Washer Jets / Sidelights

[mk4 glx 1.6]

I had/have a leak in the washer fluid system somewhere. I noticed a big puddle on the floor under the car and identified it as washer fluid.

I could see where the washer fluid was dripping from underneath the car, but couldn't see EXACTLY where the problem was.

I took the bumper off as I thought it would give me a better view - which it did.

Once the bumper was off, I manually operated (pulled up) the suspect washer jet (drivers side) and noticed that it seemed to be leaking from underneath the pump. I disconnected the hose and took the whole thing off and cleaned it thoroughly. After replacing it back on the car I could see that it seemed to be leaking from a little hole on the back of the pump, when the washer jet was extended (in operation).

Has anyone else had a problem with their washer jet/pump leaking? It looks to me like a design fault. I used some sealant around the bottom of the pump and refitted it to dry in time. I left the suspect hole open incase it impeeded the operation of the unit. I have yet to refill the washer fluid reservoir (which had completely drained), so will report back once I have done this.

Whilst I had the bumper off, I thought I would see how you change the sidelights in the headlight units. I undid all the neccessary bolts for the drivers side headlight, including the one that holds the grey box (ballast?) to the unit, but couldn't get the headlight unit out of the car. I wasn't sure which of the wiring looms it was that had to be disconnected, or is it just unclipped? so left well alone! Can anyone who has had the light units out advise whereabouts the wiring loom connection is that I need to disconnect?? It says this on the guide "be careful to unclip the main wiring loom from the rear light NOT THE XENON MAIN LOOM"

It was frustrating to have got so near, yet so far.

I feel that the pictoral guide to changing the sidelights is good, but could be improved upon to give others confidence in doing so. Hopefully in due course I will take pictures to improve it.

[PieGTi]

I have the same problem with the washer fluid.

Haven't got round to taking a proper look.

Let me know how you get on solving this.

[mk4 glx 1.6]

Let me know how you get on solving this.

I will do, once I get time to look at it again.

I havent yet filled the washer fluid reservoir, but hopefully will do this weekend with water to see if the sealant has solved the leak. I think I also need to take the battery out to check that there are no issues with the reservoir itself.

I very, very rarely actually need any screenwash, as I like to keep my car clean enough not to need to use it, but I am sure as winter approaches the need will increase.

[mk4 glx 1.6]

I had the bumper off again to check the headlight washer, the sealant has bonded, but hasn't affected the leak that occurs upon operation of the lights, so maybe i need to replace the unit/pump itself.

At least I managed to successfully change the sidelights on my Gti after the previous failed attempt.

It took me an hour and a half start to finish.

The only problem I had was that the LED sidelights I had as replacements, were to too big to fit in the hole for the sidelight, so I will need to do it all again, 3rd time lucky I guess. I ended up changing the existing ones for some blue vision sidelights I had lying around, but there was not much improvement.

If anyone near me (west Sussex) isn't confident enough to change theirs, let me know, I am sure I could lend a hand.

Having done it for a 2nd time, the pictoral guide definately needs some improvement, I will make sure next time I take some photo's to update/improve it.

[nickpolo]

whereabouts in west sussex are you? i'm in worthing

[mk4 glx 1.6]

whereabouts in west sussex are you? i'm in worthing

I live in Southwater, so about 15 mins up the A24 from Worthing.

[Dan_Gti]

Have the same problem mate, i asked the question a while ago but no real answer.....http://www.tigerstyle.co.uk/poloforum/v ... hp?t=22628

It happens for me about every month now, fill it up and all is fine for 3/4 weeks then it starts to leak again......confused to say the least!

[RACINGGTI]

I too am having the same problem with the leaking washer jets on the headlights. I dropped the fog light out and had a look rather than take the bumper off! damn sight easier but not if you want to take it off!

Let me know (PM me) when you find out what it could be. Mine is usually empty in a day. My neighbour came over and told me my radiator was leaking!!! imagine the horror! but nope it was the washer jet! so I would love to solve this one soon!

[ccjjGTI]

are these headlight washers fitted to all GTi's? I have got square housing for them on the bumper but cant seems to find any controls for them?

[ModifiedMadness]

They work when you spray your front screen with the headlights on.

[Dan_Gti]

Just an update to say that the car has gone into the garage today to get the problem fixed. They rang me just after lunch to say its a faulty pump Luckily for me the car has third party warranty cover and they will pick up the bill!
Hope this helps.

[RACINGGTI]

Dan, what was the damage on the repair and how long to do (plus what parts to order?)

[Dan_Gti]

Hey RACINGGTI, my local garage took a day to the job (but they did replace the clutch cable and rear tyres as well)
The part number on the invoice is 1T0955651A (Washer Pump) £33 inc VAT
Its been absolutely fine since they replaced it