When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Car runs fine. For some reason, I decided to test the operation of the headlight washers. I observed the following:
Car is running. Headlights are on. Windshield washers operate. Washer fluid sufficient. Press on the washer switch towards the dash and not a drop of fluid on either headlight. Lastly, when I press the lever toward the dash, I don't think I hear any noise. I'm certified OCD...
“Pull washer relay R43 and move Fog light relay R34 into its spot. Turn ignition on and see if washers work. (Don't need headlights on with this relay)”
Quote from another thread by Jay @ Immobilizer Block
As I recall the original R43 relay has a timer function so you can't empty the reservoir with one pull of the lever. It allows a squirt then you have to repeat the cycle. Expensive little devil.
That washer thread Mike mentioned is here. The timer function on mine went bad, so I just swapped in one of the "53" N.O. relays - no timer, no need for lights on.
“Pull washer relay R43 and move Fog light relay R34 into its spot. Turn ignition on and see if washers work. (Don't need headlights on with this relay)”
Quote from another thread by Jay @ Immobilizer Block
I'm going to try isolating the problem. So swapping the relays determines whether or not the headlight washer relay is bad? And if the swapped headlight washers still won't work than the problem is the stalk?
Also, the correct relay for the headlight washers is in excess of $300.00.
So swapping the relays determines whether or not the headlight washer relay is bad? And if the swapped headlight washers still won't work than the problem is the stalk?
Yes. If they still don't work, could be in the stalk, but there are some easy things to check before tearing into the stalk. Try the swap and let us know what happens.
I also don't like it when anything on my cars doesn't work, but I'd suggest putting towels over the spray nozzles when testing - unless your hood and fenders are already due for washing After about 3rd time I pushed that stalk unintentionally and sprayed blue fluid everywhere, I put that relay in my tool box, where it still sits! If I ever get into night winter rallying, I can always put it back in
I'm going to try isolating the problem. So swapping the relays determines whether or not the headlight washer relay is bad? And if the swapped headlight washers still won't work than the problem is the stalk?
Also, the correct relay for the headlight washers is in excess of $300.00.
like everything going up….my headlight relay cost me less than $50 some time ago….the stalk was my issue for $250 replaced which is about 1/3 of todays cost and I never used the relay, but tested it and it seems to be faulty…I see that it is over $300….now…
I removed the headlight washers years ago…didn’t rewove the pump for that. Just found out that there are TWO different pumps, headlights/windshield. For me, the windshield volume is very low.
Car is out of state currently, getting a much needed new suspension, corner balance, and alignment. When I get her back…I’ll dig into it.
After jettisoning the relay, I realized the "push stalk" switch could have other uses and tracked down the relay contacts. This diagram is from another thread I posted on HomeLink garage door integration, but should be useful here. With a test lamp you should be able to verify the operation of the stalk switch and the feed from the headlight circuit. And, with a jumper, you can see if the pump runs when connected to +12v.
That washer thread Mike mentioned is here. The timer function on mine went bad, so I just swapped in one of the "53" N.O. relays - no timer, no need for lights on.
Hi Jay,
How to turn overly complex German engineering into a simple American design?
German engineer thinking... Why would one want to turn on their headlight washers when their headlights are not on?
02-07-2024, 10:27 PM
Headlight Washers
After about 3rd time I pushed that stalk unintentionally and sprayed blue fluid everywhere, I put that relay in my tool box, where it still sits! If I ever get into night winter rallying, I can always put it back in 
