Another problem with my D3, washer bottle

[mannyo]

Another headache with the D3, looks like I have a lemon or a car that does not like me. Looks great, but never mind. This coupled with the drivetrain fault has me somewhat concerned.

Now the other day, used the screenwash and the screen jets worked, the headlights worked as I would expect. I was then immediately greeted by the low screenwash warning.

Last night I added some more, but was greeted with water pouring out under the car. I then thought it was odd that I had hardly used it and it had run low.

This morning went to drive to work, and "Please add screenwash" message again, so the water I added last night had all gone.

Windscreen washers are still working, however I don't think the headlight washer motors run. So there is still water in the bottle, but don't know how much. Now the water was leaking out from behind the offside front wheel, down by the arch liner on the outside edge.

[PsYcHe]

My PF did this every winter.. Popped a hose behind the bumper and the fluid would run out to the point where it stopped using the headlight washers..

Not sure exactly where, but was a quick fix by the garage, just easier to get to on a ramp.

[tersono]

Just had this issue fixed - local garage say it's a common problem. Was a split section of pipe leading to the driver's side headlight washer. Parts cost about £5, but they had to take the bumper off to get at it so it ended up being about three hours labour.

[audifin]

Originally Posted by tersono

Just had this issue fixed - local garage say it's a common problem. Was a split section of pipe leading to the driver's side headlight washer. Parts cost about £5, but they had to take the bumper off to get at it so it ended up being about three hours labour.

Mine has had the same pipe replaced under extended warranty at 87k miles (before my ownership).

[mannyo]

This evening, filled up the bottle again for some diagnostics.

Filled up, slow trickle.
Start engine, switch on headlights and get out of car.
Operate screen wash, screen cleans as do the headlights.
Result, whilst the headlight pumps are operating the flow of water from the leak increases.
After a couple of mins the flow rate returns to a trickle.

So I have a leak from the bottle area that seems to be headlight washer related. The leak is not from behind the bumper on either side, but between the wheel and drivers door area. It does sound like either a split or loose pipe.

[mannyo]

Discovered the leak is related to the headlight washers, but it is at the washer bottle end of the pipe.

I have managed to get the bottle to hold water now, and it will hold it as long as I don't use the washers with the headlights on. As soon as you do that it will start dumping the contents of the bottle on the road. Using the washers without the headlights on is fine, just need to drive in the dark if I want to clean the screen at night LOL.

[mannyo]

Still battling with this, headlight washers are the issue. After having this fixed by my local indy the've gone on the blink again, with washer bottle contents being dumped when the light washers are used. its fine with just screen wash no problems at all. Water starts dripping from both the wash bottle end, and the engine under tray becomes wet now as well.

[PsYcHe]

My PF used to pop one of the pipes for the headlight washer periodically. Might be worth finding out shich one it is and replacing it.

[tonupkid]

Exactly same with my D3. Washer hardly needed filling, unless I used it at night IE headlight washers.
Once these had been activated the entire contents of the reservior were evacuated.

Took it into Audi Stafford a couple of weeks ago and they diagnosed a split hose which they replaced FOC, except for labour. So that was £175 for the repair plus a couple of wiper blades.... Ouch

I'm guessing that your indy has failed to realise just how much pressure goes through the system and the new hose has either popped off or split

BTW it was half an hours labour

[mannyo]

Poole Audi have my car at the moment and they spotted the washer issue during their inspection. They want 1.5 hours labour to diagnose the issues with parts and fitting on top, about £170 labour at the current rate.