VW Lupo Washer Pump Dead: Headlight System May Be Culprit

Had the exact same fault on my 2004 VW Polo diesel and can share my experience with this issue, having moderate experience with car maintenance. After noticing the washer pump stopped working, I first checked the obvious, fluid levels and fuses. The system showed signs of a clog somewhere, but the real issue turned out to be an electrical fault. The headlight cleaning system and windshield washer were indeed connected, causing both systems to fail. Took it to a workshop where they diagnosed a faulty cable connection to the washer pump and a corroded relay. The complete repair, including cleaning the system and replacing the damaged components, cost 165€. Since then, both the washer and headlight cleaning system work perfectly. To help diagnose your case more precisely, could you share: Have you noticed any unusual noises from the pump before it failed? Does your washer fluid drain without using the pump? When was the last time the headlight cleaning system worked properly? Are there any other electrical issues in your car? The Lupo and Polo share many components in their washer systems, so the solution might be similar. Worth checking the cable connections near the pump first, as they can deteriorate over time.

After 144808km, I finally got this fixed. A complete cleaning of the system revealed dirt buildup blocking both the washer and headlight cleaning mechanisms. The fault actually originated from a corroded wire near the pump that affected both systems. The repair included: New washer pump assembly, System flush and cleaning, Replacement of worn electrical connections, Testing both washer and headlight cleaning functions Total repair came to 220€ and included a minor service. Good thing I caught it before winter, the headlight cleaning system is essential for proper Xenon light function during bad weather. Watch out for early warning signs like slow pump response or weak spray patterns. These usually indicate the system needs attention before complete failure occurs. Would definitely recommend checking electrical connections first, could save time and money compared to my complete system replacement.

Thanks for sharing your repair experience. Good to hear you got it fixed, I had similar issues with my VW Polo where dirt accumulation led to a malfunction in both systems. The 220€ repair cost seems reasonable considering they replaced the pump assembly and cleaned everything. When my Polo had this fault, I initially only replaced the pump but ended up needing a full system clean later anyway. The corroded wiring seems to be a common issue in these VW models, especially around the washer pump area. The connection between the Xenon headlight cleaning system and washer function is crucial, my mechanic explained that proper cleaning helps prevent LED and Xenon light issues during winter driving. After my repair, I now regularly check for spray pattern changes to catch any developing clog or electrical problems early. Your tip about checking electrical connections first is spot-on. A quick inspection could reveal similar wiring corrosion issues that both our cars experienced, potentially saving others from a complete system replacement.

Glad my situation helped others. After seeing the responses, I wanted to clarify a few points about my repair experience. The leak detection was trickier than expected. A pressure test revealed multiple weak points in the system, not just the obvious pump issue. The fault actually spread through both the washer and headlight cleaning components, which explains why the Xenon cleaning function failed simultaneously. Found out the hard way that skipping regular system maintenance led to this expensive repair. The workshop showed me how sediment buildup created pressure points, ultimately damaging the electrical connections. A thorough cleaning every 50000km could have prevented this. Quick tip for others facing similar issues: When the washer system fails, check if the headlight cleaning still works. If both are dead, its likely an electrical fault rather than just a pump issue. Could save diagnostic time at the shop. Our VW washer systems seem prone to these problems after 100000km. My 220€ repair might sound steep, but considering it fixed multiple issues and included a service, it was worth preventing bigger problems down the line. Now keeping a closer eye on any changes in spray patterns or unusual pump sounds. These cars are great, but their cleaning systems need regular attention to avoid complete failure.