XC90 Headlight Spray Nozzles

[pbordonaro]

Can the headlight spray nozzles be turned off by removing a fuse?

They are not necessary when driving in the city but consume a whole lot of washer fluid needlessly.

[Peter Milnes]

If you seem to use a lot of washer fluid it is because your windscreen is getting very dirty when driving in the city. Consequently the headlamp lenses will also get very dirty, hence the operation of the headlight wash/wipe system when vehicle has engine running and windscreen wash/wipe selected. Your car should have a large washer fluid reservoir (my 945 has over half a gallon capacity to run windscreen, tailgate and headlamp wash/wipe) so don't lose any sleep over it, just be grateful that your windows and lights are crystal clear when you are driving. It is only when the wash function is selected that the headlamp wash/wipe comes into operation.

All the best, Peter.

[perussell]

Having experienced the same problems myself there are 2 things to be aware of
(1) if you just pull the washer stalk towards you quickly and let go the windscreen will receive a quick jet of water which is often enough to clean the screen but the headlight washers are not activated unless you hold the stalk back for more than about a second
(2) I refilled the bottle last week when the 'refill' warning came on and could only get about 4 litres into a 6.5 lite bottle. When I checked the handbook to find the capacity I also noticed a piece which suggested that below a certain level (2 L I think) the headlamp washers are de-activated anyway so should conserve your fluid as the bottle empties.

[Tim2]

Seeing as your talking about headlight washers on XC90 - anyone had problem of lost headlight washer covers? I have now replaced mine 4 times, Volvo claims must be vandals but it has now happened in location where vandalism was not possible...
Tim

[tj101c70]

Tim,, no,, am on my 4th XC90, and not had a problem with any of them,, strange !!!

Tim

[DCO]

Seeing as your talking about headlight washers on XC90 - anyone had problem of lost headlight washer covers? I have now replaced mine 4 times, Volvo claims must be vandals but it has now happened in location where vandalism was not possible...
Tim
Hi,
I just wondered how you wash your XC90? Are they getting loosened by a jet wash or removed by a car wash? Just a thought!

[Tim2]

Been very careful with washing and only ever user a spayer - no rollers or machines.

[Stevie C]

Hi,

I lost one whilst driving around the M25. Where did you get a replacement from? I don't wash it very often so I doubt it is related to this.

My XC90 is an Ocean Race model and the only partts I've seen are in primer only so I'd have to get it sprayed. All advice appreciated.

[Coconut]

According to the Owners Manual of my 08 plate 90 SE Lux :

"Windscreen / Headlamp washer : Move the stalk switch toward the steering wheel to start the windscreen and headlamp washers. The wipers will make several more sweeps once the stalk switch is released."

This is then followed by :

"High pressure headlamp washing*: High pressure headlamp washing consumes a large quantity of washer fluid. To save fluid, the headlamps are only washed every fifth wash cycle ( within a 10 minute period ). When 10 minutes have elapsed following the latest windscreen washing, the headlamps are once again washed with high-pressure with the first windscreen washing."

It then goes on to say :
"Turn the stalk switch toward the steering wheel to wash the windscreen only."

... and finally :
"Reduced Washing : If only approx. 1 litre of washer fluid remains in the reservoir, the supply to the headlamps and rear window is cut off. This is in order to prioritise visibility through the windscreen."

If I am reading the above correctly, then there is a High Pressure headlamp wash option that will have been specified / fitted to some XC90's, over and above the "standard" headlamp wash.

If you have this option ( I don't appear to have it ) then it should be possible to wash the windscreen only by rotating the stalk switch towards you, instead of pulling it towards you - which washes both the windscreen and headlamps. :thumbs_up:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d129/coconut11/Coconut1.jpg

[RoscoMac]

I was actually beginning to think my 90 had a leak in the screenwash system as it seems to go through wash at a horrendous rate. My s70 (with headlamp wash) can go weeks without neeidng a top up, but the xc90, seems to need topped up every couple of weeks. Perhaps a much smaller reservoir, or maybe the headlamp skoosh uses a lot more solution than wipers.

R.