VW Golf Washer System Failure Despite Full Reservoir

I had a nearly identical issue with my 2017 VW Passat Hybrid last winter. With some experience working on basic car maintenance, I can share what worked for me. The dashboard light showing the fluid level warning was persistent despite having a full reservoir. After checking the wiper fluid level multiple times, I took it to a workshop where they found that debris was blocking the windshield cleaning system pump. The technician cleaned out the pump and lines for 25€. They explained that sometimes dirt or debris can settle in the reservoir and clog the system, causing the warning light to activate even when the fluid level is adequate. Before heading to a workshop, you might want to try: 1. Double check the fluid level is actually full 2. Listen for the pump sound when activating wipers 3. Check if the spray nozzles are blocked Could you share: Have you noticed any unusual sounds when activating the wipers? When did you last perform a system flush? Are both sides affected or just one spray jet? This information would help determine if you are dealing with the same root cause I experienced.

Last service was at 28000km and the washer motor was working perfectly then. When activating the wipers now, I hear a faint clicking sound but no pump noise. Both spray jets are affected with zero fluid coming out. No system flush has been done yet. I checked under the hood and noticed the washer fluid pump connector appears slightly corroded. The wiper system otherwise works fine for cleaning the windshield, just no fluid spraying. Getting a warning light on startup, but oddly it sometimes disappears while driving. Given that the washer fluid level is full but nothing comes out when activated, it does sound similar to your pump issue. Will try cleaning the connector first before booking a workshop appointment.

Thanks for the additional details. Based on what you describe, this does sound very similar to my experience but with an added electrical component. That clicking sound without the pump engaging, combined with the corroded connector, strongly suggests an electrical connection issue rather than just debris like in my case. The intermittent warning light behavior typically points to a poor electrical connection. When I had my pump cleaned, the technician also mentioned that corroded connectors are a common failure point in the washer system because of their exposure to moisture. In my case, cleaning the connector would not have solved it because the pump was actually clogged, but your symptoms point more toward an electrical issue. The fact that both spray jets are affected with zero output reinforces this, if it was debris, you might still hear the pump running. A few suggestions before the workshop visit: 1. Clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner 2. Check for any loose wiring near the pump 3. Test if the pump responds better with the engine running vs just ignition on My repair ended up being straightforward once they identified the right problem. The intermittent warning light was the key difference between our cases, mine stayed on consistently until fixed. Let us know what you find after checking the connector. Even if cleaning resolves the immediate issue, might be worth having the system properly inspected during your next service to prevent future problems.

Based on your advice and symptoms, I will focus on the electrical connection first. I cleaned the corroded pump connector today using electrical contact cleaner and waited for it to dry completely. After reconnecting, the clicking noise stopped but still no pump activation. Checked the wiring while the hood was open and noticed one of the wires leading to the pump appears slightly stretched. The wiper fluid level is still showing full, but the warning light continues to appear intermittently whether the engine is running or just in ignition mode. Given that cleaning the connector did not resolve the issue, I will book a workshop appointment next week. The stretched wire combined with no pump noise suggests this could be more complex than just debris blockage. Will request they check both the electrical system and clean the pump assembly since either could be causing the spray jets to remain unresponsive. Thanks for helping narrow down the potential causes. Having clearer direction should help save diagnostic time at the workshop. Will update once they identify and fix the root cause.