25 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
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YOUR RESEARCHHeated washer nozzles...
Leading reported evidence
Replace broken nozzle cover
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
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0
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Leading evidence: 'Replace broken nozzle cover' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is '996 cars are wired the same' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace broken nozzle cover' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Run another half gallon or so of distilled water through
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0
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Then ran washers again to flush out vinegar and ran another half gallon or so of distilled water through to remove all traces of vinegar.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Then ran washers again to flush out vinegar and ran another half gallon or so of distilled water through to remove all traces of vinegar.
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Suggestion · Original poster
It looks like I'll have to replace the entire nozzle.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
25 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T152433Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Ahhhh the joy of driving a 996 in the winter...
I see in the manual that the winshield washer nozzles are heated. Is this only when the rear defroster is switched on, or is it a temperature activated feature? Does it include the headlamp washers?
Driving in this morning it was about 15 degrees. My driver's side headlamp washer worked properly. The passenger's side washer rasied, dribbled a little, and then wouldn't go all the way back down. I (stupidly) tried to push it back down when I got to work. I broke off the cover. It looks like I'll have to replace the entire nozzle. Is this difficult? Back to my question... I don't think the headlamp washers are heated. Anybody know?
Drive a little in the winter in Indiana and you'll understand. This morning, there was snow on the road that was being kicked up by cars in front of me, causing the entire front of the car to be coated with dirt. There was also freezing drizzle to add to it. The headlights were coated with crap, and the washers remove it fairly well.
I just ordered the new nozzle/cap assembly. It was under $40, plus shipping. I'll have it tomorrow - which is good because we are expecting 6 inches of fresh snow.
I believe the windsheild washers are heated all the time, unless they work based on outside temprature. Since they are not connected to the rear defroster, especially since the rear defroster is on a timer.
My Audi and BMW equally have heated nozzles for the windsheild, and they operate automatically all the time regardless of rear defroster switch. The heated outside mirros work with the rear defroster though.
Hope you have the heated seat option?
Many years ago the windshield washer nozzles were linked to the rear window heater circuit (which did not turn off over time). The 997 manual indicates that they are on whenever the ignition is on. I suspect the 996 cars are wired the same.
Drive on the autobahn in winter (or I suppose any highway in winter in a northern latitude). The car just gets covered with frozen road grime and it is always gray/dark that time of year. I can remember using a handful of snow from alongside a rest stop to clean off the headlights as what little sunlight there was went down.
On a related note, FWIW: Not sure about 996s but when I bought new washer nozzles for my 02 Boxster (the nozzles partially blocked with I guess water deposits) the new nozzles are incompatible with the car as it is.
Porsche has a new part number and new nozzles. The new nozzles require wiring harness links ($75 each nozzle) to work right. I balked at buying the wiring harnesses.
Have tried to resurrect the original nozzles with a treatment of white vinegar with some success.
Emptied washer tank and flushed through some distilled water and then ran this empty and dumped in a bottle of white vinegar then worked washers until vinegar flowed. Rinsed vinegar off of car and let car sit a while.
Then ran washers again to flush out vinegar and ran another half gallon or so of distilled water through to remove all traces of vinegar.
Nozzles work a bit better, but not as good as they did and as good as they should.
Really need to when I can get the time remove the original nozzles and soak them in white vinegar solution to see if this removes the deposits and allow the nozzles to work again.
Sincerely,
Macster.
I thought I read somewhere in the manual that the lights should be in the "on" position before the headlight washers would work. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Macster--get some glacial acetic acid (photographic sources) and you will get done quicker, and more thoroughly. It's is a much higher strength of "vinegar."
That is correct. They will never spray if the headlights are off. Also, the headlight washer automatically cycles once with every ten applications of cleaner to the windshield (with lights on).
Everything on these cars should get regular exercise--or you risk it not working when you do need it.
Halogen headlights have a mandatory clearer/sprayer requirement in Europe (to reduce the dazzle to other oncoming cars if your halogen lenses are dirty and diffusing the light).
I was wondering if there was any simple way (e.g. pull a fuse) to disable the headlight washers. I hate the spray the send all over the car when all I really wanted to wash is the windshield. (with the headlights on, of course)
If your headlight and windshield washers are operating simultaneously, you may have a problem with your washer switches. Pulling on the wiper stalk operates just the windshield washer, pushing it away from you starts the headlight wash cycle.
For a daily driver in these parts, being so hot and dry these days, one has to try to remember to use the washers and wipers at least once a month, even just to move dust off the glass, because, as Edgy01 says, parts and systems have to be exercised occasionally in case they are ever needed.
That's true. You have to try to activate the headlight washers...
I discovered this after a few months of owning the car, because it isn't the same in the Cayenne. In that vehicle you hold the washer for a few seconds (with the headlights on, of course) and the headlight washers pop up. Not the same as the 996.
I just replaced the broken nozzle cover. Originally I searched and found instructions here. It included removing the headlight assembly, etc. I did that, got the whole thing apart on the kitchen table and it just didn't feel right. I ended up putting it back together. I looked again and the instructions I found here said they were for MK II cars, but they were for MK I.
I ended up having my son activate the washers, then I grabbed the broken one with pliers and held it up while I made the switch. It took about 10 seconds. I wish I had done it that way the first time! Oh well... lesson learned.
Hey Darren,
Are you the one with the greatful dead sticker on your car? (Awesome Car) As i think i saw you last fall at WGI with the Niagara PCA DE... I'm currently shopping a new suspension to fix the body roll, looking at the PSS10's or the KW's or the JIC's with new sway bars, control arms and drop links. Problem is I'm getting conflicting recommendation on which coilover to install.. My indy mechanic is pushing the PSS10's, versus all others brands because of support and service you get from Bilstein, as sometimes shocks need to be repaired or re-built and service and reputation of other brands dont pass muster.
I'm planning to be at the spring DE with Niagara May 25-26 with a new suspension and hope to see you there....
