Headlight washers

[Kev0607]

Hello,

V70 P3 headlight washers don't work. They used to, but not now.

-The washer reservoir is full of fluid.
-The jets aren't seized, so they're "free" to pop out of the bumper as they should.
-Windscreen washers work as normal

Few questions;

-Could it be the pump? I believe there's two pumps, one for the window and one for the headlights?

-Can the pump be replaced without removing the bumper? I think the pump nearest the front of the car is for the headlight washer jets and the other one is for the windscreen?

-Is it an MOT fail? The car has xenon lights, not LED or HID. Do the headlight washers have to work for MOT purposes?

Thanks for your help.

[GrahamBrown1]

If you remove the left hand arch liner you get access to the pumps and tank. If you get someone to activate the washers repeatedly you will be able to feel if the pump is working. If not it could be the pump. To be doubly sure would check with a meter to ensure it is receiving power. Obviously if the pump works then your down the route of checking pipework ect.

It is also a Mot fail for not working headlamp washers for xeon lights. They must be fitted with a levelling and cleaning system. The cleaning system is required to help prevent light scatter that could potentially dazzle.

[Kev0607]

Thanks for the response, Graham.

I'll have a look into it. It'll have to be fixed for the MOT anyway, so needs fixing at some point.

[GMcL]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Thanks for the response, Graham.

I'll have a look into it. It'll have to be fixed for the MOT anyway, so needs fixing at some point.

Do you use screen additive all year round ? With a previous car I found the pump gunked up with a gel like substance which was from the additive I was using. I only use distilled water from April to October and use additive over the winter. In September I still seeing foam come through the jets.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by GMcL

Do you use screen additive all year round ? With a previous car I found the pump gunked up with a gel like substance which was from the additive I was using. I only use distilled water from April to October and use additive over the winter. In September I still seeing foam come through the jets.

I do use it year round, but I only use a tiny bit (about half a cap full) per tank of decent branded screenwash like Prestone. Then I top up with regular water from the tap.

I have noticed that despite the minimal amount of screenwash when activating the windscreen washers, it stinks like vinegar. Quite a pungent smell, but I only use a small amount.

Being honest, I've always used screenwash in all cars I've owned year round. Volvo's definitely seems to be the most "picky" with blocked jets and nozzles. Any other car I had seemed fine with screenwash in the reservoir, regardless of the time of year. They never had blocked nozzles and I never use cheap screenwash.

[Kev0607]

Update: Checked the fuse for the headlight washers. It appeared fine (no breaks in the wire). I decided to replace the fuse anyway, as they aren't expensive. It made no difference, so its not the fuse.

Its looking like the headlight washer pump is the issue. The car is going to get the power steering pump replaced in the next few weeks, so I'll let the garage look at the headlight washers whilst its in then.

[FreshAir]

Headlight washer pump is the most accessible.

Take nearside wheel off.

Loosen liner at front. You will see the pump on the reservoir, that is facing you, the windscreen/rear screen pump is round the 'front' of the reservoir. May be gunged up, if not dead, just replace. Easy job.

My windscreen pump had signs of very slight water ingress into the electrical part which is probably what caused one of the brushes to eventually break. FMC part used by Volvo.....

I'd suggest using way more washer fluid may be a good idea as much less likely for anything to get gunged up.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

Headlight washer pump is the most accessible.

Take nearside wheel off.

Loosen liner at front. You will see the pump on the reservoir, that is facing you, the windscreen/rear screen pump is round the 'front' of the reservoir. May be gunged up, if not dead, just replace. Easy job.

My windscreen pump had signs of very slight water ingress into the electrical part which is probably what caused one of the brushes to eventually break. FMC part used by Volvo.....

I'd suggest using way more washer fluid may be a good idea as much less likely for anything to get gunged up.

Just to double clarify... The pump that's directly in front of you when you remove the wheel arch liner is for the headlights? The other one near the fog light is for the rear/front window?

[FreshAir]

Exactly. Pump you see is the headlight washer pump.

edit: Headlight washer will only run if the reservoir sensor which is also visible next to the pump detects there is enough fluid available, so that when the level is below the sensor there is enough reserve to still use the windscreen washers.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

Exactly. Pump you see is the headlight washer pump.

edit: Headlight washer will only run if the reservoir sensor which is also visible next to the pump detects there is enough fluid available, so that when the level is below the sensor there is enough reserve to still use the windscreen washers.

Thanks.

Yep, the washer fluid reservoir is full. So there's no chance of there not being enough fluid available for the headlight jets to engage.