Headlight washer

[Nictrix]

This has been annoying me for a while now so today I set about trying to fix it.
Managed to remove the headlight washer after removing the fog light surround.
Seeing as the washer is almost directly above this I figured it would be pretty easy.
First remove the fog light surround that basically just pulls off.

Then remove the washer cover which is just clipped on.

Next take the clip off the end of the pipe that feeds the washers and drain the screenwash or plug the pipe.
The headlight washer is held in with a clip on each side which with a bit of fiddling about can be released. One is easily seen and the other is a bit of a guess to release it.
Once these are released the washer can be taken out via the hole around the fog light where the panel was removed.

There is not much to these washers and fairly easy to take apart.
The washer nozzle must be removed by lifting a clip.
Then a cover needs taken off, this is held on by 2 clips.
Next secure the washer in between 2 bits of wood and the protruding end needs hit to seperate the 2 main parts.

Once split there is only 6 parts to it.
2 outer body parts, the sliding part that goes to the nozzle, a spring, a seal and a small rubber tube.

Clean all parts, grease the seal and reassemble.




http://s378.photobucket.com/user/stugsr ... g.jpg.html



The 2 main parts just need a socket over the end and then a sharp tap to click it back together again.
Put the cover back on the end, push the nozzle back on and fit it back onto the car putting the hose back on.
Then I had to cycle through switching ignition on and off while trying to get the headlight washers to work, once working again grab the nozzle while it is extended and reattach the washer cover.
First go and washer fully returned
Didnt take any pics but might do when I do the other one if it stops retracting.
Video on youtube how to dismantle the washer. Watch from around 6 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyqOQty63AA&t=363s

[jagr]

Funnily enough I just did the same on my X3 today.

[Nictrix]

Is there a way to get the headlight washers to squirt every time?

[Horizon]

[quote="Nictrix"]
Is there a way to get the headlight washers to squirt every time?
[/quote]

On the Carly app you can alter the setting to a minimum of every 3  if I remember correctly.

[MattX]

Why would you want it to squirt more?  )

[Nictrix]

[quote="MattX"]
Why would you want it to squirt more?  )
[/quote]
Only for when bleeding screenwash through the system and for checking for correct operation and the washer seating itself back again.
For instance after putting everything back together, the last piece to go back on requires the washer to be extended and held out while attaching the cover.
The first press of the washers did not extend the headlight washers as there was no screenwash in the pipes which meant switching the ignition and lights off then back on again to try again. Squirting 3 or more times one after the other doesnt seem to work, there seems to be a certain time passes also.
Might be wrong.

[jagr]

[quote="Nictrix"]
For instance after putting everything back together, the last piece to go back on requires the washer to be extended and held out while attaching the cover.
[/quote]

On my E83 X3 I just used a pair of long nose pliers to pull it up enough too grab it then put the cover on.

[X5Sport]

Just a thought, but for anyone else trying this consider adding the following possible steps:

Clamp the water feed pipe with a brake/fuelpipe clamp (plastic scissor clamp) to minimise fluid losses.
Before refitting the pipe allow it to free flow or backfill it with water, or with the lights on press the washer lever until the air clears through.