Headlamp washer problem

TipTopTommyT · Post by **TipTopTommyT** » 26 Mar 2011, 15:26

When the washer mechanism is on, I noticed the fluid wasn't coming out of the hose for the headlamps. Then I noticed fluid on the ground underneath the grill of the car. I popped the hood to see what was happening....had my son operate the pull the washer lever while I observed.

The fluid is jetting out of a hole as you see in the picture below (sorry, the pic is from a cell phone). This is on the passenger side and hole is behind the headlamp. No idea why the hole is there or what was there to cover it previously.

I'm sure some of you guys know what's going on...I sure don't!

I presume that once that problem is addressed, the fluid would not only be channeled to the passenger side headlamp, but also the driver's side.

: headlight washer.jpg (1.37 KiB) Viewed 8198 times

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 26 Mar 2011, 19:05

It sounds like one of your lines have come loose to the t fitting. I would trace them out and see where it came apart.

Post by **jblackburn** » 26 Mar 2011, 19:09

You just need a new T-valve there. It's a pressure relief valve that fails over time - mine did the same thing last year.

If you don't have a dealer close by, let me know and I can put you in an order for one and have it shipped to you.

TipTopTommyT · Post by **TipTopTommyT** » 28 Mar 2011, 13:00

Thanks - - are you saying that the t-valve is missing?....or, if it's still there, what is the hole for?
You don't, by chance, know the part number, do you?
Thanks again.

Post by **jblackburn** » 28 Mar 2011, 13:12

I'm sure it's not missing; on mine, the pressure relief part just blew out.

Part number is 9178896.

TipTopTommyT · Post by **TipTopTommyT** » 28 Mar 2011, 13:59

Jblackburn - - thanks for the info and the pick....so your t-valve looks just like mine with the hole...it's just that mine isn't working, allowing fluid to escape from the hole...did you take your pick with your phone or digital camera?...very clear pic.

Thanks.

Post by **jblackburn** » 28 Mar 2011, 14:10

Exactly - same thing mine was doing (there's a bit of fluid splattered everywhere). Just replace the valve and you're good to go - it cost like $3 from my dealer (the cheapest I've ever gotten anything from them). Get some long needle-nose pliers or a girl with small hands to help you work the hoses on.

That's from an old, old 5MP Canon camera - I was always surprised at how well it took pictures too - outdoor shots are almost as good as my new 14.

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 30 Mar 2011, 16:19

My front headlamp wipers nor my rear window wiper emits water, are these split valves the main fault?

Post by **jblackburn** » 30 Mar 2011, 18:28

It's a possibility. Do you hear the pump motor running or see washer fluid on the ground anywhere? There are several "T" junctions in the washer line hose, and there are two of those pressure relief valves in the system.

The jets on my mom's BMW were clogged up badly, and my Saab had a filter screen at the bottom of the washer fluid tank that got clogged and rendered its inoperable.

bob-in-va · Post by **bob-in-va** » 30 May 2017, 18:49

Hi,

I just had a failure in my washer line under the hood at the driver side nozzle (2007 S40). The part looks just like like this "valve" in the picture, with a bottom cap blown off and the collar where the cap pressed in is split. Every other vehicle I have owned has a simple 'T' in this position. Is this really a valve, if so why? I replaced it with a 29 cent 'T' and it seems to work fine.

-Bob (in VA)