Front washers and pump not working (and it's not the pump)

[MAC34]

Hi, hoping someone can help. The front windscreen washers on my A6 are not working. No pump noise but the fuse is fine and the pump was changed. Can a fault with the bonnet catch cause such issues? Garage told me it could but I can't find anything anywhere about this as cause.

[Magnet]

Hello Martin,

Have you blown out all the lines with an around 30psi air line?

Have you check that the washer reservoir is free from slimy sludge at the bottom, and that the pre pump filter gauze is clean? 
Have you confirmed the pump is receiving a 12 volt supply - or not? 

Regards,

Gareth. 

[Chris James]

Good Morning Martin,

Was the replacement pump a main dealer or aftermarket item?

I only ask this question because I had the same issues with my S7 and the independent garage I took it to gave me the option of both, but did explain that aftermarket pumps can give up quite soon - maybe 12 months or possibly sooner after fitting depending on make

As a consequence I opted for the main dealer pump and yes it was dearer, but not by a huge amount and its still working! 

Best of luck sorting it

Chris

[MAC34]

It was an aftermarket pump. I took the car back when the same fault (no pump, no spray etc.) occurred within 1 month. The pump and pipes were all fine. They did nothing other than grease the bonnet catches. This fixed the problem for another few months but now the washers are again not working. The bonnet closure/contact has something to do with the issue but nothing on the www that confirms the fix (I.e. where the contacts are or if catch lubrication is the issue). I saw something reference the closure of the bonnet being key to the washers working but can now not find that reference again. I'd like to think dealerships would troubleshoot all potential root causes rather than just go with those that give them business.... but I have my doubts on that front.

[Chris James]

With most issues I try to steer clear of dealerships (other than some parts obviously) and try to find independent specialists who know the cars like the back of their hands. 

They tend not to charge quite so much and are enthusiasts about their specialist mark.

Do you have access to any in the Winchester area? If you have they maybe worth contacting instead of the dealers.

[cliffcoggin]

Martin.

Is it only the washers that do not work, or are the wipers also not working? I know that some Audis have a switch on the bonnet that interlocks the wipers to prevent damage?

[Magnet]

Cliff raises an important question here Martin. I can see you have re visited since this question was raised, but we await your reply.

[MAC34]

Yep, it is only the washers that don't work. Wipers are working fine.

[Magnet]

With apologies to Cliff for following on from his question:-

I believe you can discount any association with the bonnet contact. If the wipers work, then this is serviceable. 
If it were mine, I would first be checking you are getting a good 12 v supply to the pump and an adequate earth. If you are, suspect the aftermarket pump, but I haven’t had any frequent issues with these. 
If you aren’t getting 12 v to the pump, you will need to check wiring back to the stalk - which could also be the culprit.

Please let us know how you get on Martin. 
Regards,

Gareth.

p.s. Afterthought :- you are talking windscreen washers here, rather than headlight washers- ? 

[cliffcoggin]

14 hours ago, Magnet said:

With apologies to Cliff for following on from his question:-

I believe you can discount any association with the bonnet contact. If the wipers work, then this is serviceable. 

Agreed, and no apology needed Gareth.