lack lustre windscreen washers...(+ washer jet question)

Hi, my windscreen washers continue to function and deliver a healthy amount of liquid to my screen, but they're not being very enthusiastic...am getting one stream up the centre, on both sides (passenger & driver), but not really what you'd call a proper (bi-directional) squirt. I therefore assume that my washer pump is on its way out. Can anyone confirm this, or provide any alternative diagnosis? Also, out of curiosity, as I notice there are two different sets of washer jets (old style = adjustable; new style = non-adjustable), are the non-adjustable ones (presumably they arrived with the face lift model...?) an improvement over the old style jets? Thanks, Neil.

Hi Neil. I'm not sure how similar your washers are to mine (MY2003) but I had a similar problem some time ago. I had been given a bottle of official Porsche washer additive with my car (WOW! Porsche soapy water, I thought). Anyway, it turned out to be the very root of all evil in that it wrecked my washer pump. Luckily the car was still under warranty and they (OPC) fitted a new one for nowt. I would say that you have a similar problem. It sounds like there is some flow - but not good pressure. I was told by the mechanic at OPC that the problem is due to me not using the car (and washers) enough and maybe being a bit over enthusiastic with the Porsche soap. He also said that it wasn't just their stuff that did it and that there are others on the market which will also "congeal" at the bottom of your washer fluid tank if you don't jig the car around enough - ie. drive it. Guilty as charged, I'm afraid - I only did 1000 miles in the car that year. So, when you then come to use the washers the pump sucks all the gunk into the washer lines and they block - or (I think) partially block in your case. I would get hold of some Sarsons pickling vinegar (other brands are available) and put a load of it in the washer tank - then use the washers until you can smell the stuff coming through and leave it over night so you know that the vinegar is actually in the lines (hopefully) clearing the muck out. As a result of all this I now hardly use any soap in my washers at all and haven't had any problems since. Sorry, that was a bit long - winded! All the best, which ever condiment you choose! Adrian.

I had the same problem, but it turned out to be blocked jets. On the older adjustable jects, you can take the jet units to pieces and clean them out. There is a rubber tube thingy which acts as a one-way valve (to stop the water siphoning back to the tank) and mine were all gummed up. It's a fairly easy job to do, and it costs nothing, so worth a try. Adrian's vinegar method might also do the job, but if it was me I'd want to keep it off the paintwork.

Hi Adrian. Yeah, I do use Porsche's soapy water, and to be honest, I always put in a generous dose during the winter to avoid the frost. I'll do as both you and Richard have suggested and look for / clean out any potential blockages. Cheers.

I've always used a concentrated screenwash (Halfrauds super-concentrated does the job) and always mixed to the correct strength. Also, I generally endeavour to use what's in the reservoir until it runs dry before refilling. There is a risk that washer fluid can congeal slightly over a period of time and this settles to the bottom of the reservoir; in turn, this can cause blockage in the pipes, hence the importance of avoiding topping-up the tank.

Also consider popping the left front wheel-arch lining off. The washer tube connects behind it and occasionally pops off. The clue is to look for a pool of washer fluid appearing by your wheel when you use the washers.[ ]