Audi S1: Washer & Headlight Cleaning System Failure Fix

As someone with some experience working on modern cars, I had a very similar issue with my 2013 Audi S3, which shares many system components with your S1. The fault turned out to be a damaged cable connection at the washer pump relay. The system malfunction affected both the windshield and headlight cleaning functions, just like in your case. Initially thought it was the pump itself, but the workshop found the wiring was the culprit. Had it fixed at a workshop, total cost was 165 Euro including diagnostics and repair. They had to remove some underbody panels to access the connection point, but the actual repair was straightforward once they identified the issue. Can you confirm if: You hear any clicking sound when activating the washer? Is your washer fluid level full? Does your instrument cluster show any warning lights? Have you checked the fuse for the washer system? This would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced. Given that both the windshield and Xenon headlight washers are affected, its likely related to the shared pump or electrical system rather than a hose problem.

Thanks for the detailed response. Last service was at 120000 KM. I checked the washer fluid level, its completely full. No clicking sound at all when pressing the washer stalk, and no warning lights on the dash. Already checked all fuses and they look fine. Since both the windshield washer and Xenon headlight cleaning system are affected, your suggestion about the pump relay wiring makes sense. Good to know the fix might not be too expensive, though access seems a bit tricky with those underbody panels. Think I will get it checked at a workshop since electrical issues can be complex. Hopefully its just a loose connection or similar wiring problem like in your case rather than a complete pump failure.

Great that you checked those points. My repair experience on the same system suggests we are dealing with an identical issue. The symptoms match perfectly, no sound, both systems affected, and no warning lights, just like what happened on my S3. When the workshop fixed mine, they actually found the wiring harness had some minor water damage near the pump connection, causing the malfunction in both the windshield washer and headlight cleaning systems. The wiring fault completely disabled the pump operation. One thing to note, while checking the underbody area during my repair, they also discovered a small crack in one washer hose, but this was unrelated to the main issue. Worth having them inspect the hoses while they are accessing the area. The good news is that if its the same wiring problem, the repair should be straightforward once they get access. The system design means most electrical components are grouped together, making diagnosis easier even though initial access requires some disassembly. Would be interested to hear what they find once you get it checked. The shared experience could help others with similar washer system issues.

No clicking sounds coming from my car at all when I try to activate the washer. Thanks for mentioning your experience with the water-damaged wiring, that seems like a likely cause since both my windshield washer and headlight cleaning system stopped working at the same time. The absence of warning lights and working fuses but complete system failure matches your situation exactly. Going to book it into a workshop next week. Will ask them to check the wiring harness near the pump and inspect the hoses while they have access to that area. The repair cost you mentioned of around 165 Euro gives me a good reference point for what to expect. Really helpful to know it was fixable without needing an entire new pump system. Will update once I get the diagnosis. Seems like electrical issues with these washer systems might be more common than I thought, especially affecting both the main washer and headlight cleaning functions together.