XC60 Washer reservoir access.

[CSE1Steven]

My first post ! Looks like my washer tank has started to leak. Topped up today and leaked washer fluid from under wheel arch, with vehicle not running. I removed the N/S headlamp assembly but access to washer bottle below headlamp is blocked by a plastic cover. Removed two bolts, but cover will not release. Found a couple of plastic spring clips at rear edge but I was unable to get front edge free from main front panel (Bumper top edge) Has anyone any idea how this panel cover is released ? I am rather reluctant to take to dealers (50 miles away) and suffer a finance crash for what may be a simple fix !.

2009 XC60 D5 auto Lux

[jasmith44]

You haven't overfilled it have you cos it overflows and looks like it is leaking.Just a thought.

[Stevepvolvo]

Access is via the wheel arch removing the wheel arch cover. I had a leak from under the car and it was one of the washer pipes had split. Vehicle was also a 2009 version happened last year.

[CSE1Steven]

Thanks for the replies. I do not think that the reservoir is overfull. The level marker is just below the cap, but nice thought. I did look at the wheel arch cover, but as it was getting dark decided to try from the top. I already had the headlamp assembly out for a bulb change, and thought that must be the "normal" access route. I will wait for a dry day and try again. Thanks again.

[AndyJudge]

If it's just below the cap I think it may be too full. There's a clip on extension part to the bottle to bring it up to a sensible fill height.

IIRC there's a rubber seal that can fail or the plastic can become brittle & fail at the join.

My S60 had the same issue when I had it

[Rocinante]

I've had a leak for a while. I've suspected the headlight washer pipes, as Steve suggested, as I think the leak is actually at the drivers side.

Do the wheel arch covers unscrew ?
How do you replace the pipe ?
Where do I get new pipe ?

Thanks

[CSE1Steven]

I removed the nearside wheel arch liner, and that gives access to the rear of the washer tank assembly. This has two pumps embedded in the wall of the tank. Unfortunately … the leak was from the front of the tank which cannot be accessed from the wheel arch. The tank is secured by a bracket on it's front side. Back to square one, access to the fixings is very difficult without removing the plate under the headlamp. As I was at our local dealers (Chapmans) looking for a new V40, I asked how to gain access to inspect the tank. They freely took the car in and found out that the front bumper needs to come off because the pipework was perished. This work was rebooked later and the problem has now been repaired. It cost me £150, which considering the time involved and the pipework/seals, seemed fair. I would recommend Chapmans (no connection with this company) as a fair and very helpful Volvo dealership.