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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: martin998877 on 14 December 2019, 11:57
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Hi
I'm using a large amount of screenwash, which is because of the headlamp washer jets doing their long double-spray when the washers are first used. I keep the headlights clean myself anyway, cleaner than the washers do in fact. I find I'm spraking the windscreen a lot, and the headlamp washers come on quite often.
I wondered if there is a simple mechanical way of disabling the headlamp washers? I guess they have a separate pump / pipe from the screenwash tank? Could the cable plug to that pump be disconnected if it is accessible?
I don't have OBDeleven though suspect it could be done there, as when the screenwash level is low (all too often) then the headlamp washers don't seem to operate, so there must be a computerised system that uses the level.
I know it would be an MOT fail, but hopefully it would be easy to reconnect them, indeed they're fine in the summer, it is just in the winter with the headlights on all the time that the headlight washers come on so much and use so much fluid.
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If your car has uprated headlights it's legally required to have headlight washers and/or wipers.
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Coding is the best option (maybe the only one), I have it coded so instead of activating after .2 of a second and then every 4 pulls on the washer it activates after 2 seconds now and 10 pulls on the washer. 2 Seconds is a long time so no accidental triggers and I hardly ever have to refill the washer bottle since doing it.
Maybe someone local will code it for you for some beer money.
Here are the coding channels..
1. Go to [09] Central Electronics
2. STG access permissions -> Function 16
3. Enter access code 31347
4. Go to adaptation channels (Function 10)
5. Select channel 1 - Select "Number of operations front windsceen wiper washer per SRA activation" (in German - Frontscheibenwischer Anzahl Betätigungen Frontwaschanlage pro SRA Aktivierung auswählen)
6. Adjust value to preference (no of times you can operate the windscreen washer stalk before the headlight washer activate).
7. Select channel 3, and adjust the activate time for pulling the stalk to enable headlight washers in the first place.
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Alternatively, have some tosspot in an old Jag scrape your front bumper, get collared by witnesses, deny responsibility at a later date and then send car to Lookers Bodyshop in Tyne Tunnel industrial estate for a bumper respray. They'll forget to reconnect your washer pipework.
Job done :laugh:
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Not bitter then lol
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Cable tie to pinch the pipes to the washers. Can always remove come MOT time :whistle:
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Just move the headlight switch to side lights and then the washers don't operate.
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Just move the headlight switch to side lights and then the washers don't operate.
Was going to suggest this myself as it's how I get around the excessive screen wash use, but of course it's only a solution during daylight hours when the auto headlights have switched on. Wouldn't like to do it at night and watch the road ahead vanish before my eyes 😯
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Cable tie to pinch the pipes to the washers. Can always remove come MOT time :whistle:
The pump will still activate, so rather than the water pressure pushing the washers out, it'll blow the pipe off at the pump end. The result, all your washer fluid all over the floor, rather than just a drop streaked over the bonnet.
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Just move the headlight switch to side lights and then the washers don't operate.
Was going to suggest this myself as it's how I get around the excessive screen wash use, but of course it's only a solution during daylight hours when the auto headlights have switched on. Wouldn't like to do it at night and watch the road ahead vanish before my eyes 😯
could always slow down, quick turn off the switch, washer on and then quickly turn the lights back on 👍. Traffic lights and junctions are also good places too.
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I've coded mine off with OBD11 it's one of the quick code options. Takes 30 seconds
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This is a major bugbear of mine too.
Seems to be millions of various ODB devices on eBay from £4 to £200. I presume the one I’d need is the one that costs a stupid amount of money to do things you should be able to do from the onboard computer? Does anyone have a link to one that does the job for sensible money please?
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This is the one I have (as do most of the other guys on here I imagine). Now available on amazon if you want it quicker...
OBDeleven Standard Edition by Voltas IT, Diagnostic tool for Audi, VW, Seat, Škoda https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L75WVFL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PzQ9DbYBVYNP9
If you want to do long coding, you need a pro upgrade code which is about another £20 if I remember rightly.
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Cheers
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Yep thats exactly what I've got. Only used it for the headlight washers and to turn the soundaktor down to 30%. I was fed up of washing my car and then headlight washers covering it in soapy water.
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Exactly why it annoys me. My headlights never get dirty enough to need cleaning with the washer jets.
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Stupid question, but can’t I just ask the dealer to adjust it when it’s in for a service or will they charge a fortune or refuse to tinker?
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They wouldn't have a clue where to start :whistle:
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Yep, code with ODB11.
However I set mine to 2 seconds, but activate every time.
This way they never activate unless i want them too, ie screen wash on for up to 2 seconds no headlight wash.
Screen wash more than 2 seconds headlight wash as well.
Easier at MOT time or if you do actually want to clean headlights.
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Not that I have many MOTs (I usually sell my car once it’s 3 years old) but those I have sent for testing have always come back with a crystal clear screen. I suspect they’re not testing the washer jets at all. And they are not washing the car afterwards because I always ask the them not to.
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I always think that headlamp washers are pretty ineffective at doing what they should do - i.e. clean the headlamp lenses - they do a brilliant job of spraying washer fluid all over the bonnet though! IMO, for headlamp washers to be effective, they’d need a set of headlamp wipers as well, like the 1980’s BMW’s and Saab’s had, although modern headlamp lenses being made of polycarbonate, presumably headlamp wipers would inflict scratches on these plastic lenses.
The current VW Polo models with LED headlamps don’t have headlamp washers (not a requirement if their light sources emit less than 2,000 lumens). The Polo’s winter pack doesn’t include headlamp washers either. Based on pictures of the forthcoming mk8 Golf, it doesn’t have headlamp washers (no pop up covers in the front bumpers where the washers would be if they were fitted) - even with the LED matrix headlamps.
So even though the jury’s out on the looks of the mk8 Golf’s front end, at least there won’t be the annoyance of washer fluid being sprayed all over the front end of the car when washing the windscreen with the headlights on.
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Where are you located OP?
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I assume they have a seperate pump? Can it not just be unplugged or have the fuse pulled?
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Where are you located OP?
Hi, I live in Wolverhampton and work in Stoke on Trent. I'd be happy to pay someone to recode them - it would pay back in a month with the amount of washer fluid I'm getting through!
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Its winter... you use a bit more washer fluid than the summer, well, apart from bug season.
I don't know what you are using for yours, but I am using some Halfords concentrate and the rest is water. Works fine.
I do loads of motorway miles, but even I am only filling the thing up every couple of weeks and it costs me pennies...
I'm a tight git but really...
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Its winter... you use a bit more washer fluid than the summer, well, apart from bug season.
I don't know what you are using for yours, but I am using some Halfords concentrate and the rest is water. Works fine.
I do loads of motorway miles, but even I am only filling the thing up every couple of weeks and it costs me pennies...
I'm a tight git but really...
:grin: I have to agree.... this all seems a little excessive, talk of sabotaging the washer system, driving miles to have some coding done..... really mate, you can't possibly be using that much can you?!?
My only annoyance is after you've washed the car in winter and have to use it for the first time, even more grating when its the guy in front that does it to you!
What about a boot modification and have a 25 gallon drum fitted and plumbed in to the system? :whistle:
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The point is, the headlamp washer system uses a lot of washer fluid, doesn't actually make the headlamps clean, dumps washer fluid all over the bonnet and causes unnecessary excessive use. As a high mileage driver a 3l or 5l tank of washer fluid used to last ages in previous cars, now it goes within a week. Thank you to those people with helpful ideas and for the discussion.
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My wife always gets through way more screenwash than I do. Whilst she doesn't tailgate, far from it, she does follow traffic much closer than I do. Just saying :wink:
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I don’t think OBD11 will work on your wife. 😟
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Where are you located OP?
Hi, I live in Wolverhampton and work in Stoke on Trent. I'd be happy to pay someone to recode them - it would pay back in a month with the amount of washer fluid I'm getting through!
I live near Stafford so would be able to work something out for you to get it sorted for you no problems.👍.
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Hi, I live in Wolverhampton and work in Stoke on Trent. I'd be happy to pay someone to recode them - it would pay back in a month with the amount of washer fluid I'm getting through!
I'm in Wolves too and been thinking about getting OBD11. Tempted to do this as well or set the timer to 2seconds as others have mentioned.
Anyone know if the standard version only is required for most of these small coding jobs as trying to work out if the Pro version is required for longer term?
Thanks,
Raj
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There is only an APP on the standard version to turn the washer system off, but it would fail the MOT and need to be turned on again next test, with long coding it can have the 2 second delay so no need to worry at MOT time. Standard only uses 10 credits each time you turn it off/on though so not going to cost extra as you get 5 free a day.
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There is only an APP on the standard version to turn the washer system off, but it would fail the MOT and need to be turned on again next test, with long coding it can have the 2 second delay so no need to worry at MOT time. Standard only uses 10 credits each time you turn it off/on though so not going to cost extra as you get 5 free a day.
IMO this is the best option.
My old Mk4 with winter pack had the headlight sprayers system and there was a 2 second delay before the headlight sprayers kicked in, so you could spray your windows within the 2 seconds without emptying the water 5 litre tank. This was a better thought out design than the current 7.5, but then legislation hadn't taken over then🙄
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There is only an APP on the standard version to turn the washer system off, but it would fail the MOT and need to be turned on again next test, with long coding it can have the 2 second delay so no need to worry at MOT time. Standard only uses 10 credits each time you turn it off/on though so not going to cost extra as you get 5 free a day.
Thanks for the reply. Agree the 2 second delay is a better route to take and will be the one I go down. Just need to know what the coding is to do that once I receive the OBD11.
Also thanks for the bit about the credits as I had wondered how it worked. So what does the PRO version offer over the standard?
Thanks.
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Both will do the following (Both using credits on the One click apps)....
One-Click applications
Automatically identify vehicle from VIN
Read / clear trouble codes from all control units
Read information about control unit
Share diagnostic data log via email
Observe battery status
Gauges
Log connected cars history
Engine, Equipment and fault code lookup
Advanced control unit information
Live data / Charts
Sub control units information
Security access / Login finder
Control unit reset (UDS)
Diagnostic service change
Car backup and programming history
Basic....Scans for codes, clears codes.
The "Pro" version you can do without the need for credits.....
Trouble code Freeze frame
Coding / Coding II / Long coding
Sub control units coding
Gateway installation list
Adaptation / Long adaptation
Basic settings
The Basic version will only let you use apps and there is limited things you can do, with the pro you can fine tune the settings. For example, you can turn the headlight washers off/on only for 10 Credits per use. But Adaptation allows you to do the 2 second delay or disable them like the app without using credits.
Output test
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Both will do the following (Both using credits on the One click apps)....
One-Click applications
Automatically identify vehicle from VIN
Read / clear trouble codes from all control units
Read information about control unit
Share diagnostic data log via email
Observe battery status
Gauges
Log connected cars history
Engine, Equipment and fault code lookup
Advanced control unit information
Live data / Charts
Sub control units information
Security access / Login finder
Control unit reset (UDS)
Diagnostic service change
Car backup and programming history
Basic....Scans for codes, clears codes.
The "Pro" version you can do without the need for credits.....
Trouble code Freeze frame
Coding / Coding II / Long coding
Sub control units coding
Gateway installation list
Adaptation / Long adaptation
Basic settings
The Basic version will only let you use apps and there is limited things you can do, with the pro you can fine tune the settings. For example, you can turn the headlight washers off/on only for 10 Credits per use. But Adaptation allows you to do the 2 second delay or disable them like the app without using credits.
Output test
Ah thanks for that. Very appreciated. So I have already ordered the standard version but will upgrade to the Pro if required as only seems to cost an additional 25Euro. Hopefully will be delivered today and will check it out.
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Hi all, appreciate this post is a few years old now and OBD11 now no longer offers a method of obtaining credits for free. What's the best/cheapest way of carrying out the above? Can you still purchase the cheapest OBD11 device (I'm on Android) and do adaptations via the pro subscription, or do you need the more expensice OBD11 devices?