jakobwerner1
PTCruiser Washer & Headlight Systems Need Troubleshooting
4 comment(s)
jakobwerner1 (Author)
Having faced this exact headlight cleaning system issue with my 2003 PTCruiser, I went through similar troubleshooting steps. After checking the fuses and hose connections, my mechanic found that the fault was actually caused by a cracked washer fluid reservoir that was leaking near the pump assembly. When the system shows a fault message along with washer issues, its best to start with checking the reservoir and pump before diving into more complex electrical diagnostics. Just wondering, was your repair successful and do you recall the total cost? Have you noticed any other issues popping up since getting it fixed?
berndfox87
After getting the PTCruiser checked by a certified mechanic, the headlight cleaning system fault was completely resolved. The repair cost came to 165€, which covered fixing a faulty cable connection at the pump and replacing a defective relay. Since the repair, the washer system works flawlessly with no leak issues. The fault warning disappeared immediately after the fix. Both the windshield washer and headlight cleaning functions are now operating as they should, with proper pressure and no error messages. The mechanic performed a thorough system check, including testing all hose connections and cleaning the pump assembly to prevent future issues. For anyone facing similar problems, having proper electrical diagnostics done is worth the investment rather than just replacing parts blindly. No additional faults or related issues have appeared in the months following the repair. The LED warning light for the cleaning system has stayed off, confirming it was indeed an electrical connection problem rather than a mechanical fault.
jakobwerner1 (Author)
I finally got my PTCruiser fixed last week. The washer system problem turned out to be simpler than expected. My new mechanic found a clog in the main hose near the pump, along with a loose electrical connector causing the fault message. The repair took about 2 hours and cost 220€. They cleaned out the entire system, replaced one damaged hose section, and fixed the loose connection. While they were at it, they also checked the headlight cleaning components to make sure everything was working properly. Best part is, no more warning lights on the dash, and both the windshield washer and headlight cleaners work perfectly now. I can actually see clearly when driving at night without that annoying fault message popping up. Much better experience than my last mechanic who just wanted to replace the entire pump assembly. Sometimes finding the right repair shop makes all the difference in fixing these system issues correctly the first time.
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berndfox87
As a PTCruiser owner myself (2000 model with 2.0L engine), I encountered a similar fault in the washer system last winter. The issue typically stems from a faulty relay or damaged cable connections to the washer pump. The headlight cleaning system shares the same pump and fluid reservoir with the windshield washer system, so when one system fails, it often affects both. In my case, the system showed multiple faults due to a clogged washer pump and corroded electrical connections. Key points to check: Listen for pump noise when activating washer, Check fuse box for blown washer pump fuse, Inspect cable connections at the pump, Look for any visible leak around the reservoir, Test voltage at pump connector The repair requires accessing the washer pump assembly behind the wheel well liner. This is not a critical safety issue, but leaving it unfixed can lead to reduced visibility and headlight cleaning performance. The fault message appears because the system cannot verify successful headlight washer operation. A qualified mechanic should be able to diagnose this in under an hour with proper diagnostic tools to test the electrical system and identify the exact failure point.