Rear screen washer not working

330DW · 10-07-2023, 01:49 PM

Hi Everyone,

I was on a drive today and went to use the rear screen washer and noticed it wasn't working. I'm sure it has worked in the past.

I can hear the washer motor whirring in the engine compartment and a tiny amount of water came out at first but nothing after about 10 seconds of non-stop trying.

Has anyone else seen this before or have an idea what it might be?

Trying to find out if it might be an easy fix or if it needs to go to BMW (It's under AUC warranty)

Washer bottle hasn't been filled by me since purchasing the car from BMW and last time it was in the dealer I noticed they topped it up.

Cheers

bouchy · 10-09-2023, 03:19 AM

It might be stuck/jammed anywhere. People report algae in washer fluid tank, also it might be limestone. I don't think there's any help apart from having the pipe and jet dissasembled and checked.

Admiral · 10-09-2023, 03:59 AM

Are the front washers working ? if they are it's definitely a blockage to the rears, cost me £100 to unblock by BMW dealer, had I been using BMW Branded washer fluid the job would have been done FOC

RedPepper · 10-09-2023, 04:19 AM

I might be wrong, but I believe that feed to the rear washer stops when the washer fluid level gets low.

If that is how it works (and it certainly did seem to be a reliable indicator of low fluid on my X3), I think it's a good design feature to preserve the fluid for where you absolutely need it - i.e. forward facing.

nyalpine90 · 10-09-2023, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedPepper

I might be wrong, but I believe that feed to the rear washer stops when the washer fluid level gets low.

If that is how it works (and it certainly did seem to be a reliable indicator of low fluid on my X3), I think it's a good design feature to preserve the fluid for where you absolutely need it - i.e. forward facing.

this

330DW · 10-09-2023, 02:42 PM

Thanks for replies everyone,

I don't think the washer fluid is anywhere near low but will top it up with distilled water just to be sure. No point in putting nice fluid in if it doesn't fit it and it has to be emptied anyway!

AlmondJayRoM3 · 10-09-2023, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedPepper

I might be wrong, but I believe that feed to the rear washer stops when the washer fluid level gets low.

If that is how it works (and it certainly did seem to be a reliable indicator of low fluid on my X3), I think it's a good design feature to preserve the fluid for where you absolutely need it - i.e. forward facing.

You aren’t wrong. The rear pump sits higher than the front pump. The level sensor is about the same level as the suction of the rear pump.

bouchy · 10-10-2023, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlmondJayRoM3

You aren’t wrong. The rear pump sits higher than the front pump. The level sensor is about the same level as the suction of the rear pump.

An interesting design flaw. I had low level alarm only once (due to OCD to be at full tank, which is HUGE)
OT 1: I had a car with no indication and a ridicilously small tank, like 4 litres. Also it had only one pump, reversing if necessary (for the rear washer)
OT 2: Lucky X3 don't have headlamps washer. This consumes the fluid A LOT.

10-07-2023, 01:49 PM	#1
330DW Private 35 Rep 51 Posts Drives: X3 G01 30D Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	Rear screen washer not working Hi Everyone, I was on a drive today and went to use the rear screen washer and noticed it wasn't working. I'm sure it has worked in the past. I can hear the washer motor whirring in the engine compartment and a tiny amount of water came out at first but nothing after about 10 seconds of non-stop trying. Has anyone else seen this before or have an idea what it might be? Trying to find out if it might be an easy fix or if it needs to go to BMW (It's under AUC warranty) Washer bottle hasn't been filled by me since purchasing the car from BMW and last time it was in the dealer I noticed they topped it up. Cheers
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10-09-2023, 03:19 AM	#2
bouchy Second Lieutenant 83 Rep 261 Posts Drives: X3 (G01) Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Czech Republic iTrader: (0)	It might be stuck/jammed anywhere. People report algae in washer fluid tank, also it might be limestone. I don't think there's any help apart from having the pipe and jet dissasembled and checked.
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10-09-2023, 03:59 AM	#3
Admiral Lieutenant 776 Rep 593 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 2.0D X Line G01 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Cymru UK iTrader: (0)	Are the front washers working ? if they are it's definitely a blockage to the rears, cost me £100 to unblock by BMW dealer, had I been using BMW Branded washer fluid the job would have been done FOC
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10-09-2023, 04:19 AM	#4
RedPepper First Lieutenant 184 Rep 322 Posts Drives: 2023 X4 M40d Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: North Bucks, UK iTrader: (0)	I might be wrong, but I believe that feed to the rear washer stops when the washer fluid level gets low. If that is how it works (and it certainly did seem to be a reliable indicator of low fluid on my X3), I think it's a good design feature to preserve the fluid for where you absolutely need it - i.e. forward facing. __________________ Current: 2023 X4 M40d (Brooklyn Grey) Former: 2019 X3 M40d (Sophisto Grey), 2016 335d xDrive Touring (Estoril Blue), 2013 330d xDrive Touring (Mineral Grey) Before that: Jag XF 3.0dS, Several Audi A6 3.0TDi Avants, BMW X5 4.4i, BMW 330Ci (and before that is too embarrassing to speak of!)
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10-09-2023, 02:42 PM	#6
330DW Private 35 Rep 51 Posts Drives: X3 G01 30D Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	Thanks for replies everyone, I don't think the washer fluid is anywhere near low but will top it up with distilled water just to be sure. No point in putting nice fluid in if it doesn't fit it and it has to be emptied anyway!
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