RS3 Washer Fluid System Failure Despite Full Tank

As someone with reasonable car repair experience, I had a very similar issue with my 2020 RS4. The dashboard light kept indicating low wiper fluid despite having a full tank, and the spray jets stopped working completely. The washer motor was working fine, I could hear it running when activated, but no wiper fluid was coming out. My workshop found that debris had clogged the spray jets, causing a blockage in the system. The warning light kept triggering because the sensor was malfunctioning, giving false readings even with a full reservoir. The fix was straightforward and cost 25 Euro. They cleaned the spray jets, replaced a faulty sensor, and ran a system check to ensure proper function. Since then, the warning light has stayed off and the wipers spray perfectly. To better assist with your issue, could you share: Does the washer motor make any sound when activated? Have you noticed any leaks under the car? When did you last have maintenance done on the wiper system? Did the warning light appear suddenly or gradually? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if its something different.

Last service was performed at 12000 KM and currently at 14304 KM. The washer motor is definitely making sounds but no fluid comes out. I checked underneath but found no visible leaks. The warning light started appearing intermittently about 2 weeks ago before becoming constant. After double checking the windshield cleaning system, I also noticed the fluid level seems correct but the spray pattern had become increasingly weak before failing completely. The dashboard light issues are exactly as described, showing low even right after a top-up. Would it make sense to have the workshop inspect the washer motor and lines for potential blockages at this point? The car is still under warranty so cost isnt my main concern.

Thanks for providing those details. Based on your description, this sounds nearly identical to what I experienced with my RS4. The symptoms match exactly, working motor sound, full reservoir, weakening spray pattern before complete failure, and the persistent dashboard light. The workshop should definitely check for blockages in the system. In my case, the spray jets were completely clogged with mineral deposits and debris, causing the weak spray pattern before total failure. The wiper fluid had trouble flowing through the lines, triggering irregular sensor readings and the warning light. Since your car is still under warranty, having the workshop perform a full inspection of the windshield cleaning system makes perfect sense. They should check: Spray jets for blockages, Fluid lines for restrictions, Sensor functionality, Pump operation The progressive nature of your issue, from intermittent warnings to complete failure, strongly suggests a blockage rather than an electrical fault. The fact that your washer motor still runs supports this theory. In my case, once they cleared the blockage and replaced the faulty sensor, the entire system returned to normal operation. Given the similar symptoms, I expect youll have a similar outcome under warranty service.

Thanks for the detailed follow up. Your experience with the RS4 sounds exactly like what Im dealing with. The matching symptoms, especially the gradual weakening of spray before total failure, makes me confident its likely the same issue. Makes sense about the mineral deposits potentially blocking the system. Ill schedule the warranty service this week and have them check the spray jets, lines, and sensor. Really helpful to know what specific areas they should inspect. The fact that your fix was straightforward and restored full function is encouraging. Since my car is still under warranty, getting a complete inspection of the windshield washer system shouldnt be an issue. Will make sure they thoroughly check the entire setup, especially since the wiper fluid problems developed gradually like yours did. Thanks for breaking down the likely causes. Having this information will help ensure the workshop does a complete check of all the key components rather than just topping up the washer fluid and sending me on my way.