2013 GTS Front headlight washer stuck out…

Zep · Feb 12, 2023

6502Nerd said:
When I pulled it out manually, there is a little play in the cover but thought maybe this is normal as part of fitting snug when it retracts although I couldn't compare with the other side due as that one is completely flush.

The trick is to have someone pull the washer stalk and be there to catch it before it retracts. Two man job. Always try to be the one doing the stalk.

6502Nerd · Feb 12, 2023

Zep said:
The trick is to have someone pull the washer stalk and be there to catch it before it retracts. Two man job. Always try to be the one doing the stalk.

I didn't explain very well but I did manage to get my finger nails under the flap and pull the stalk out to examine. The flap does have some play, is it not supposed to? Looks like a couple of screws attaching to the stalk so can try to tighten them.

Zep · Feb 12, 2023

6502Nerd said:
I didn't explain very well but I did manage to get my finger nails under the flap and pull the stalk out to examine. The flap does have some play, is it not supposed to? Looks like a couple of screws attaching to the stalk so can try to tighten them.

The cover should move a bit, there are three parts, the telescopic bit, the spray head that squirts water onto the light and the cover.

There should only be screws holding the telescopic bit to the bumper. If the spray head doesn’t sit right down on the telescope it could stick out.

Zep · Feb 12, 2023

Also, be careful pulling it out, the spray head retaining tangs can break, meaning a whole assembly that you can’t currently buy, hence the two man deal.

6502Nerd · Feb 12, 2023

Zep said:
Also, be careful pulling it out, the spray head retaining tangs can break, meaning a whole assembly that you can’t currently buy, hence the two man deal.

Thanks much, will try to see if the spray head can sit further in.

Gazcw · Feb 12, 2023

Given the issues these give over winter, is it worth disconnecting the pump and pipes for those that have to use or store outside?

6502Nerd · Feb 12, 2023

Gazcw said:
Given the issues these give over winter, is it worth disconnecting the pump and pipes for those that have to use or store outside?

I'm wondering if this is what the previous owner did on my car - simply pull fuse f85 and leave it in the fuse box for when it's time to do the MOT...

Zep · Feb 12, 2023

Gazcw said:
Given the issues these give over winter, is it worth disconnecting the pump and pipes for those that have to use or store outside?

I’d just use a strong mix of screen wash to be honest.

Gazcw · Feb 12, 2023

6502Nerd said:
I'm wondering if this is what the previous owner did on my car - simply pull fuse f85 and leave it in the fuse box for when it's time to do the MOT...

I guess if there is water inside without a decent screen wash content then there is still a risk of freezing and popping off.

Gazcw · Feb 12, 2023

Fortunately I do not have to worry about this but I know a lot have to use or keep the car outside so a high % screen wash to water is definitely the way to go. Cheaper to use a lot of screenwash than replacing washers.

Goodfella · Feb 13, 2023

Zep said:
Also, be careful pulling it out, the spray head retaining tangs can break, meaning a whole assembly that you can’t currently buy, hence the two man deal.

Mine had snapped.. Not completely off, but it was sitting a bit forward of the retaining wedge below, I’ll get someone to spray me whilst I tie some fishing line or similar around it to make sure it won’t come off on the motorway, I’ll do the other side for good measure.

Cyclone1 · Jan 30, 2024

Thread resurrection

Both headlamp washer units are sitting about a quarter inch from the bumper. Noticed it around a week ago after the colder weather, but it’s been “warm” since so was hoping they’d just fully retract. On reading this thread, most experience an issue with just one side, so is there anything mechanical or from a control perspective that would result in both doing the same?

Bebs · Jan 30, 2024

I have removed the fuse so they stay in place permanently after I lost a cover out of the blue.
Let’s be honest, they don’t really clean the headlights anyway.
Wasn’t an issue at a recent MOT either.

Cyclone1 · Jan 30, 2024

Bebs said:
I have removed the fuse so they stay in place permanently after I lost a cover out of the blue.
Let’s be honest, they don’t really clean the headlights anyway.
Wasn’t an issue at a recent MOT either.

But I’m not sure removing the fuse will make them retract?

Zep · Jan 30, 2024

As it says above, if the water inside freezes, it pushes the nozzle off the end of the extending tube, breaking the retaining tabs.

The reason yours has done this on both sides is because both have frozen.

ironically last discuss in Feb last year!

Cyclone1 · Jan 30, 2024

Zep said:
As it says above, if the water inside freezes, it pushes the nozzle off the end of the extending tube, breaking the retaining tabs.

The reason yours has done this on both sides is because both have frozen.

ironically last discuss in Feb last year!

OK so sounds like I’m unlucky it’s both sides.

So the “two man job” means I should be able to reposition the nozzle back in place, but if the tabs are broken it won’t be secure, so as a precaution remove the fuse to deactivate until they can be repaired / replaced?

Bebs · Jan 30, 2024

Cyclone1 said:
But I’m not sure removing the fuse will make them retract?

Probably not sadly.

Goodfella · Jan 30, 2024

Also, to note, I thought people on here were just being a bit daft saying whoever changes the cover(s) gets wet, they weren’t.

You get absolutely drenched.. The wife found this absolutely hilarious.

zagatoes30 · Jan 30, 2024

Goodfella said:
Also, to note, I thought people on here were just being a bit daft saying whoever changes the cover(s) gets wet, they weren’t.

You get absolutely drenched.. The wife found this absolutely hilarious.

Your wife likes getting drenched? or you didn't follow the advice about being the one operating the stalk?

Zep · Jan 30, 2024

Cyclone1 said:
OK so sounds like I’m unlucky it’s both sides.

So the “two man job” means I should be able to reposition the nozzle back in place, but if the tabs are broken it won’t be secure, so as a precaution remove the fuse to deactivate until they can be repaired / replaced?

It’s two man because someone has to activate the washer and someone (the drenchee) has to catch the pole as it sticks out. A job for the wife it seems.

As for putting them back on, you are likely
to need replacement. But you can confirm once your wife has removed them.

2013 GTS Front headlight washer stuck out…

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