Headlight washers dont work -- windshield wipers do though

[jaketone]

I recently purchased a 2002 A4 1.8T Audi. According to the manual, when I have the lights on and engage the windshield wipers, the headlight washers should pop up and spray them.

Well they do not. In searching the forums the closest answer I've found is a burned fuse, however, upon checking my fuse is not burned out. Any ideas? The windshield washer fluid sprays fine.

[I Audi5K I]

where you sitting still at the time? I sprayed mine while sitting still and no go but on the road you can see them spray.

[Molotov]

you have to hold it down for maybe a second or two, otherwise it only sprays your windshield.

[dougyfresh]

I have the same problem. I've narrowed it down to an electrical problem with either the switch in the steering column or the harness in the steering column.

I've hunted down the wiring and jumped out various sections to figure it out. Turns out the pump is okay and the wiring going from the column to the relays (under the dead pedal) and the pump are okay. The problem lies in the steering column and/or switch (on my car).

I really could use this feature in the winter but have learned to deal without it (4+ years of ownership).

[jaketone]

I was sitting still actually. I'll be sure to try it while driving and have my wife tell me if they work.

I would hold down the windshield washers for quite awhile actually.

I was able to pry them open manually and manually move them up and down making the pumps siphon water so that eliminated any kinks etc; If it is an electrical problem I don't know that I want to pay too much $ to get it fixed just yet.

Thanks for your suggestions and help.

[dougyfresh]

It should work while sitting stationary. I recall my friend's 2004 A4 Avant washed the lights when you were sitting in a parking lot with the headlights on and initiated the windshield wipers. Came on immediately. This was all to demonstrate the headlight washers to me.


Yeah, electrical problems being $$$ is why I haven't fixed mine. I almost shaved my S4 bumpers to eliminate them but decided to keep them installed in the event I decide to further troubleshoot the wiring problem and fix it. The wiper switch isn't cheap and that coupled with the complexity of the steering column is why I haven't done anything to fix it yet.