Audi TT Washer System Failure: Pump vs. Headlight Link

I encountered a similar issue with my 2006 Audi A4, and being somewhat experienced with electrical systems in cars, I initially tried troubleshooting it myself. The symptoms were identical, no pump sound, no fluid, despite full reservoir. The fault turned out to be a faulty cable connection between the washer pump and relay system. These components are indeed shared between the headlight cleaning system and windshield washers in many Audi models. After checking basic components like fuses and fluid levels, I brought it to a workshop. They diagnosed a corroded wiring connection that was preventing proper electrical flow to the pump. The repair involved replacing the damaged wiring section and ensuring proper sealing to prevent future corrosion. Total cost was 165 Euro including diagnosis and repair. The system has worked flawlessly since the fix. Its worth checking if there are any fault codes related to the headlight cleaning system, as this can often indicate the root cause. What engine variant does your TT have? Also, have you noticed any leaks around the washer fluid reservoir or near the headlight washer components? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced.

Thanks for sharing that experience. My TT has recently hit 109500 KM and I checked for any visible leaks around the washer system and xenon headlight cleaning components but found nothing obvious. After testing, I noticed a small hose disconnection near the pump which might explain the issue. Going to attempt reconnecting it before considering more extensive repairs. Hopefully its just this loose connection rather than a full pump replacement or electrical fault.

Good to hear you found that disconnected hose, this could definitely be the source of your malfunction. When I fixed my A4, I also discovered several hose connections had become loose over time, especially near the pump area. Its a common wear point in the system. After reconnecting the hose, make sure to test both the windshield and headlight cleaning systems thoroughly. A loose connection can sometimes indicate that other nearby hoses might be at risk of detaching too. In my case, I ended up replacing all the connecting hoses in that area since they showed signs of aging. The total cost for the hose kit was around 45 Euro. If reconnecting the hose doesnt solve the fault completely, the pump itself might still be worth checking. At 109500 KM, its around the age where these components can start showing wear. When testing, listen carefully for any unusual sounds from the pump, this could indicate if theres an internal clog or mechanical issue. Keep us posted on whether the hose reattachment fixes the problem. This kind of system malfunction can be tricky to diagnose, but starting with the simplest solution is always smart.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I took your advice and carefully checked all the hoses in that area of the system since they might all be approaching end of life. Found two more that looked worn, so I decided to replace the entire set of connecting hoses rather than risk future leaks. Cost me 52 Euro for the parts and I did the work myself. After the repair, both the windshield washer and headlight cleaning system are working perfectly. No more fault in either system. The pump sounds normal now too, I guess the disconnected hose was preventing proper pressure buildup. Really glad it wasnt a more serious electrical issue or pump failure. Given the age and mileage of the car, this preventive maintenance made sense. Going to keep an eye on the system for the next few weeks to ensure no further issues develop. Good call on checking all nearby components while I was in there.