Headlamp washer's proceedure

[HarryM1BYT]

I'm just checking the car out and there is no water appearing from the headlight washers, what is the procedure to get them to work please?

This is the OEM discharge lights (name?) type.

I tried engine running, on dipped beam, using the windscreen washer three times rapidly - what am I missing?

[clf]

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

I'm just checking the car out and there is no water appearing from the headlight washers, what is the procedure to get them to work please?

This is the OEM discharge lights (name?) type.

I tried engine running, on dipped beam, using the windscreen washer three times rapidly - what am I missing?

every fifth time squirt of windscreen washers, and on mine, on the first squirt of the windscreen washer when the headlights are on.

Failure to operate is usually either a blocked filter or failed motor (or headlights not on lol - I know yours were).

Blocked filter is apparently easy to remove and clean (I cannot recall dealing with it when I removed the motor, which is very simple)

A failed motor can be replaced with a BMW 5/7 series for around £12 for a new OEM one (peel back the inner plastic guard in the wheel well, remove, unplug, plug in new one and refit )

[T-Cut]

When lamps are on, every fifth application of the screen washers - it says here.

TC - snap!

[NigelOBB]

Noticed when I'm low on water it doesn't operate


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[HarryM1BYT]

Originally Posted by NigelOBB

Noticed when I'm low on water it doesn't operate


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had just filled it, before testing. Still no response with five squirts to windscreen, I need to investigate a bit deeper.

I cleaned the bottom of the tank filter not that long ago, I half remember the screen pump, but I don't recall seeing a second pump in the area for the headlights.

I remember the pipe work being detached behind the bumper, when I had that off long ago, but I fixed that and if the pipes were off, there would be water flooding out under the bumper I guess.

Is it controlled via the BCU, then a relay, is there a fuse somewhere for it please?

[clf]

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

I had just filled it, before testing. Still no response with five squirts to windscreen, I need to investigate a bit deeper.

I cleaned the bottom of the tank filter not that long ago, I half remember the screen pump, but I don't recall seeing a second pump in the area for the headlights.

I remember the pipe work being detached behind the bumper, when I had that off long ago, but I fixed that and if the pipes were off, there would be water flooding out under the bumper I guess.

Is it controlled via the BCU, then a relay, is there a fuse somewhere for it please?

I am not sure of the fuse, but does the BBUS siren work? (and yes the washer fluid would be very evident if it wasnt connected) Can you hear it, if you put your ear close to the front of the front right wheel arch? (obviously having someone squirting it for you lol)

Just had a look at the online handbook (not sure whether this applies to facelift or pre facelift)

Fuse 35

and

engine compartment number 10

[raykay]

Fuse 44 (30 amp) in the later fuse panel for the headlight washers.
Fuse 35 in the early panel is for the heated screen washer jets, fuse 10 in the engine panel is for the windscreen wipers/washers.

[HarryM1BYT]

Not sure of what it needed to be on, to work, so I also had the engine running - so nothing was audible. I check a bit more today if I find time. Thanks.

[clf]

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

Not sure of what it needed to be on, to work, so I also had the engine running - so nothing was audible. I check a bit more today if I find time. Thanks.

ignition on is all you need, position 2 Good luck

[HarryM1BYT]

Search has worked at last....

For anyone wondering where the headlight washer pump is located, it is located on the O/S front corner of the washer fluid tank. Possibly slightly accessible by removal of the front corner under panel.