Disable headlamp washer system ?

[martin998877]

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.

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

If your car has uprated headlights it's legally required to have headlight washers and/or wipers.

[Finglonga]

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.

[monkeyhanger]

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

[Toeman]

Not bitter then lol

[wolly440]

Cable tie to pinch the pipes to the washers. Can always remove come MOT time 

[mcmaddy]

Just move the headlight switch to side lights and then the washers don't operate.

[Grahamt]

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 😯

[dubber36]

Cable tie to pinch the pipes to the washers. Can always remove come MOT time 

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.

[mcmaddy]

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.