that works! 👍🏻

 

@MarkyTDI the Mk3 Octavia VCDS tweaks linked above work on a superb and with OBD11 so you should be set once your unit arrives.