VW Bora Washer Jets Dead, Warning Light Mystery Fix

I had a similar issue with my 2001 VW Golf with the 1.6L gasoline engine. With some car maintenance experience, I can share what worked for me. The warning light and spray failure happened right after winter. Despite having sufficient wiper fluid, the spray jets stopped working completely. After checking the fluid level and seeing it was full, I took it to my regular workshop. The issue turned out to be clogged spray jets, mineral deposits from old washer fluid had crystallized during cold weather. The technician cleaned the windshield washer system, including the spray jets and connecting tubes, plus replaced a faulty fluid level sensor. Total cost was 25€ for parts and labor. Before spending money on repairs, you should check: Is the windshield washer fluid reservoir actually full? Can you hear the pump working when activating the spray? Are the spray jets visibly clogged or damaged? To help diagnose your specific case, could you share: Does the pump make any noise when activated? When did you last change the washer fluid? Have you noticed any fluid leaks under the car? What exact error code is stored in the diagnostic memory?

The washer motor finally gave up at 111884km. Took it to my last service a week ago. The mechanic cleaned and tested the entire wiper system but couldnt get the washer pump working. No sound when activated, just the dashboard light coming on. The diagnostic showed a washer pump failure code. The pump is completely dead and needs replacement, no amount of cleaning or troubleshooting helped. Going to order the part tomorrow. For others with this issue, check if you can hear the pump trying to work when you activate the washers. If theres zero sound, its likely the washer motor rather than just clogged lines or a faulty sensor.

Had the exact same experience with my VW Bora, washer motor died completely around 110000km. The symptoms matched yours perfectly: no sound from the pump, warning light on, and diagnostic error pointing to pump failure. I initially tried cleaning the system and checking fuses thinking it might be a simple fix, but the washer motor was definitely dead. Replaced the pump assembly for about 45€ and the system works perfectly now. The repair was straightforward, just needed to drain the washer fluid, remove the reservoir, swap the old pump for new, and refill. The new washer motor restored full pressure to the spray jets. Just make sure to flush the system with fresh washer fluid after installing the new pump to clear any debris that might have collected in the lines. For anyone else reading, when the pump stops making any noise at all while still getting power, its almost always a failed washer motor rather than clogged lines or sensor issues. A working pump should at least make an audible humming sound when activated, even if the spray jets are blocked.

Thanks for the detailed replies everyone. Just wanted to follow up and confirm the washer pump replacement fixed my issue completely. Got the new part for 42€ and installed it myself in about 30 minutes. The windshield washer system now works perfectly, strong spray from both jets and no more warning light. For others searching with similar symptoms: If your washer fluid level is full but you get zero sound from the pump when activated, its likely a failed pump motor. Checking spray jets and sensors is smart, but in my case the completely silent pump was the key sign pointing to motor failure. Really glad to have proper windshield cleaning function back. Thanks again for helping diagnose this common VW washer system problem. Time to top up with fresh washer fluid and enjoy clear visibility again.