timweiss22
VW Transporter Washer Jets Dead: Quick Diagnosis Tips
4 comment(s)
timweiss22 (Author)
Thanks for your thorough explanation. My spray jets are still not working but I just got the car back from being fixed. The mechanic found the same issue, clogged jets and a worn pump that needed replacement. The warning light on the dashboard is now gone. Did similar problems show up again for you after the repair? Would be helpful to know what to watch for. Also curious about the repair cost you had to pay since I want to make sure I wasnt overcharged for the wiper system work.
ralf_hoffmann21
After getting my Passat fixed last month I havent experienced any wiper fluid problems. The windshield washer warning light has stayed off and the spray jets work perfectly. My repair was straightforward, just needed to fix a low fluid level issue which cost 25€ including fresh washer fluid. To avoid future problems with the spray jets its worth using quality windshield washer fluid rather than diluted or cheap alternatives. Regular checks of the fluid level especially before winter can prevent warning lights from appearing. Good preventive steps: Keep fluid reservoir filled above minimum, Use proper washer fluid not just water, Clean spray jets during regular car washes, Listen for unusual pump sounds The repair costs can vary depending on what needs fixing. Since you needed a new pump your bill would naturally be higher than my simple fluid level correction.
timweiss22 (Author)
Thanks for the advice. Just want to share how it went at the shop. Took it to a different mechanic this time who actually showed me the clogged system while the car was up on the lift. Total bill came to 280€ for the new pump, cleaning service and fresh windshield washer fluid. The mechanic was thorough and walked me through the wiper system issues before starting work. He found both spray jets totally blocked with white crusty buildup and the pump barely running. After fixing everything the spray is much stronger than before. Really glad I checked here first since I originally thought it was just low fluid. Now I know to use better quality washer fluid and keep an eye on the warning light if it comes back. The car is working perfectly now with no dashboard warnings. Haven't seen any problems since the repair last week. The windshield cleaning is actually better than when I first bought the car. Worth every cent to get it fixed properly rather than just topping up the fluid like I was planning.
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ralf_hoffmann21
I had a similar issue with my 2016 VW Passat TSI last month. When the warning light appeared for the wiper system, the initial check revealed more than just low fluid level. The spray jets had become clogged with mineral deposits and debris. After checking the windshield cleaning reservoir, we found the pump was still humming but no fluid was reaching the windshield. The fix required: Cleaning the spray jets with a thin wire, Flushing the entire wiper system, Replacing a cracked fluid line near the pump, Installing a new fluid filter This wasnt a serious repair but needed immediate attention to prevent pump damage. The blocked spray jets are common in these VW models, especially when using low-quality washer fluid. A quick test to diagnose: If you fill the reservoir and hear the pump working but see no fluid, its likely clogged jets or a line issue rather than just being low on fluid. In your case, since both spray jets stopped working simultaneously, I suspect either a pump issue or a main line blockage rather than just empty fluid reservoir.