Headlight washers not functioning
01-09-2010, 06:40 PM
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My Ride: 2006 530i Alpine White, Premium Package, Logic 7, NAV, 5W LED Angel Eyes
I noticed today that my headlight washers were not spraying. I had the light switched to "automatic" (one clicked to the left) and they still did not come up. I ensured that the washer fluid was topped off as well. Does the car have to be in motion? Do they work with the engine off? Is this a common issue? What typically goes wrong with this feature? Good thing I am going for a service this week! Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
01-09-2010, 07:31 PM
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My Ride: 2012 535i X-driveSpace Grey/Black Dakota, Fineline Anthracite Trim; Executive Package (Rear View, Lumbar, Nav, Voice, SIRIUS, HiFi Pro) Technology Package (Hi Beam Assist, Lane Departure, Blind Spot Detection, Surround View) BMW Apps (Apps, Smart Pho
Model Year: 2012
Headlights must actually be on, car does not have to be in motion. As long as the headlights and wipers work, the washers should work with the car off. Typically they work every second or third or even tenth try depending on year; NOT every time you wash the windshield.
How long have you had the car? Do you even have them? They are optional on most models. Most bumpers have a knockout where they go so its easy to think you have them. They are expensive to retrofit. Need plumbing, extra pump, larger washer fluid bottle, etc.
How long have you had the car? Do you even have them? They are optional on most models. Most bumpers have a knockout where they go so its easy to think you have them. They are expensive to retrofit. Need plumbing, extra pump, larger washer fluid bottle, etc.
01-09-2010, 07:53 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550i sport
Originally Posted by E60530i' post='1087494' date='Jan 9 2010, 09:40 PM
I noticed today that my headlight washers were not spraying. I had the light switched to "automatic" (one clicked to the left) and they still did not come up. I ensured that the washer fluid was topped off as well. Does the car have to be in motion? Do they work with the engine off? Is this a common issue? What typically goes wrong with this feature? Good thing I am going for a service this week! Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
To add something meaningful, mine do not go off every time I wash my windows either.
01-09-2010, 08:28 PM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
I don't care for it either. It should be a button like everything else IMHO.
01-09-2010, 08:35 PM
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i think they go off when they want, i think thats what i read in the owners manual, i want driving one day and was like wtf when my windshield was covered with spray.... its easy to pull the line to them and plug it....
01-10-2010, 12:19 PM
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My Ride: 2006 530i Alpine White, Premium Package, Logic 7, NAV, 5W LED Angel Eyes
I have the premium package, so I thought I had them. I will check today. Is there a seperate fuse for the headlight washers?
01-10-2010, 12:59 PM
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Mine have come on periodically (seems like every 3-4 cycles) when I've used the windshield washers with the headlights on - this is what my owner's manual informs:
01-10-2010, 02:29 PM
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My Ride: 04 545i sport, stick, L7, sat, nav. Charcoal/ runflat/ cdv delete.
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Originally Posted by -Mike-' post='1087503' date='Jan 9 2010, 08:53 PM
Not that this answers your questions, but I have the opposite problem. I can't stand when those things go off! 9 times out of 10, it's right after a car wash, which then sprays fluid all over the place!!!
To add something meaningful, mine do not go off every time I wash my windows either.
To add something meaningful, mine do not go off every time I wash my windows either.
using distilled water in the windshield washer reservoir helps to reduce the water spots when that happens. Now if we could just keep the guy in front of us on the freeway from using their windshield washers right after we detail our car!
01-10-2010, 02:30 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i E60 Orient Blau Metallic
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It occurs only once when you first use the washer fluid and then will remain off even if you wash the windshield again.... I think it's set to a particular time period but I don't know how long exactly....
I don't know why you're aren't popping up at all - check the fuses for sure but that should have sent a warning to your iDrive. Have you checked to make sure that the lids can flip open off your front fender? If there's ice out, sometimes they freeze shut and it doesn't work...
I don't know why you're aren't popping up at all - check the fuses for sure but that should have sent a warning to your iDrive. Have you checked to make sure that the lids can flip open off your front fender? If there's ice out, sometimes they freeze shut and it doesn't work...
01-10-2010, 04:54 PM
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My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
The "official" headlamp washer interval/logic is as follows:
- When the headlights are on, they are washed every 10th time the windshield washer is operated.
- They are washed the first time the windshield is washed after the ignition is switched on and the headlights are on (the "10th time" counter starts here.)
- There is a "repeat lock" that tells the car that after they've been washed, they cannot be washed again for another 10 minutes. This repeat lock is reset if the ignition is switched off.
- 0.7 seconds ON
- 1.3 seconds OFF
- 0.7 seconds ON