Screen wash problem

Screen wash problem

Author
Discussion

k16huw

Original Poster:

6 posts

185 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
The screen washer bottle in my E39 has a capacity of 4.5 liters,
So the why, when it's empty can I only put about 1pint in and its full?

HRG

72,857 posts

240 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
Are you filling the extreme clean tank or the main one?

k16huw

Original Poster:

6 posts

185 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
The main one.

mmm-five

11,246 posts

285 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
If it was empty, you'd get the full 4.5 litres in it - ergo it is not empty.

When you say 'empty' do you mean according to:
1) your view of the bottle
2) a message on the dash
3) no water coming out of the jets?

Diagnosis:
1) You're not seeing all the bottle - it's huge.
2) The sensor's playing up.
3) Crud in the bottom of the bottle blocking the small pipes - detach and clean with pressure washer.

MarkwG

4,858 posts

190 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=DN62&a...

Click, then scroll down - gives you an idea of what you should be looking at.

The intensive is about the size you're referring to: if you use that ever time it'll empty very quickly. It's activated by the push button on the right stalk. One intense squirt, then a longer blast from the main.

The main tank, which feeds the headlamp washers as well if you have them, is the big one, buried deep in bowels - I've never seen mine, only the filler cap. This is activated by pulling the right stalk towards you. Headlamps don't wash every cycle, & only when the lights are on.

Hope it helps.

k16huw

Original Poster:

6 posts

185 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
No water comes out and the dashboard indication light comes on.

roofer

5,136 posts

212 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
Sounds like the filter on the bottom of the pump is blocked.

matt uk

17,729 posts

201 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
Sorry OP, your thead has reminded me I also have a screen wash question.

In the main washer 4.5ltr tank I put in the usual mix of water and windcreen wash.

What exactly am I supposed to put in the 'extreme clean' little tank? A stronger mix? Pure screen wash? Hand book is not very helpful on this point.

Car is an e39 and does have headlight washers as well.

Cheers,
Matt

_Deano

7,406 posts

254 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
matt uk said:
Sorry OP, your thead has reminded me I also have a screen wash question.

In the main washer 4.5ltr tank I put in the usual mix of water and windcreen wash.

What exactly am I supposed to put in the 'extreme clean' little tank? A stronger mix? Pure screen wash? Hand book is not very helpful on this point.

Car is an e39 and does have headlight washers as well.

Cheers,
Matt
Pure screen wash.

matt uk

17,729 posts

201 months

Thursday 18th December 2008
quotequote all
_Deano said:
matt uk said:
Sorry OP, your thead has reminded me I also have a screen wash question.

In the main washer 4.5ltr tank I put in the usual mix of water and windcreen wash.

What exactly am I supposed to put in the 'extreme clean' little tank? A stronger mix? Pure screen wash? Hand book is not very helpful on this point.

Car is an e39 and does have headlight washers as well.

Cheers,
Matt
Pure screen wash.
Top man - will do thumbup