windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

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slackgarry
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Re: windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

Post by slackgarry »

Great info in this thread. While I have my front bumper off and its easy to get to the reservoir. How what would you clean it with.

Thanks
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Re: windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

Post by Paul-R »

You may be able to use a water jet from a hose. Otherwise washing-up liquid and warm water and then shake it up as best you can. Rinse thoroughly to remove any sediment.
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Re: windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

Post by jimbo1955 »

ok thanks will do
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Re: windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

Post by jimbo1955 »

him its me again still the same prioblem with windscreen washers i have has 3 pumps on it now and have changed the instument stalk still the same intermitent.you can pull the stalk and the back works twist the top of the stalk and back works nothing from front ,then you can pull the stork the front works ,twist the stalk the front works its so incosistent its doing me head in help please
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Re: windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

Post by Estately »

Missed your post on this and would have commented sooner but:-

Had a similar problem with our MkII C5, the washer motor could be heard but water only came out of the rear jet. This had corresponded with running out of washer fluid and I guess pulling the sludge from the bottom of the washer tank into the valves and pipework.

As recommended already, several treatments of hot water followed by the best flush with the garden hose or whatever means you have at your disposal to lift all the loose bits out of the tank..

That takes care of the tank but there will still be sludge in the pipework.

So you could try removing the rubber pipes off the washer nozzles under the bonnet, careful with the rubber pipes, twist and pull with your favourite pliers to avoid splitting the pipes. Then just operate the washer with the now clean water in the tank, I think that the front jets have valves in them so when disconnected water should flow out of the pipes and flush them if the washer pump valve is OK. (not sure if the pump operates in different directions corresponding with front or back screen wash).

You could try removing the nozzle heads out of the bonnet whilst disconnected and wash and flush them, try and reverse the flow in them by whatever means you have to ensure that they are as free as possible from debris ( I make no recommendation here as to the method on H & S grounds).

Hope I haven't laboured this but hope it helps.
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Re: windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

Post by Estately »

Sorry forgot to say.

If you have a length of wire unwound out of an old clutch or accelerator cable you will find it fine and strong enough to poke into the washer jets in an attempt to clear them and improve the flow if necessary.

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Re: windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

Post by wheeler »

Not a solution to the overall problem but a quick workaround to get the front wipers going again would be to swap the outlet pipes on the pump around meaning it should work opposite to what it is just now.
The control of the pump is done by the under bonnet fusebox module (BSM), you would need a bit more investigation at this end.
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Re: windscreen washer problem C5 estate 2002

Post by Paul-R »

If you can pull the hoses off the pump does it still only come out of one outlet? If it then works correctly then there's a problem (blockage) somewhere along the line. If it doesn't work properly then see if you can connect up a voltmeter to check if the voltages reverse properly on the pump.
As I get older I think a lot about the hereafter - I go into a room and then wonder what I'm here after.

Inside every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened.

"Trying is the first step towards failure" ~ Homer J Simpson​
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