victoriaschulz7
VW Eos Washer System Failure: Zero Spray From Both Pumps
Summary of the thread
A VW Eos 2006 diesel experienced a complete washer system failure, with no spray from either the windshield or headlight cleaning systems, and the pump making no sound. The issue was traced to significant corrosion at the pump connector, affecting both cleaning circuits. A similar case in a VW Golf involved corroded wiring and a faulty relay, which were replaced to resolve the issue. The suggested solution is to have a workshop inspect and possibly replace the corroded wiring and relay, and perform a thorough system cleaning to prevent future clogs.
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4 comment(s)
victoriaschulz7 (community.author)
Thank you for the detailed response. My Eos has covered 42261km and had its last service 3 months ago. No warning lights or error codes showing. I checked the pump connector as suggested and found significant corrosion buildup. The malfunction seems similar to what you described. Both the headlight xenon cleaning system and windshield washer are completely unresponsive, suggesting a central issue rather than individual clog problems. Will take it to a workshop for proper diagnosis and repair. The cost reference is helpful, good to know what to expect. Did your repair come with any warranty on the work?
juergenwinkler6
The repair came with a 12-month warranty on both parts and labor. Since having the corroded wiring and relay replaced, I havent experienced any issues with either the windshield washer or Xenon headlight cleaning systems. The corrosion you found is likely the main culprit, especially since both systems are affected. The salt and moisture exposure over time tends to damage these connections, even with relatively low mileage like yours. The workshop will probably need to clean or replace the affected wiring harness section and check the relay functionality. Make sure they also inspect the hose connections while they have the system open. Sometimes when the pump stays inactive for extended periods, the hose can develop minor clogs that should be cleared during the repair. The LED diagnostic system might not always catch these electrical faults, which explains the lack of warning lights. My total repair actually came to 165€ as mentioned, but I had them do a complete system cleaning as preventive maintenance. If your issue is just the wiring and relay, it might cost less.
victoriaschulz7 (community.author)
Thanks for detailing your experience. The corrosion around the pump connector certainly matches your repair case. I checked the service records and interestingly, this washer system issue wasnt flagged during the inspection 3 months ago, despite the visible corrosion buildup now. Given the similar symptoms with both cleaning circuits dead and the obvious corrosion, I will schedule a workshop visit. A complete check of the wiring harness, relay, and hose connections makes sense. Good point about possible clogs developing while the system has been inactive. The 165€ repair cost with 12-month warranty seems reasonable. Will request they do a thorough system cleaning while everything is opened up, as you suggested. Better to address any potential issues now rather than face another leak or clog down the line. If the fix proves as effective as yours, it will be worth the investment. Properly working washer systems are essential, especially with xenon headlights that need regular cleaning.
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VW
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EOS
juergenwinkler6
Had the exact same fault with my VW Golf 2008 diesel. After some basic checks like you did with fuses and fluid levels, took it to a workshop since both the windshield and headlight cleaning systems were completely dead, no sound, no response. The workshop found a faulty cable connection at the washer pump, which had corroded over time. There was also a problematic relay. What started as a simple cleaning job turned into a system repair where they had to replace some wiring and the relay. Total cost was 165€ including parts and labor. Since then, the cleaning system works perfectly again. These electrical faults are quite common in VW models from that era. What engine variant does your Eos have? Might help narrow down if its the same configuration. Also, have you checked if there are any error codes? Sometimes these system failures trigger warning lights or stored fault codes that could point to the exact issue. If you want to try something before going to a workshop: check the pump connector for visible corrosion or loose connections. But given both circuits are affected, its likely a central system fault that needs professional diagnosis.