Filling the Washer Fluid Reservoir

Regular Checks

Exhaust particles, oil vapor and silicone from paint care products continuously deposit on the glass. In warm weather it is therefore recommended to add detergent to the water; in winter, antifreeze washer fluid is required.

After removing the plastic cover of the waterproof housing, the three mounting screws (1, 2 and 3) of the wiper arms become accessible.

The illustration on the right shows the wiper motor (1) removed from the arm. The threaded holes for the mounting screws (arrows) are visible on the drive (2). The drive crank (3) must be positioned during installation as shown in the illustration: offset from parallel by
a = 6° toward the center axis of the motor.

PROCEDURE

The water filler neck is located on the left side of the engine compartment, next to the coolant expansion tank. The reservoir holds approximately 4 L on models without headlight washer system; if the vehicle is equipped with a headlight washer system, the reservoir holds approximately 6.5 L.

Add the detergent first, and only then the water, so that the liquids mix well in the reservoir.

If the vehicle is not equipped with a heated injector system, the nozzles may freeze in severe cold.

A higher concentration of antifreeze washer fluid is recommended to prevent this. Denatured alcohol mixed with antifreeze may form flakes, which can clog the nozzles.

Installing a standard gasoline filter in the washer system line prevents clogging of the washer nozzles.

Rear window washer system on Audi 80/Avant (estate): the water reservoir with rotating filler neck is located under the cover on the right side of the luggage compartment.

Adjusting the Spray Jet
PROCEDURE

Insert a needle into the opening of the spray nozzle.

The opening itself is located in a ball, which can be turned with the needle.

Turn the nozzle until the water jet, as shown in the illustration, begins to hit the glass.

Electrically heated injectors
A metal housing with a heating resistor is located directly in front of the injectors. When the ignition is switched on (terminal X), current flows to this resistor. The injectors thaw quickly because of the high initial current (0.5–0.7 A). To maintain temperature, the current drops to exactly 200 mA after the heating phase. If the outside temperature is minus 15°C or lower, the holding current increases to 320 mA.

Troubleshooting
PROCEDURE

Disconnect the injector electrical connector.

With the ignition switched on, use a voltmeter to check whether voltage is present and whether the ground connection is good.

If not, check the wiring for damage.

If the power supply is good, replace the injector.

Install the washer nozzles as follows: a = 20 cm, b = 45 cm, c = 22 cm, d = 48 cm.