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samuel_steel1

Dead Washer System in Passat Despite Full Fluid Tank

Need advice on washer fluid warning, system completely dead on my 2017 Passat Hybrid (121849km). Warning light came on last week and now the windshield washer motor wont respond at all. Checked the fluid level and its full. Already had a bad experience with my local mechanic, so looking for feedback from others who dealt with similar issues. Any idea what the likely problem is and rough cost to fix?

Summary of the thread

The main issue with the 2017 Passat Hybrid was a non-responsive windshield washer system despite a full fluid tank, accompanied by a warning light. Possible causes included clogged washer fluid lines, a failed washer pump, electrical connection issues, or a defective fluid level sensor. Solutions involved inspecting and potentially replacing the washer fluid level sensor, flushing the system to remove debris, and checking the pump and electrical connections. Regular maintenance, such as annual system flushes and using quality washer fluid, was recommended to prevent future issues.

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4 comment(s)

richard_weiss1

Last year my 2020 Passat GTE Hybrid had a similar problem. The warning light stayed on despite having a full wiper fluid reservoir. The issue was traced to a faulty washer fluid level sensor and a blocked washer pump. These symptoms often point to either: Clogged washer fluid lines, Failed washer pump, Electrical connection issues, Defective fluid level sensor The wiper system needed a complete flush to remove debris that had accumulated in the lines. The mechanic found leaves and dirt blocking the pump intake. The washer fluid level sensor also needed replacement as it was sending incorrect signals to the dashboard. This was not a major mechanical issue, but it required careful diagnosis since multiple components of the washer system were affected. The repair involved removing the front bumper to access some components. Most repair shops can handle this type of work in 2-3 hours. If left unaddressed, the blocked lines could damage the pump motor. Worth getting it checked soon to prevent the pump from burning out completely. The warning light issue and non-functioning pump are likely connected. Suggest having both the sensor and pump system inspected together.

samuel_steel1 (community.author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the washer system repair. My Passat had exactly the same issue with the windshield washer and dashboard light warnings. I just had it fixed recently. Curious if you remember the total repair cost in your case? Also wondering if youve had any washer fluid issues pop up since the repair was done? My mechanic suggested doing a preventive line flush every year to stop debris from building up in the system again.

richard_weiss1

After getting it fixed at my mechanic, the washer fluid warning disappeared completely and the system works perfectly now. The entire repair came to 25€ which covered fixing the low fluid level issue. Much less expensive than I expected. Had no problems with the wiper system since that repair six months ago. The mechanic did a thorough job cleaning out the lines and checking the washer motor. Regular maintenance like your mechanic suggested makes sense to prevent future blockages. Using quality washer fluid also helps keep the system running smoothly. The warning light has stayed off and the washer pump responds instantly when needed. Definitely worth getting it sorted early before more serious issues develop with the system components.

samuel_steel1 (community.author)

After dealing with this frustrating washer fluid situation, I finally took my Passat to a different mechanic shop. The experience was surprisingly good. The technician found leaves blocking the spray jets and a damaged sensor, exactly matching what others described. Total repair cost was 280€, more than expected but covered: New washer fluid level sensor, System flush and cleaning, Pump inspection, Labor costs The windshield washer system now works perfectly. No warning lights, strong spray from all jets. Started using premium washer fluid and keeping the area around the wipers clear of debris. Planning to get the annual flush done as recommended to avoid future blockages. Much better outcome than my previous mechanic who just kept refilling the fluid without fixing the actual problem. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and helped point me in the right direction for this repair.

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VW

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PASSAT