Headlight washers and low washer fluid level warning

[Adrian E]

You get a 2 year parts warranty from TPS so if your garage bought it from them they can get you a replacement free of charge and they bill TPS for labour

[Norretal]

Originally Posted by Adrian E

You get a 2 year parts warranty from TPS so if your garage bought it from them they can get you a replacement free of charge and they bill TPS for labour

Thanks for that Adrian, may be worth me following up on. I seem to remember they struggled to find me one and had to reluctantly go to Audi for a replacement. It was just prior to me discovering A8 Parts so I didn't realise I had an alternative. Regardless of whether it was TPS or Audi I suppose it should have some form of warranty on it, I'll investigate further

[Norretal]

Well that was an hour well spent, thanks Adrian

I spoke to my independant who bought and fitted the washer pump last year (a year to the day as it happens) and explained the issue I'm having. They checked the invoice and had bought it from TPS so they contacted TPS and confirmed it has a two year warranty but can only be replaced under warranty if the work is carried out by an Audi main dealer. The independant contacted the main dealer on my behalf and confirmed that they'll carry out the work F.O.C provided I provide proof of purchase of the defective pump. So, it's booked in for next Wednesday and will hopefully be sorted then.

Is this "standard procedure" because it seems too good to be true, especially where I'm concerned? I'm told if the value of the part is less that £50 they'll simply exchange the defective part for a new one but if the value is above £50 this triggers the requirement for the work to be carried out by an authorised main dealer. I don't recall reading any other examples of this on here but maybe it's the sort of thing you only see if you're looking for it. Regardless of that, it's good information to know and share, I for one may be about to benefit from it

[Adrian E]

Mine had the pump replaced by the independent who serviced my car before I bought it so I wasn't even the customer!

TPS wanted them to establish the cause before booking me in at the local main dealer, but because the pump fell apart on inspection they were authorised to replace it by TPS

Pump is about £100 iirc

Worth noting this only applies if the garage supply the parts - if you source your own parts from TPS and supply to your dealer you only get a 12 month warranty on parts and I'm not sure you get the same replacement policy?

The local Indy was definitely in favour of them sourcing parts for big jobs for that reason as for potentially no financial penalty or a very small one you get an extra warranty on the work, in effect

[Norretal]

They (TPS) told them to go ahead straight away so maybe there's a bit of history of them failing? The garage sourced it so no problem there and pump price is spot on, give or take a quid.

[Norretal]

All sorted today, washer pump replaced, recall (that I wasn't aware of) sorted and a decent report of what's wrong that could or should be rectified by my independent, not a bad result at all.

Oh, and a tin of sweets

[oldnick]

I notice from the handbook that my 2000FL has headlamp washers as an option .... I have the hatches in the bumper , but do I have the washers ? can't say I am bothered but am curious ...with my life style going out in the rain in the south of france isn't really on the agenda !
I read they only work with the headlights on ...is that correct ?
and how can I check if they are there ? is it safe to lever the hatches up ?

[HPsauce]

Yes, they pop up when in use. I think just due to the pressure, so purely mechanical (no servos).
Just turn the lights on and operate the washers for an extended period and you'll see spray all over the headlights, or ask someone to stand outside (well away) and observe.
If driving it's pretty obvious as the lights change and you get spray coming up all over the bonnet.

I have seen references to at least two different modes of instigation:
1. Every third (or so) operation of the windscreen washers
2. Only with an extended wash, about a second or more
Either way you need the lights on, headlights not just sidelights IIRC.

[Adrian E]

Yep, headlights on and pull the washer switch for over 1 second. You get a sequential spray to keep the pressure in the system, so one washer will operate ahead of the other

[oldnick]

thanks guys , I know I should RTFM but somehow ..........