Audi Q8 Washer Jets Dead Despite Full Fluid Level

Had the same problem with my 2016 Audi Q7. Have some experience working on cars but mostly basic maintenance stuff. The washer fluid level sensor can be tricky even when the fluid level is actually fine. In my case, the dashboard light stayed on despite having a full tank of washer fluid. Took it to a workshop and they found that the sensor itself was faulty, giving false readings to the system. The fix was pretty straightforward, they cleaned the sensor contacts first, but that didnt solve it. They ended up replacing the washer fluid level sensor, which cost 25 Euro including labor. After the replacement, the warning light disappeared and the spray jets started working normally again. Before suggesting the same fix for your Q8, could you share: Does the pump make any sound when you try to use the spray jets? Have you checked if the spray jets are blocked with debris? When did you last replace the washer fluid level sensor? Are there any other dashboard lights showing up? This would help determine if youre dealing with the same sensor issue or if its something else entirely.

Thanks for the detailed response about the washer fluid sensor. I checked again and can confirm the spray jets are making no sound at all when activated. The wiper system itself works fine, but nothing happens when trying to spray. My car had its last service at 7000 KM where they did a full check of all systems, but didnt mention any issues with the wipers back then. The warning light on the dashboard is the only active error, no other warning messages. I cleaned around the spray jets area myself but that made no difference. The wiper fluid level is definitely full as I can see it clearly in the tank. Would the faulty sensor also explain why the pump isnt making any sound? Starting to wonder if its the pump rather than just the sensor.

Makes sense that youre wondering about the washer pump, in my case with the Q7, when the sensor issue evolved, I also noticed the pump stopped making noise completely. Initially thought they were separate problems, but they were actually connected. The windshield washer system is designed with a safety feature that prevents the pump from running if it thinks the fluid level is too low, even if the tank is actually full. A faulty sensor tricks the system into thinking its empty, which then disables the washer motor as a protection measure. However, since youre getting no pump sound at all, we should consider both possibilities: 1. The washer fluid sensor is preventing the pump from activating 2. The washer motor itself has failed In your case, Id lean toward checking the washer motor first, especially since your Q8 has relatively low mileage. The complete pump unit replacement on my Q7 ended up costing around 120 Euro, but that was after confirming the sensor wasnt the culprit. Quick tip: You can test if the pump is getting power by checking the fuse first, its usually cheaper than jumping straight to part replacements. The fuse location should be listed in your owners manual under windshield washer system components.

Thanks for sharing those details about your Q7 repair experience. After hearing about your case, I checked my fuse box following the manual but all fuses appear intact. Its helpful to know the safety feature prevents the pump from running with a faulty sensor, that explains the complete silence when trying to activate the spray jets. Given the similarities in symptoms, I will have my shop check both the sensor and pump. The warning light and complete lack of pump noise match exactly what you described. The windshield cleaning system worked perfectly during the last service, so something must have failed recently. Will let them start with testing the washer fluid sensor since its the cheaper fix at 25 Euro, and then move on to checking the pump if needed. Makes sense to rule out the simpler issue first before replacing the whole pump unit for 120 Euro. Appreciate the detailed troubleshooting steps, helps narrow down the problem before heading to the repair shop. Will update once I get it sorted out.