Headlight Squirter

sobodave · 12-31-2006, 06:48 PM

I have a strange problem with my car: when I turn on my headlights, there is a squirt of water near the headlights. It looks like the headlights have a "squirter" to clean them, but I must have a short somewhere that the "squirter" temporarily activates when I turn on the headlights. Has anyone else had this problem? How do I fix it?

Thanks for your help! Happy New Year!

Rick V · 12-31-2006, 07:27 PM

The squirters only work when the headlights are on. I would suspect the relay for the squirters. Maby not the relay but the socket for it might be corroded. Do the squirters work when you use the switch?

javadog · 07:13 AM

I'd get a copy of a wiring diagram for your car and first look to see if a previous owner has screwed with the wiring. If it is all as it should be, trace the circuit that operates the pump and get out your multi-meter.

Sorry, I don't have any shortcuts for you.

JR

Edited, to correct a brain fart...

Rick V · 01-01-2007, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by javadog
The headlight washers only operate when the lights are on AND the windshield washers are activated.

Not trying to start an argument, but. On my 82 the headlight washers work independant of the windshield washers.(My windshield washers are out right now but the headlight washer works just fine) They are activated by a switch by the left lower corner (I know can't have a corner) of the clock. According to the owners manual, the only thing (other than working the switch) is to have the headlights on. I would suspect the 83 is the same thing.
I would look at a relay. Something is sending voltage to the washer pump when the headlights are activated.

javadog · 01-01-2007, 07:12 AM

Rick,

You are correct. I was thinking of another car. It just shows you how infrequently I drive any of my 911s in the rain...and the effects of getting old (or was it drinking too much....I can't remember...) I'll correct the original post.

Thanks,
JR

Rick V · 01-01-2007, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by javadog
It just shows you how infrequently I drive any of my 911s in the rain...

I think in the last 2 years, I have goten cought in 2 thunder storms. I am one of those people who won't drive my 911 in the rain. I bought a garage queen, and plan to keep it that way. 20% chance of rain is 100% chance of BMW.

javadog · 01-01-2007, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rick V
20% chance of rain is 100% chance of BMW.

Gee,

That does sound familiar. Although my BMW's are higher in the pecking order than one of my Audis, so...The greater the chance of rain, the lower I go in the batting order.

JR

sobodave · 01-01-2007, 09:04 AM

Thanks for the tips...I'll have to trace the wiring. The original owner is my father-in-law and I'm sure he didn't mess with the wiring.....thanks.