VW Washer Pump Dead: Headlight System Also Affected

As someone with some repair experience, I had a similar issue with my VW Golf 2010. The pump stopped working completely, no sound, no action when trying to clean either windshield or headlights. The LED warning light for the headlight cleaning system kept flashing on the dash. After checking fluid and fuses like you did, I took it to a workshop. They found a clog in the system and a damaged cable connection to the washer pump relay. The complete diagnosis and repair, including cleaning the system and replacing the faulty connection, cost me 165€. The simultaneous malfunction of both cleaning systems often points to a shared electrical component rather than separate issues. The pump relay serves both systems, which explains why both stopped working at once. To help diagnose your specific case, could you share: Does the malfunction happen all the time or intermittently? Are there any unusual sounds when activating either system? Have you noticed any electrical issues with other systems? Did the problem start suddenly or gradually? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with my Golf.

Latest service was done at 71000km, following all the helpful troubleshooting steps mentioned. After further investigation, I noticed a leak under the front bumper when checking the car in the morning. The fluid reservoir loses liquid overnight. When testing both systems multiple times, the pump made a slight buzzing noise, which I had not noticed before. The symptoms match up with the relay issue mentioned, but the leak suggests there might be additional problems with the tubing or connections. I will focus on finding the exact location of the leak before proceeding with any electrical repairs. Question for others: Should I attempt to trace and fix the leak myself, or would this require special tools and expertise? The fluid seems to be dripping near the front left wheel well area.

Thanks for the additional details about the leak. I had nearly identical symptoms with my Golf before getting it fixed, including that telltale buzzing sound from the pump. After finding similar leaks in my car, I traced them to damaged washer fluid hoses near the Xenon headlight cleaning nozzles. The hoses had deteriorated and cracked due to age and heat exposure from the engine. The buzzing noise typically indicates the pump is still trying to work but loses pressure due to the leak. While DIY is possible, accessing these hoses can be tricky since they run behind the bumper cover. My attempted DIY repair actually made things worse because I damaged one of the plastic connectors trying to reach the leak. The workshop ultimately needed to: Remove the front bumper, Replace multiple cracked hoses, Fix a split in the main distribution line, Replace worn hose clamps Total repair cost was 280€ including labor. The fault with both systems was resolved after fixing all leaks and ensuring proper pressure. Given your symptoms match mine exactly, I recommend having a professional handle this to avoid potential complications with the headlight cleaning system components. They have proper tools to access and pressure test all connections.

Based on the advice received, I have to agree about the headlight washer system being interconnected with the windshield washer issue. The leak location and buzzing pump match exactly what others experienced. Finding fluid under the front left wheel well pretty much confirms my suspicions about damaged hoses. Rather than risk damaging the system further, I will take it to a shop that specializes in these washer system repairs. The Xenon headlight cleaning components require careful handling, and my attempts to fix the leak might create more problems with the pressure system. Still losing fluid overnight, but I have stopped testing the pump to prevent further leaks. Will schedule a repair appointment and expect costs around 250-300€ based on the similar cases shared here. The good news is that the pump making noise suggests it might not need replacement, just new hoses and proper system pressure restoration. Thanks for helping pinpoint this as a combined leak and system pressure issue rather than just an electrical problem. Saved me from focusing on the wrong repair approach.