VH V8V Headlight Washers

[Dewi 2]

I recall that our headlight washers work automatically, after a certain number of times the windscreen washer has been used.
My windscreen washers are rarely used, so I don't know whether the headlight washers work.

Is there a manual way to test the operation of headlight washers?
Perhaps one person in the drivers seat and another observing what the washers are doing.

Thanks.

[LTP]

According to my 15MY V8V Owner's Guide, they operate once per journey, when the windscreen washers are operated, as long as the headlights are on



Just got to hope TechPubs got it right, but it's a good place to start and easy to check

[Dewi 2]

Thank you Paul.

My car is MY 2009, so hopefully the procedure is the same as yours.
My Vantage is sleeping until the spring, but it appears that I should be able to try the headlight washers without having the engine running.

[LTP]

I just downloaded it for a quick check and the '09MY Guide says the same

[Buzzi77]

I have a boast of 2005. The windshield washer nozzle was clogged, I was trying to free it. I pressed the button several times to spray water and the headlight washers were activated. But no water came out. I wouldn't be able to activate them again.

[EVR]

Buzzi77 said:

I have a boast of 2005. The windshield washer nozzle was clogged, I was trying to free it. I pressed the button several times to spray water and the headlight washers were activated. But no water came out. I wouldn't be able to activate them again.

Try to pour a mixture of vinegar and some anti-calcare (sorry don't know the English name but you are Italian anyway) instead of the classic windshield washer.

[Mr.Tremlini]

With my 2007, because one of the units fell apart, the headlight washer covers are glued in place and pulled the fuse #26 in the engine compartment. To all intents and purposes it does not have washers and has never been an issue, and that was about 8 years ago.
All the washers really did was leave soapy residue on the bodywork, and not once in the years have I ever thought I needed my headlights washed.

[bogie]

As above, I also removed the fuse for the washers. All they seem to do is spray water all over the car , or sometimes the covers pop off or the arm gets jammed

Technically you need the washers working to pass an MOT, but in 20 years I've never had MOT tester point this out.

Edited by bogie on Wednesday 21st January 15:07

[Ryan john]

I know that headlamp washers are not MOT testable for earlier VH cars, possibly pre-2009. My fuse is out, to avoid losing the cover(s).

[Dewi 2]

Ryan john said:

I know that headlamp washers are not MOT testable for earlier VH cars, possibly pre-2009. My fuse is out, to avoid losing the cover(s).

Thank you everyone for your replies.
My head is down, for not looking in the manual.

One or two comments make me think I should leave everything alone, in case the covers break.
For a (mostly) fine weather car, it is rare for even the windscreen washers to be used.

[stevenichols]

Ryan John is quite correct. I repaired mine, but then pulled the fuse out so they don't work! I don't want grotty water all over my carefully polished bonnet! I have never had a problem with the MoT as mine is a 2008 model..

Here's what the UK MoT regulations say:

4.1.6. Headlamp cleaning devices

You must inspect vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2009 equipped with headlamp washers.

You can identify HID headlamps from:

0 ‘DCR’ mark on the headlamp lens or body
0 an igniter module or inverter behind the headlamp
0 taking a few seconds to reach full intensity
0 a bluish tinge to the light
0 HID headlamps use high voltage. You should take care when inspecting these headlamps.

Defect reference Defect Category
(a)(i) Headlamp cleaning device inoperative Minor
(a)(ii) Headlamp cleaning device inoperative in the case of LED or gas discharge systems (HID) Major

[Buzzi77]

EVR said:

Buzzi77 said:

I have a boast of 2005. The windshield washer nozzle was clogged, I was trying to free it. I pressed the button several times to spray water and the headlight washers were activated. But no water came out. I wouldn't be able to activate them again.

Try to pour a mixture of vinegar and some anti-calcare (sorry don't know the English name but you are Italian anyway) instead of the classic windshield washer.

👍👍👍👍

[EVR]

Correct me If I am wrong guys, but the legislation says that with xenons the car must also have washers, right?

What about the newer LEDs? I don't think this is valid anymore, correct?

[EVR]

Buzzi77 said:

????

You have clogged pipes right? This helped me un-clog them in the past on my Range Rover. Downside is that the car then will smell a bit of vinegar.

[stevenichols]

Good question. If you read the regulations carefully, it says;

"You must inspect vehicles first used on or after 1 September 2009 equipped with headlamp washers."

This is before it says anything else, so I presume that means if you have HID headlamps, but the car was registered before 1 September they are not checked.

This site confirms it:
https://motester.co.uk/mot-test-of-lights/

Steve

Edited by stevenichols on Thursday 22 January 11:35