Screen washer and front wiper failure

[KTpolo]

Hi, I discovered that the screen washer has suddenly stopped working today on my 1.2 TSI Bluemotion (2014) while I was driving on the M62. That was a fine time for this to happen, with all the road spray being splashed onto the windscreen and the really intense winter sun glare today while driving east to west.

I popped open the bonnet when I got to my destination to look at the wash pump reservoir and it was full (I'd be surprised if it wasn't, as it was only recently taken in for MOT and service). It was liquid too, so I don't think freezing was the problem (plus there was no pump motor noise). The rear washer isn't working either, so I presume it's either a fuse or relay issue.

But worse was to come. When I started the Polo up for my return journey, the front wipers wouldn't switch on at all. I was in a bit of a panic now, as rush hour traffic in Manchester was starting to build up and I didn't want to risk driving home without working wipers as my weather app was saying rain was possible by the time I would reach Leeds.

My first thought again was to check fuses. The trouble was that I didn't have the owner manual in the car and I couldn't tell which fuse was which. I tried googling for fuse box diagrams but they didn't look anything like my fuse box's layout.

I had even tried to call out the AA but they were being frigging useless (initially said they would come in two hours' time, but it kept getting pushed back). In the end, I tried the wiper switch one more time... and this time they worked! So in the end I bit the bullet and drove home.

But now I need to troubleshoot the washer pump and also investigate why the front wipers weren't working. I think them coming back online rules out it being a blown fuse, so what on earth could have caused that? I'm starting a new job on Monday, in which I will be expected to do some travel, so obviously I need to be sure it won't happen again.

So anyway, which fuses correspond to the washer pump and the front wipers? And if those are OK, what do I need to look at next? Thanks.

[ciclo]

If you don't have a diagnostic tool to post a scan, upload a photo of the fuse box under the steering wheel so we know if it is a 6R or a 6C and indicate the appropriate fuse or comment on what could be happening.

I'm afraid it's a 6C but we'll wait for that image.

[iichel]

Fuses: viewtopic.php?t=71052

It sounds like a Polo 6C and those have a habit of having their steering column combi switch going bad.

[KTpolo]

Sorry for the late reply, I was starting a new job today and so have been rushed off my feet for the past few days in preparation for that.

The wipers weren't working when I got to my destination in Manchester because I had popped open the bonnet to check the washer reservoir. It seems that I hadn't shut it properly at the time when I turned on the wipers and they weren't responding. I now know that there is a sensor that stops the wipers working if it detects the bonnet is open. So that explains why they were working again when I had shut the bonnet properly and moved the car a few feet.

As for the washer pump, I still haven't had the chance to check the fuses. I've attached a photo I had taken of the fusebox when I originally posted. Sorry it's out of focus, I'll take a better one later if needed.

[KTpolo]

If you don't have a diagnostic tool to post a scan, upload a photo of the fuse box under the steering wheel so we know if it is a 6R or a 6C and indicate the appropriate fuse or comment on what could be happening.

I'm afraid it's a 6C but we'll wait for that image.

I think it is a 6C, going by the links on that thread.

If so, would this be the correct fuse?

screenshot-drive_google_com-2025_01_13-18_32_33.png (27.44 KiB) Viewed 2578 times

I'm confused if that's the case because apparently the fuel pump control unit is on the same fuse. So presumably the engine wouldn't run if that fuse had blown?

So if it's not the fuse, is it the pump itself that's gone?

[RUM4MO]

I'm sure, from memory of reading about people having this "no washer fluid pump" in 6C Polo, that there is another pump associated with the washer fluid pump - as well as that one that you have found.

VW's description will probably be vague or worse!

Edit:- SC23 Brown 7.5Amp located in the "middle row left side of fuse box" - I can see a 7.5Amp fuse there, from memory(again) maybe Skoda, suggested changing that to a 10Amp fuse.

Another edit, I've re-read my notes I made years ago, what you are looking for is the complete middle row of the fuse box, they are numbered Right to Left, and the one at the most right hand end is a brown 7.5 ATO style of fuse, and that is the SC23 which you should check.

[KTpolo]

I'm sure, from memory of reading about people having this "no washer fluid pump" in 6C Polo, that there is another pump associated with the washer fluid pump - as well as that one that you have found.

VW's description will probably be vague or worse!

Edit:- SC23 Brown 7.5Amp located in the "middle row left side of fuse box" - I can see a 7.5Amp fuse there, from memory(again) maybe Skoda, suggested changing that to a 10Amp fuse.

Another edit, I've re-read my notes I made years ago, what you are looking for is the complete middle row of the fuse box, they are numbered Right to Left, and the one at the most right hand end is a brown 7.5 ATO style of fuse, and that is the SC23 which you should check.

OK, I think I see the one that you mean. I'll check the fuse tomorrow and if it's visibly blown, will order a set of assorted fuses from Amazon. If it's not visibly blown, then I presume the pump itself is going to need checking.

[avitmark]

Hi

The 7.5 amp fuse in the middle row far right hand side above the green relay is definitely the screen washer pump fuse,

i had this same issue this weekend , replaced all working

hopefully yours as simple as mine

[ciclo]

[KTpolo]

Yes, it's definitely the fuse.

Thank you so much for helping with this, guys. You've saved me the time and expense of taking it to a garage.

Now I just need to get a replacement fuse. I'm thinking of buying an assortment kit off Amazon, which will probably still work out cheaper than buying individual fuses at Halfrauds.

IMG_4611.JPG (952.13 KiB) Viewed 2503 times

[giannis20vt]

With the people who write here if you want you can become an expert in the electrical and mechanical aspects of your car. ΅
The help this group has given me is incredible and I am grateful for it.
You should always have some spare fuses in your car.
A blown fuse can mean that there is an electrical problem in the circuit or that there is a problem with the pump motor.

[KTpolo]

A blown fuse can mean that there is an electrical problem in the circuit or that there is a problem with the pump motor.

Oh yes, absolutely. I'm assuming that trying to operate the washer when the reservoir was probably frozen is what blew the fuse. But if it blows again, then obviously it needs further investigation.

Edit: Oh, by the way, I noticed the 20vt in your handle. Did you own a Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo at some point? I used to have one and it was one of my favourite cars that I ever owned.

[giannis20vt]

A blown fuse can mean that there is an electrical problem in the circuit or that there is a problem with the pump motor.

Oh yes, absolutely. I'm assuming that trying to operate the washer when the reservoir was probably frozen is what blew the fuse. But if it blows again, then obviously it needs further investigation.

Edit: Oh, by the way, I noticed the 20vt in your handle. Did you own a Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo at some point? I used to have one and it was one of my favourite cars that I ever owned.

No, I didn't have such a car. I had two cars at different times with the 1.8lt 20vt engine which I loved.

[ciclo]

Thanks for reporting, a compelling image to clarify the issue.

[RUM4MO]

I'd doubt if Halfords would charge much for an ATO 7.5Amp fuse, saves buying a pack with lots of "not used by VW Group" fuse values, then make up a pack of "fuses used" on your car including the strange looking ones.

Edit:- and buy some "winter screen wash conc" when you are in there, stop that happening again.