Windscreen Washer Jet Problem

[Master_Betty]

Hello all,

I have an issue with my windscreen washer jets. When pulling the wiper stalk to power the jets it is intermittant whether they will work or not. You can pull the stalk back and hold for several seconds and no water will come through (wipers work though) but if you 'pump' the stalk several times on one or two of the times the jets will fire. And when they do it is 'full power' so Im thinking its an electrical switching issue rather than the pump itself. I can confirm the water is topped up, and it shouldnt be a blockage as it wouldn't work perfectly well but intermittantly - as it does.

This where I get stuck.... Ive used the search function where it is stated that the pump is in behind the LH wing (fender), even on RHD cars, but where is the relay? Im assuming there is one or is the pump powered direct from the wiper stalk switch? How should I go about diagnosing correctly? My MOT is due in 3 weeks (and I think this could be an MOT failure) so need to fix quickly.

Thanks in advance!!

[Loren]

Yes, both the windshield pump/tank and headlight pump/tank are in the left front fender - regardless of LHD or RHD.

Only headlight cleaner and intermittent wipers have relays. Chances are you have a bad pump or a leak in a line - unfortunately these are fairly common.

[Master_Betty]

Yes, both the windshield pump/tank and headlight pump/tank are in the left front fender - regardless of LHD or RHD.

Only headlight cleaner and intermittent wipers have relays. Chances are you have a bad pump or a leak in a line - unfortunately these are fairly common.

Thanks for the speedy reply Loren. Do you think its unlikely to be a switch on the stalk? Actually, it shouldnt be (thinking as Im typing) as the wipers set off every time - with or without the jets.

Do you think the best way is to check for 12v to the pump connector?

[Loren]

Yes if you can even have someone actuate it while you observe the pump - then you will likely see the problem.

[Master_Betty]

Yes if you can even have someone actuate it while you observe the pump - then you will likely see the problem.

Just been out to have a look, but its raining so will do it tomorrow. It looks like it is the squarish interior panel inside the front boot that need removing? (has PORSCHE name on it and interior boot light. Does this give the correct access?

[Loren]

No the pump. tank etc. are all in the fender well. You will need to remove the plastic wheel well liner to get to them.

[Master_Betty]

Ok - I think I need more help guys.....

Ive bought a new pump and fitted it today, but the same symptom persists - pulse lever on and off and maybe 1 in 4 times only the wipers go with no water or even any sound from the pump (its not trying). On these occasions where it doesnt work if you keep the lever pulled in, maybe after anything between 3 and 10 seconds the pump fire up and water comes through.

To test the switch Ive connected a meter at the pump plug connection and pulled the lever 50 times with just battery power on and I got around 11.4v every single time. Then with engine running repeated this 50 times and got 13+v every single time.

So it looks to be supplying the pump with power every time, but when the plug is on the new pump its intermittant, just like the old one. The pins on the pump connection and female connections in the plug look good.

What am I missing?? Have I been sent a new pump that by coincidence has the exact same fault as my old pump or is there something else?

Please help!