Windshiled Wash Fluid

NickBeek

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Location
Upstate, SC
TDI
2013 Passat TDI 2006 Dodge Ram
I am a clean window freak. Hate trying to see through dirty glass. I noticed that whenever I use my windshield washer that it takes a second or two longer then I would expect to get fluid to the windshield. It seems as though the WS washer system loses it's prime. I also noticed that when I open the hood to check the oil the WS washer nozzles will leak fluid confirming that they loose their prime. Has anyone else noticed this? Is this normal operation?

Also the aiming of the nozzles leaves a little to be desired. How are the rest of you finding yours to work?
 

NickBeek

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Location
Upstate, SC
TDI
2013 Passat TDI 2006 Dodge Ram
Do you notice it taking more time to begin spraying when you pull the lever for the first time? It will make a little squirt then nothing then start spraying normally.
 

BarrieCommuter

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2006
Location
Barrie, Ontario, Canada, eh!
TDI
2015 Jetta TDI Highline 6MT
Not that I've noticed. Mind you it's different temps up in the north right now. Maybe there is a bit of evaporation happening on yours.

Can you re-angle your jets? I haven't tried that.
 

tcp_ip_dude

Veteran Member
Joined
May 14, 2010
Location
Cape Fear area, NC
TDI
2010 Jetta TDI Sedan
I am a clean window freak. Hate trying to see through dirty glass. I noticed that whenever I use my windshield washer that it takes a second or two longer then I would expect to get fluid to the windshield. It seems as though the WS washer system loses it's prime. I also noticed that when I open the hood to check the oil the WS washer nozzles will leak fluid confirming that they loose their prime. Has anyone else noticed this? Is this normal operation?

Also the aiming of the nozzles leaves a little to be desired. How are the rest of you finding yours to work?
Does sound like a leak. I experience just the opposite on my '10, there's speed dependent delay on wiper blade start so fluid gets to window first. (which is how it's supposed to work according to the OM)
 

NickBeek

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Location
Upstate, SC
TDI
2013 Passat TDI 2006 Dodge Ram
The delay is in fluid flowing from the nozzles not the wipers themselves. I haven't found any leaks, however the nozzles will leak when I open the hood. Does anyone know if there is a check valve in the washer system?
 

MayorDJQ

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Location
Williamstown, Mass
TDI
'10 Golf 2dr 6m, sold.
I am a clean window freak. Hate trying to see through dirty glass. I noticed that whenever I use my windshield washer that it takes a second or two longer then I would expect to get fluid to the windshield. It seems as though the WS washer system loses it's prime. I also noticed that when I open the hood to check the oil the WS washer nozzles will leak fluid confirming that they loose their prime. Has anyone else noticed this? Is this normal operation?

Also the aiming of the nozzles leaves a little to be desired. How are the rest of you finding yours to work?
I haven't noticed any delay in the action of the nozzles, it's minimal on my car if at all. When the hood is opened, the driver's side nozzle drips, but I'm not worried about it.

The nozzles can be aimed if you're not happy with the "factory" aiming. It requires a tiny torx bit. I don't know the size offhand, but it's really small. I've had to adjust the nozzles on my '09 and my '10. I've got them aimed a little high when stopped, but they're perfect when doing 65. It might take two or three tries to get them aimed where you want them. I think clockwise raises, CCW lowers, but I could have it backwards. Make small adjustments at a time, like 1/8 of a turn at a time.
 
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NickBeek

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Location
Upstate, SC
TDI
2013 Passat TDI 2006 Dodge Ram
Thanks for the tip. I have never owned a car that had nozzles that can be aimed.
 

golfTDI1

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Location
New York
TDI
2010 VW Golf TDI 6M 4dr
Thanks for the tip. I have never owned a car that had nozzles that can be aimed.
Not for nothing but all cars have nozzles that can be aimed, the method varys somewhat, like the VW is different, but on my old Toyota you just insert a push pin into the nozzle (right where the fluid comes out) and just move it where you want it...its like a little ball joint, or eyeball. When you have it close to where you think you want it you just remove the pin and test it. ;)
 

wutbürger

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2011
Location
St. Louis, MO
TDI
2011 CW Golf 4dr 6mt
Just one idea on the delay in spray time: do you have the cold weather package with heated nozzels? I only ask because I do and I also see a delay in when I press the trigger for fluid and when it actually comes out. Could be something in the heating system of the nozzels, although I have no technical expertise to back this up, merely theory
 

K.I.T.T.

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2006
Location
Europe
TDI
PD75
The delay is due to the fact that there is no check valve in the washer lines, so whatever fluid is in the lines slowly flows back towards the reservoir.

There is an OE check valve that can be used to "fix" the problem. Part no. 113 955 975 C

Ash :)
 

MayorDJQ

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Location
Williamstown, Mass
TDI
'10 Golf 2dr 6m, sold.
My parents has been complaining that the smell of windshield wash fluid creeping inside the cabin whenever it's used. Is this normal?
Yes, it is normal. VW fills the reservoir with a "fragrant" solution. The smell is mostly the alcohol that keeps it from freezing.

If they like it, they can buy refills from the dealer.

If they don't like it, they can buy the blue stuff at an auto parts store.
 

finalkiss

Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2011
Location
Stony Plain
TDI
2011 Golf wagon
well looks like I'll be adjust my fluid when I can get into a garage :) now about the rear fluid... it sprays in a straight line right in the middle of the window.. anyone know if you can adjust the spray pattern so it "fans" out like the front? Hate knowing my wipers are going half the rear window dry before they get to where the fluid was... since the fluid runs down so fast it's usually gone before the wiper makes it.
 

BarrieCommuter

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2006
Location
Barrie, Ontario, Canada, eh!
TDI
2015 Jetta TDI Highline 6MT
well looks like I'll be adjust my fluid when I can get into a garage :) now about the rear fluid... it sprays in a straight line right in the middle of the window.. anyone know if you can adjust the spray pattern so it "fans" out like the front? Hate knowing my wipers are going half the rear window dry before they get to where the fluid was... since the fluid runs down so fast it's usually gone before the wiper makes it.

we have no clue about a rear wiper on the Jetta Sedan, this is the MKVI Jetta Sedan forum.

however, from recollection on my passat wagon, you cannot adjust the rear wiper spray pattern - only the fronts.
 

MayorDJQ

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Location
Williamstown, Mass
TDI
'10 Golf 2dr 6m, sold.
we have no clue about a rear wiper on the Jetta Sedan, this is the MKVI Jetta Sedan forum.

however, from recollection on my passat wagon, you cannot adjust the rear wiper spray pattern - only the fronts.
Where do you read anything about finalkiss having a Jetta sedan?

The rear washer nozzle is built into the CHMSL and is not adjustable. However, the fluid shooting down from the top is much better than the Mk4 nozzle which sprayed up from the bottom. I think if the rear washer fanned out it wouldn't work very well at all while driving.

I find that the most effective method at cleaning my rear window is to give the glass quick shots, rather than one longer duration shot. It often requires 4-8 to shots on my Golf.
 

goldgary

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 16, 2008
Location
NH
TDI
2012 Passat 6M
NickBeek, for what its worth, I have the exact same issues with my 09 Jetta. Just need to learn to live with it. I did learn how to adjust my spray now. Thanks to everyone.

Thanks, Gary
 

cbishun

Active member
Joined
Jan 21, 2011
Location
Toronto
TDI
2011 Jetta TDI HIGHLINE - DSG & NAV
Is there no low washer fluid indicator on the 2011 Jetta's? Mine isn't working, there is no light and it cannot be frozen.
 
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