Head light washer

Woodie · Post by **Woodie** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 8:33 am

The head light washer that pops out of the bumper, is failing to automatically retract.
Anybody have a DIY fix?

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 10:15 pm

My current E86 had that problem when I bought it, and had the warning light for washer fluid on!

I found out why when I filled the reservoir and the next morning all the fluid was under the car.

I don't know if there is a "fix" as I bought a used headlight washer on here and got that fitted. Then I pulled the fuse to stop a repeat!

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:30 pm

Woodie wrote: ↑Wed Jun 28, 2023 8:33 am The head light washer that pops out of the bumper, is failing to automatically retract.
Anybody have a DIY fix?

It pops out under water pressure and retracts via a spring. If you are careful you can remove the spring and give everything good clean. The springs tend to get a bit 'gunked up'.

Or try a bit of WD40 inside the mechanism with it all intact.

I had the same problem when my car was due for an MOT (as it's an MOT failure it they don't work properly), as my car is never driven in bad weather so the washers are never used. I tried the WD40 but it didn't sort it, so dismantled the springs and gave it all a good clean. Passed the MOT and has been fine since.

Just be careful as everything is a little fragile. You don't want to break the clips that hold the front cap in place.

matsmith749 · Post by **matsmith749** » Thu Jun 29, 2023 11:15 am

I had one fail a few years ago - didn't try the clean up method as it looks like pretty brittle plastic.

Just got a replacement off ebay, 10 mins to fit. About £40 delivered right now.

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