Washer Problem

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IanD
480 Newbie
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Location: Herefordshire

Washer Problem

Post by IanD » Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:14 pm

I have a 1.7 1995 480. When I operate the washers the headlights pop up, the window washers do not work and the headlight washers work for about half a second ( just) !!!! If I operate again the headlight do not work, only if I switch them all off and start again. It's getting darker and wetter and I urgently need to solve the problem!!!!!! Any suggestions?????

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Ben Harris
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Post by Ben Harris » Mon Oct 04, 2004 8:11 pm

The headlight washers are designed to do that. They'll only work once every 10 minutes (I think - could be slightly longer), all the time the ignition's on. Obviously the 10 minutes gets reset if you switch the ignition off and on again. I think they give two small bursts, within about 8 seconds of pulling the windscreen washer switch, and they'll only operate if the pop-ups are up.

I think you've proven that the washer stalk on the steering column works, and that the signal's getting at least as far as the CEM. I suspect it's most likely that the pump itself in the washer bottle has siezed. Your best bet would be to unplug the connectors on it (good luck if you've got air-con!), and see if there's any voltage there when you pull the washer stalk. If there is, the the pump's knackered. If not, then it's time to start checking the CEM and wiring inbetween.

Ben.
1998-2003 ... 1981 Austin Mini City
2003-2005 ... 1989 Volvo 480 ES (B18E)
2004-2006 ... 1994 Volvo 480 ES (B20F)
2006-2008 ... 1995 Mitsuibshi FTO GPX
2008-2008 ... 1994 Volvo 480 Turbo Auto (with RichMod)
2009-Onwards ... 1991 MK1 Eunos Roadster
2013-Onwards ... 1997 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 (Wagon)

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Ben Harris
480 Is my middle name
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Post by Ben Harris » Mon Oct 04, 2004 8:13 pm

Ah... - I've just re-read your original message. Are you saying that when you pull the washer stalk, the headlights pop-up, even if they're down? If so, then they're not supposed to do that! The headlight washers are only supposed to operate if the pop-ups are already raised.

Ben.
1998-2003 ... 1981 Austin Mini City
2003-2005 ... 1989 Volvo 480 ES (B18E)
2004-2006 ... 1994 Volvo 480 ES (B20F)
2006-2008 ... 1995 Mitsuibshi FTO GPX
2008-2008 ... 1994 Volvo 480 Turbo Auto (with RichMod)
2009-Onwards ... 1991 MK1 Eunos Roadster
2013-Onwards ... 1997 Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 (Wagon)

IanD
480 Newbie
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Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:07 pm
Location: Herefordshire

Post by IanD » Tue Oct 05, 2004 8:31 am

Thanks Ben.
I did get it slightly wrong. The lights are already up and there is a very short burst ( Hardly enough to wet lights).
I will try the power test at the pump and let you know how I get on. Luckily no air con..

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coyote1980
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Re: Washer Problem

Post by coyote1980 » Sun Jan 02, 2005 1:52 pm

IanD wrote:I have a 1.7 1995 480.
Ehm, are you sure?
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GCooper
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Re: Washer Problem

Post by GCooper » Fri Sep 24, 2021 10:28 pm

It could be a 480 S couldn't it? I am aware I'm 16 years late
'94 Volvo 480 GT (project)
'98 BMW Z3 (daily)

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