VW Scirocco Washer Pump Failure, No Spray Despite Full Tank

I dealt with a similar issue on my 2013 VW Golf, basically the same washer system as your Scirocco. I have some experience working on basic car maintenance, though I usually leave complex repairs to professionals. The windshield washer warning light kept showing even after filling the reservoir. Like you, I heard no pump sound when activating the washers. After checking the wiper fluid level multiple times, I took it to a workshop. Turns out the washer fluid pump had failed. The pump sits at the bottom of the washer fluid reservoir and can stop working if debris gets inside or if it runs dry too often. The mechanic replaced the pump unit for 25€ including labor. Before you head to a shop though, a few questions to help diagnose: Have you checked the fuse for the washer system? Does your reservoir have visible cracks or leaks? When was the last time the system worked normally? Can you see the washer fluid moving/rippling in the reservoir when pressing the stalk? These details would help determine if you are dealing with the same pump failure or potentially a different issue in the system.

Based on my latest service 2 months ago, I can confirm everything was working fine then. The problem started suddenly last week. I checked the fuse and its good. The reservoir is intact with no visible damage or leaks. When pressing the stalk, the fluid in the reservoir stays completely still, no movement at all. This really points to a pump issue like you mentioned. Thanks for mentioning your repair cost. The 25€ pump replacement seems reasonable compared to 120€ I was quoted at a local shop. Since the dashboard light is still warning about low wiper fluid even though its full, and theres zero pump activity, Im pretty convinced its the same pump failure you experienced. Will try to source the pump part and get it replaced. Appreciate you sharing your experience with such a similar windshield cleaning system problem.

Glad I could help identify the likely cause. Given those additional details, especially the lack of fluid movement when activating the washer system, it definitely matches the pump failure symptoms I experienced. The warning light behavior is particularly telling. When the washer motor fails, the system often triggers a false low fluid level warning since the pump cant properly detect the fluid. A quick tip from my repair: make sure to clean out the reservoir thoroughly before installing the new pump. Any debris at the bottom could damage the replacement pump. Also worth checking if the washer fluid you use meets the manufacturers specs, some cheaper fluids can leave residue that affects pump life. The repair itself took about 30 minutes at the shop. Once the new pump was in, the warning light cleared and the windshield cleaning system worked perfectly again. Just be careful when removing the old pump not to damage the reservoir, thats what drove up some of those higher repair quotes you received.

Thanks for your detailed response and repair tips. That makes total sense about cleaning the reservoir, definitely dont want to risk damaging a new pump with debris. I checked my fluid and Im using the VW-approved type, so that shouldnt be the issue. The pump definitely seems to be the culprit since theres no movement in the reservoir and the dashboard light keeps showing a phantom low fluid warning. I found the replacement pump online for 20€ and watched a few install videos. Seems straightforward enough to access once the wheel well cover is removed. Will make sure to clean everything thoroughly during the swap. Its been really helpful hearing about your identical spray jets and pump issues. Having someone confirm the same symptoms and successful repair gives me confidence to move forward with the pump replacement. Will update once its fixed in case others run into similar windshield cleaning system problems.