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Headlamp washers

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 10:51 pm
by johnboy
Hi,

I was just wondering why i dont have headlamp washers on my 51 plate executive estate, was this an optional extra?

looked in my engine compartment fusebox the other day and the fuse for them had blown, so replaced it and its fine now but i dont have the jets inthe bumper?

just wondering!

thanks

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 8:43 am
by johnboy
ive just had a thought...... are these built into the bumper and come out when you wash ur screen??? its no wonder i cant see them then lol.

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 9:02 am
by highlander
That's where they are, yes :) There should be a pair of small squares on the bumper, one below each headlamp, where the jets are located.

I have the squares, but no headlamp washers :(

You should ask someone to operate the washer jets while you stand outside looking at them; I am going to assume that they are motorized, and that they will come out, but no water will appear.

I suspect that they're just not getting water, in which case it is probably clogged piping.

If I'm wrong about them being motorized, I'd guess that they are held in the "closed" position by springs, and the force of the water pushes them open before the water jets out onto the headlamps. In which case, it's definitely going to be a problem with clogged piping.

Disclaimer: I know notheeeng. Notheeeeng at all.

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 10:28 am
by DiscoPol
Be aware that if they are anything like the ones on my old BMW, they only operate about once in ever 5 or so applications of the windscreen washer to save water, so dont expect them to work every time you clear the screen :wink:

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 11:08 am
by Welly
They are hydraulic and are fed by their own larger diameter hoses from a second pump on the bottle (drivers side behind bumper). The water pressure opens them and they rise-forth from the bumper majestically; and then fail :lol:

You must have the headlights on dipped beam to enable them. Mine never worked, and I wasn't bothered because everyone else said that they were only effective at putting a large water stain up yer bonnet :|

If you carefully pull at the blank covers and slightly right in this case you can get a look at the brute but it's all typically French and plastic and makes you feel all wobbly just trying it.......

Image

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 1:11 pm
by Doggy
Welly wrote: Mine never worked, and I wasn't bothered
Mine work all the bl00dy time, so I spent the winter turning the headlights off to clear the screen or else refill the bottle twice a week.

I'm gonna put a switch in to disable them when not wanted.
I'm gonna put a switch in to disable the front fogs so I can use the rear one without being a pillock
I'm gonna disable the godawful automatic wiping gubbins and get me sensible intermittent operation

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 1:12 pm
by eoin27
OR.....or there could have been a replacement bumper stuck on which didnt have the jets cut out

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 1:27 pm
by Welly
Maybe they're trapped inside dying to get out :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 1:32 pm
by johnboy
Cheers for the info guys, ill have a little look later.

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 1:34 pm
by Welly
dogslife wrote:I'm gonna put a switch in to disable them when not wanted.
I'm gonna put a switch in to disable the front fogs so I can use the rear one without being a pillock
I'm gonna disable the godawful automatic wiping gubbins and get me sensible intermittent operation

Would all members place your bets now please, betting closes at 2:00pm sharp.


Welly = £2.00 each way

Re: Headlamp washers

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 2:42 pm
by pugagain
Only work when you have the headlights on.