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gabrielstar1

VW Crafter Washer System Completely Dead, No Spray

Help needed, my VW Crafter Diesel 2010 (146000km) has issues with the washer system. When I press the stalk, nothing happens, no water coming out for either windshield or headlight cleaning system. The last repair at my mechanic did not fix the system fault. Could this be a clog in the washer lines or something more serious? Has anyone experienced similar issues with their Crafter? Looking for advice before heading back to a repair shop.

4 comment(s)

pauladrache38

Had a similar issue on my VW Transporter TDI 2013. The cleaning system malfunction started the same way, no water flow when activating either the windshield or headlight cleaning functions. Initial inspection revealed it wasnt a simple clog. The electrical connection to the washer pump had corroded, causing intermittent operation before complete failure. The leak from the pump seal had caused the corrosion. The repair required: Replacing the washer pump assembly, Cleaning the electrical contacts, Testing system pressure, Verifying all washer jets were functional This turned out to be a known weak point on these vans. The pump location makes it susceptible to water and road debris. Without proper maintenance, the system tends to fail around 130000-150000km. Would recommend having the entire washer system checked, not just the visible components. The pump replacement is a straightforward fix but requires proper diagnosis to ensure there arent additional issues with relays or wiring.

gabrielstar1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing that detailed fix. I had the exact same washer system malfunction on my Crafter. The symptoms matched perfectly, no water flow to either the windshield or xenon headlight cleaning system. My mechanic found a combination of issues, a clogged washer line and a faulty pump. Just like your case, the pump location had allowed dirt buildup which eventually led to failure. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was in your case? And has everything worked properly since the fix? Mine has been running fine for about 6 months now, but I want to stay ahead of any potential future issues with the system.

pauladrache38

The repair on my Transporter turned out well. After fixing the cable connection to the pump and relay, the xenon headlight cleaning system and windshield washer have worked flawlessly for over a year now. The total cost came to 165€, which covered both diagnosis and repair. Pretty reasonable considering the thorough check they did of the entire system, making sure no hose was clogged or damaged. Since the fix, I make a point to use the cleaning system regularly and keep an eye on any unusual noises from the pump area. Regular system use helps prevent future clogs and keeps the mechanisms working smoothly. Glad to hear your repair has held up for 6 months. Based on my experience, as long as the repair addressed both the electrical and mechanical components, you shouldnt see this issue return anytime soon.

gabrielstar1 (Author)

After dealing with this washer system problem for weeks, I finally got it sorted. Just got back from the mechanic who did a thorough job this time. Total repair cost was 190€, a bit more than yours but worth every cent. They found the washer pump had completely failed and there was a major clog in the line leading to the xenon headlight cleaning system. The mechanic showed me how dirt and debris had built up over time, eventually killing the pump. What really helped was them testing the entire system including every connection and hose. The LED warning light on my dash is finally gone and both the windshield and headlight washers work perfectly now. Been running great for the past week, way better than the previous repair attempt that didnt fix anything. Will definitely follow your advice about regular system use to prevent future clogs. Thanks again for helping me understand what needed checking.

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