VW Bora Washer System Failure: No Water, No Clean

Had the same issue on a 2000 VW Golf TDI. The washer system stopped working completely despite the pump making noise. After inspection, it turned out the main hose was damaged where it connects to the pump, causing the system to lose pressure. Check these common points of failure: Hose connections at pump and nozzles, Clog in the main distribution hose, Pump relay malfunction, Damaged wiring near the pump The cleaning and repair process required removing the front bumper to access the complete system. Found multiple issues including a clogged filter screen and corroded electrical connections at the pump. The headlight cleaning system shares the same pump and fluid reservoir, so when the main system malfunctions, both features typically fail. This is a serious but fixable issue that requires proper diagnosis. The system needs complete inspection since multiple components could be affected. Running the washer system without proper flow can damage the pump if left unchecked. When repaired, recommend flushing the complete system to prevent future clogs and checking all electrical connections for corrosion.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Golf. My Bora had a similar washer system fault and headlight cleaner malfunction last winter. The pump was making noise but no water flow, just like you described. After the repair, everything works perfectly now, both the windshield washers and headlight cleaning system. The main issue was a leak in the hose combined with some electrical problems near the pump. Did you remember roughly how much the complete repair cost? Also curious if you've had any other issues pop up with the washer system since getting it fixed? Want to know if I should expect any other maintenance down the line.

Thanks for the follow-up. Since my Golf repair, the washer system and headlight cleaning functions have worked flawlessly. The fault in the system turned out to be electrical, a bad cable connection to the pump and a faulty relay. The repair cost came to 165€, which included testing the complete system. The mechanic did a thorough check of all components while fixing the malfunction. The xenon headlight cleaning system now activates perfectly when using the washers. No issues have surfaced in the years since the repair. For preventive maintenance, it helps to regularly use the washer system to keep components working smoothly. This prevents the kind of system fault we both experienced. The key is catching these problems early before they can cause more extensive damage to the pump or other parts.

Thanks for the input. After finding a reliable mechanic, I finally got my Bora fixed last week. The fault was indeed similar, a combination of a clogged washer system and electrical issues. Total repair cost was 220€, bit more than expected but worth it. The mechanic found the main distribution line was completely blocked, plus the electrical connection to the pump was corroded. They had to remove the front bumper to access and clean the entire system. Both the windshield washers and headlight cleaning now work perfectly. Whole repair took about 3 hours. They also showed me the clogged parts they removed, amazing how much dirt can build up in these systems. Really glad I asked here before going in blind. Will definitely keep up with regular system maintenance to avoid future issues.