Headlamp washers

[WillRS]

is it definitely possible to disable these through VCDS ?

I can't see they are overly helpful at the best of times (and make a mess) and since i've had my front end resprayed they obviously aren't quite adjusted right and now spray the entire front end of the car each time I use them (at low speed) which isn't very helpful !

there was an old post on this saying they could be disabled but nothing since and nothing definite

any help would be greatly appreciated

[adsgreen]

should be easy enough to plug the fluid cables.
I don't think they come on when the headlights are off so you should also be able to disconnect the solenoid that activates them (but could be wrong) by unplugging it.

You technically have to have them for Xenon type lights as dirt and crap on them makes the light sparkle and diffuse which can cause problems for other road users - it could be a potential MOT fail.

[Rick_RS4]

Why don't you adjust them. Washers are required if you have xenons

[WillRS]

yeah could adjust them - is it just a question of grabbing them when they pop up (i.e get someone else to activate) and adjust the jets ? or is there a "service mode" you can put them into ?

I know in theory you need them if you have xenons but the amount of washer fluid I am getting through with them activating when i wash the windscreen when its a bit dark outside (autolights) is crazy and makes a mess even if correctly directed hence the question.

[PetrolDave]

Washers are required if you have xenons

Not strictly true if you're talking about passing the UK MOT test.

IF headlamp washers OR headlight levelling are fitted THEN they must work, but (and it's a big but) If they're NOT fitted then that's not grounds to fail the MOT.

So on an RS4 which has headlight washers AND leveling factory fitted they have to work to pass the MOT, but if you retrofit Xenons to a car with neither headlight washers nor headlight levelling (like my Citroen C1) then all that's need to pass the MOT is that the headlights are correctly aimed.

[Rick_RS4]

they work when the pump makes pressure which forces them out, will have to disconnect the pump supply, i think its a different pump for windscreen and headlights

[gt2]

I have the xenons fitted but have never even noticed mine working!. Either they just dont work or there is a way of disbling them. Do you need to be doing a certain speed in order for them to work and test them?

[PetrolDave]

Do you need to be doing a certain speed in order for them to work and test them?

No, they work even when stationary - but, you have to operate the windscreen washers for several seconds before the headlamp washers operate, the normal short burst won't operate them.

[C17LJR]

Washers are required if you have xenons

Not strictly true if you're talking about passing the UK MOT test.

IF headlamp washers OR headlight levelling are fitted THEN they must work, but (and it's a big but) If they're NOT fitted then that's not grounds to fail the MOT.

So on an RS4 which has headlight washers AND leveling factory fitted they have to work to pass the MOT, but if you retrofit Xenons to a car with neither headlight washers nor headlight levelling (like my Citroen C1) then all that's need to pass the MOT is that the headlights are correctly aimed.

Even when retro fitting you 'should' have the washers and levellers to be legal. Sounds like you've just got lucky with your tester Dave

[PetrolDave]

Even when retro fitting you 'should' have the washers and levellers to be legal. Sounds like you've just got lucky with your tester Dave

Not this Old Wive's Tale again - this debate happens every few months on every car website I frequent.

Nothing to do with luck - read the MOT Testers Handbook - neither are required to pass the MOT (but if fitted they MUST work), it's very clear and unambiguous.

BTW both Xenon headlamps and DRL's are illegal according to the UK Construction & Use Regulations, but since EU Law overrides local law they are deemed legal in every country in the EU.

[nij]

Even when retro fitting you 'should' have the washers and levellers to be legal. Sounds like you've just got lucky with your tester Dave

Not this Old Wive's Tale again - this debate happens every few months on every car website I frequent.

Nothing to do with luck - read the MOT Testers Handbook - neither are required to pass the MOT (but if fitted they MUST work), it's very clear and unambiguous.

It's a bit like if you have an illegal spare wheel, then you'll fail your MOT, but if you don’t have a spare wheel, then it's alright.

[adsgreen]

Even when retro fitting you 'should' have the washers and levellers to be legal. Sounds like you've just got lucky with your tester Dave

Not this Old Wive's Tale again - this debate happens every few months on every car website I frequent.

Nothing to do with luck - read the MOT Testers Handbook - neither are required to pass the MOT (but if fitted they MUST work), it's very clear and unambiguous.

BTW both Xenon headlamps and DRL's are illegal according to the UK Construction & Use Regulations, but since EU Law overrides local law they are deemed legal in every country in the EU.

http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20C ... ghting.pdf

But yes - current regs are ambiguous wrt to the EU rules
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s01000701.htm

[PetrolDave]

http://www.partinfo.co.uk/files/MOT%20C ... ghting.pdf

Interesting, but here's what the actual MOT Inspection Manual says (I've added the emphasis):

Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted with headlamp washers and a suspension or headlamp self levelling system.
Where such systems are fitted, they must work; however, it is accepted that it may not be possible to readily determine the functioning of self levelling systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt must be given.

Note use of the word "may" not "must" - that's the key point. Plus in the Method of Inspection it says:

Where HID or LED dipped beam headlamps are fitted, switch on the headlamps and check the operation of any headlamp levelling and cleaning devices fitted.

And in the Reason for Rejection column it says:

A headlamp levelling or cleaning device inoperative or otherwise obviously defective.

So taking all that together - you do NOT need to have either headlamp washers/wipers or self-levelling to pass the MOT, BUT if they are fitted they must work.

[guffy]

My headlamp washers refused to work during my MOT last month and it failed on that alone.

Was an annoying cost, around £180 to supply and fit a new washer motor IIRC.

[WillRS]

ok but back to my original question - can these be disabled via VCDS ?

i'd make sure they were enabled come MOT time