How to unblock washer jets A8/S8 D2/D3

[Tuizner]

Just did mine today on a D3. I had the same issue with blocked washer jets. For info the headlight jets were fine. This is because those pumps are higher than the windscreen jets on the washer bottle.

Anyway the filter was clogged with white gunk - a quick clean and all is as new - washer working perfectly. I will try to upload some photos - it is a fairly easy job when the wheel is removed. Did mine at the same time as changing to winter tyres so even less of a faff.

Here is the job:

You need to pull the top of the felt wheel liner away:




Then you can see the two pump assemblies :



The bottom pump is for the screen jets. You just pull/lever the pump upwards (can disconnect the electrics or not - I did just so I didnt break them but there should be enough wiggle to leave them be). The pump comes away and leaves behind a rubber grommet under which the filter is attached. Mine was full of snot / white / clear algae.



A quick clean:



Then all back together in reverse and jets are now back to being jet powered !

[johnny_quattro]

Symptoms for me: no washer fluid being dispensed in the direction of my headlights although I could hear the headlight washer jet pump operating.

Emptied the reservoir first by repeatedly operating the wipers with the headlights on, of course. Refilled with approximately half a bottle of Calgon liquid (300ml-400ml), and about 1 litre of water as the liquid was quite thick and just glooped into the filler hole.

It didn't work at first or for the next couple of days for that matter. Tried it later in the week and lo and behold, my washer jets for the headlights were now working. I'm sooooo pleased with this quick fix as I didn't really fancy having to investigate further.

[woodie227]

Whilst an old thread, I found this very useful and relevant to my '08 3.0 Tdi D3 Quattro at 71,000 miles.
Symptoms: Feeble windscreen wahers but working. Headlamp washers appeared ok.
Cure:Taking the more 'difficult' route of part- removing the wheelarch liner to get at the small filters in BOTH the rubber grommets of both pumps, windscreen and headlamps.
The only amendment I would make to previous posts is that it is essential to clean the higher pump (in the washer tank) filter as well as the lower one.
Mine was even more clogged with algae than the lower (windscreen) pump filter.
Good practice having to remove the liners too, as there's bound to be a reason for doing so at some time in the future!
Thanks for very helpful posts everyone.