2017 Audi A3 headlight washers

[Blaster72]

Anyone know if it's still required for cars with xenon headlights to have headlight washers?

My A3 is a few months old and I've never seen them pop out even if I try them loads of times with the lights on.

I'm just wondering if in fact it doesn't have them and the washer covers are just blanks.

[Nickbrapp]

Only up to a certain amount of light output requires washers, the new corsa VXR for example doesn't, nor did the facelifted mercedes E class, if you've got the standard led headlights on the facelift, i.e. You haven't got the upgraded Lights I doubt you have washers.

In my leon, with LED headlamps it only had washers as part of the winter pack, they come out on the first pull of the wiper stalk and then every 3rd time you pull it.

[Blaster72]

Ah, thanks Nick. I'm pretty sure they don't have them and the covers are just blanks but I'll ask at the first service to be sure.

Make sense with the light output as a criteria though.

[Alucidnation]

I doubt Audi would just out blanks in there, they would use a bumper without the openings.

VW uses a 10 wash cycle to limit water usage.

I.e., it only washes the headlights on the 10th windscreen wash, but even then, I think that resets the counter whenever the ignition is switched off and will work on the first windscreen wash next time.

Gotta love vag

[cuprabob]

Alucidnation said:

I doubt Audi would just out blanks in there, they would use a bumper without the openings.

VW uses a 10 wash cycle to limit water usage.

I.e., it only washes the headlights on the 10th windscreen wash, but even then, I think that resets the counter whenever the ignition is switched off and will work on the first windscreen wash next time.

Gotta love vag

Every 5th wash after the 1st wash on my VW. The frequency of washes can be changed using VCDS.

[Blaster72]

Mmm, I have tried them loads of times with someone outside watching - still nothing. There's never any streaks up the bonnet either when I've been driving in grotty weather like I've had before on cars with washers.

Maybe I need to try and prise them open and see if there's anyone home in there.

[Alucidnation]

Are your headlights self levelling?

[Blaster72]

Yep, they are.

[Alucidnation]

Hmmm, well i would say that they are not working correctly.

When you pass the dealer next, if you drop in i'm sure one of the techs will cast his eye over it.

[Blaster72]

Well, I've had 3 different answers from the local Audi dealer so far. Basically they aren't sure either!

It seems with the 2017 models, it may only be the S3 that has the washer regardless of what headlights you spec.

We've tried gently prying the covers out of the bumper but they don't want to pop off and we didn't want to damage the bumper.

Anyway, the dealer has sent off the details with the chassis number etc.. to Audi HQ for an answer.

Seems daft to have the covers in the bumper as blanks if none of the models have them and the S3 has a different bumper. I guess maybe its for other markets where they get proper winter conditions.

[DanSkoda]

They should be able to tell relatively quickly from the chassis number and PR codes themselves. Iirc, if you have the 35w bulbs you don't need to have washers for them. The covers are probably on all of them for if people spec the winter pack (if they still do such a thing).

[Alucidnation]

DanSkoda said:

Iirc, if you have the 35w bulbs you don't need to have washers for them.

I think you will find that is incorrect.


Anyway, I would be very surprised if it didn't have them, especially on their top model.

[DanSkoda]

If the OP was to PM me his chassis I'm sure I could find out for definite in a matter of minutes tomorrow morning when I have access to the system.

Edit to add, may be the lumen output that I meant rather than wattage that excuses them from having washers.

Edited by DanSkoda on Monday 10th July 20:38

[Blaster72]

Thanks Dan, I've PM'd the details to you.

It's strange, you can't even spec them on the configurator any more and the only place they show up is in the equipment standard for the S3

[DanSkoda]

Just had a look on the system, vehicle does have gas discharge bulbs, automatic-static headlight range control (self levelling) and no headlamp washer system.
Also found some literature that states a light output of 2000 lumen or below does not require a washer system.

Hope that clears things up a bit.

[Alucidnation]

Indeed as 25w / 2000 lumen Xenon output lamps do not require either.

However, it seems strange that they would include the cost etc of self levelling if there is no need but not headlamps washers.

Still, thats VAG for you.

[Blaster72]

Well, got a reply from Audi this morning.

Audi said:

Dear Mr ********

Thank you fro your recent email regarding the above vehicle.

I have checked on our Database and can confirm that the above vehicle came without headlamp washer system. This was an optional extra which had to be purchased prior to placing an order for the vehicle.

I trust the above proves useful. Thank you for contacting Audi UK.

Kind regards

• ** *****

Customer Relations Advisor
Audi UK

[Alucidnation]

That is astonishing.

But, VAG are cutting costs and making everything an option these days, but more to the point, Audi using a generic bumper!

ETA: On the current S3 configurator, they are listed as standard along with LED headlights, so i am guessing yours just missed the model refresh.

Edited by Alucidnation on Tuesday 11th July 14:42

[Blaster72]

Sadly mine isn't an S3 but I still don't remember seeing them as an option when I configured it.

Anyway, at least I know that they aren't knackered now. They just aren't there!

[Alucidnation]

Ah sorry, skim reading again.

Well, at least you have your answer.

Enjoy your motor.