windscreen washers

[Guest]

Hi, just bought a 99 boxster (note: i can spell it correctly now!), everything great except the windscreen washers are but a pathetic dribble, I can hear the motor working, and the water is going somewhere as the level in the reservoir is going down.

I am thinking that a pipe has probably split or come off..
is this a known 'common' problem?
can I fix it myself (I am a fairly competent DIY mechanic)?
NB: I havnt had a look in the daylight yet so it may be glaringly obvious when I do!!

Thanks...

 

[Mark_Bennett]

this a known 'common' problem?

Yes.

Under the left wheelarch shield the washer pipe tends to fall off the connection.
Getting the liner out can be awkward (well, for me the left one was - the one you need to do, but the right one was easy[&:]) and then it is a simple job to fit the hose back on. I used a small jubilee clip to ensure it never came off (I actually had not had the hose come off - but as I was under there anyway...)

Having said that - if the hose was off I don't think you would have any washer working - you say you get a dribble?

 

[Guest]

you say you get a dribble?

yes, quite literally, it just about emerges from the nozzles.. I am getting zilch from the headlight washers though (lights are on)...

 

[thboxster]

It's a noted fact that the pipe has caused problems before on other cars. Maybe it's split or extremely loose, but not quite detached. Worth having a look.

I trust it's not as simple as the water is virtually frozen?

 

[Guest]

I had the problem where the windscreen washers would not work but the headlight ones worked fine. The problem was the windscreen tube had come off so as I tried to wash the windscreen a big puddle formed under the front left wheel. As Mark has said it is easy to put back on (this time with a jubilee clip). I think your problem might be slightly different as you headlamp washers are not working either. I think this is a different pipe fromthe pump. It took me about 30 mins to do the job, getting the wheel liner out was the biggest think, not difficult, just need to find all of those pesky clips.

Graeme

 

[Helen Goff]

my OPC sorted this out for me. it's a common problem, but i thought my OPC told me they now use a diffrent type of clip that isn't so pron to coming off???

BTW,i haven't got the headlight washers

 

[Mark_Bennett]

i thought my OPC told me they now use a diffrent type of clip that isn't so pron to coming off???

Maybe, but as of July 2001 they were not fitting any clip at all (just push the tube on)

 

[Dapster]

Had the same problem on my 2.7 - pump working but nothing coming through the nozzles. Mentioned it to the OPC when it went in for a service and they fiddled in the f/n/s wheel arch and reconnected a pipe that had come adrift - all for a knock down, never to be seen again, your killing me with this deal, don't tell the boss bargain price of £67!!!

 

[Guest]

I had the same problem, fixed for free when I turned up at the Porsche dealer for a chat. Look for the puddle!!!

 

[Guest]

I fixed it,
it wasnt in the wheelarch but under the bonnet, where the single tube from the pump goes into the bit that splits into two to feed the washers. Theres a push connector that had come loose allowing most of the water to fill up the area by the battery!!

Thanks for the suggestions..

 

[Mark_Bennett]

100% Antifreeze?
Please tell me you mean screenwash? []

I'm not sure if they all have them, but some Boxsters have heated screenwash nozzles (mine does anyway).

These can overheat and melt the jets. (So don't sit there emptying the washer tank by sqirting the screen! - you'll probably melt the nozzle)
...Or you might just have a blocked nozzle.

The nozzles are not too expensive if I recall. So if it needs replacing it's not likely to break the bank.

 

[juliany27]

Although the washers on my 986 are working well, I noticed that the nearside windscreen wiper was not clearing the upper left hand part of the windscreen very well?

Has anyone else had that problem.

Do I need to change the wiper blade/arm or even try to 'bend' it into the right position?

 

[Guest]

Yeah i mean screenwash which doesn't freeze, but does makr a fantastic smeary mess of my screen!

If i recall correctly she got picked up on failing washers during the MOT, but it obviously got fixed quite easily. Didn't even get charged.

How can i tell whether i have heated washer jets?
Anyone know the P/N for a new offside Jet?

Thnx

 

[Guest]

Sorted! Poked around with a paperclip at lunch today.

Behold - Light!

 

[juliany27]

Well done.

Any suggestions for my windscreen wiper problem or will I have to go to my friendly OPC?

 

[Mark_Bennett]

I've hardly ever used my wipers Julian, so not really any experience to relate.
...And as your "local" OPC is so friendly ... []

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett
I've hardly ever used my wipers

Have you got x-ray vision?
What do you do when it is raining, or if there is salt on the roads like now?
Or do you only drive it in the dry?

 

[Mark_Bennett]

If it's raining, the water usually rolls off without the wipers (Rejex on the screen - works fantastically).
If it's dry, I keep some "bounty", and a microfire cloth in the car. Together with a bottle of Zymol class cleaner dilute spray. I clean the bugs off periodically.
I'm afraid it doesn't get used much in the winter / salt. I can't afford to use it every day, so it does get saved for special occasions.

 

[JCB..]

I can't afford to use it every day

Just admit it you're just too tight Mark. [8D]

 

[Mark_Bennett]

ORIGINAL: JCB..

I can't afford to use it every day

Just admit it you're just too tight Mark. [8D]

That as well (famed for it []), but a 5 mile trip to work isn't going to do it much good either. [:'(]