MKA77

I’m a rather new member but have been doing research here for more than 8 months trying to get familiar with the 928 watch-outs and quirks prior to purchasing one. Which I did. I now am the proud owner of a 1990 S4 automatic 2 owner. The car was just delivered this week. Got a chance to drive it and it runs great. Major servicing of the water pump and all that entails was done just 30 days ago by PO. Have lots of records for the car.

The issue I seem to be having is with the headlamp washers. Long story short, I noticed when the headlights popped up there was this hissing type sound that wouldn’t go away until I lowered the lights. I did however notice some water drops on the drivers side of the car. Now the car did say the fluid was low. Add fluid and the messages was gone. So I tried the lights again but this time when the headlights popped the washers were spraying water all over the car. Drivers side was blowing it out like crazy, while the other side was just dribbling it out. However the wife said the hissing was less and was only on the passenger side.

What I want to know is, can I just somehow abandon those washers? Have zero no idea why they even would blow water when the headlamps are turned on. This car will not be use where I need either the windshield washer or the headlight washers. By everything I’ve looked here people have abandoned the system. Is there a simple solution like the removal of a fuse or relay to defeat the system that wouldn’t interfere with any other electricals?

Sorry for all the newb rambling. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Mike

NewShark

Hi Mike,
I'm no expert but I have recently been working on the washer system and learning the various pumps and lines. #24 in the diagram below should represent the pump that feeds the headlight nozzles and it is mounted at the bottom of the washer reservoir which is accessed by removing the passenger wheel well liner. You could simply disconnect the 2-pin connector at the pump but it seems strange that it is always on in your situation which to me implies a closed switch or short upstream. Perhaps in the switch within the stalk off the steering wheel (headlight washer is activated by pushing the stalk forward I believe) has a short or somewhere else in the wiring. Not sure you want unintended 12 Volts hot all the time without knowing why or where its coming from.

MKA77

Thanks NewShark for the reply. Agree with finding the “why” behind them coming on with the headlights. I do appreciated the location of the connector. Hopefully someone will have some experience with that “why” their coming on with the headlamps. Thanks again, Mike

MKA77

Do you think it would be safe to remove the headlamp washer fuse #19, and the relay noted as VII then turn on the headlights? Just curious to see if that solves the issue. Thanks, Mike