Headlight Washers Not Working
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
2002 C230 Coupe
Headlight Washers Not Working
Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out a problem with my headlight washing system (on a 2002 C230 Coupe). Basically I hit the button, and nothing happens, no motors run, just complete silence. The window wipers/pump work fine, and I'm not getting any leaks of fluid anywhere.
Anyone know how I should go about fixing this? Is there a separate pump for the headlight washers? Fuse blown perhaps?
Any help would be appreciated!
Rich...
Anyone know how I should go about fixing this? Is there a separate pump for the headlight washers? Fuse blown perhaps?
Any help would be appreciated!
Rich...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Do all of the headlight and door mirror functions work? The whole headlight switch assembly connects on a single plug to the front CAN. Is there juice in the container for the washer? Is the fuse good for the pump? Is the electrical connector on the pump? Do the nozzles pop up when the button is pushed? If they pop up but there is no spray, the jets have filled with crud.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
2002 C230 Coupe
Do all of the headlight and door mirror functions work? The whole headlight switch assembly connects on a single plug to the front CAN. Is there juice in the container for the washer? Is the fuse good for the pump? Is the electrical connector on the pump? Do the nozzles pop up when the button is pushed? If they pop up but there is no spray, the jets have filled with crud.
How do I check if the electrical connector is on the pump? Is there a seperate pump for the headlights? Or it runs off the same one as the windshield wipers?
Rich....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
The pump is on the bottom of the 6 liter container behind the drivers headlight. It is the same pump as the wipers, but there is a valve that switches the flow from the wipers to the headlights. Perhaps the valve is not working, and the CAN knows not to pump when the flow is to the wipers.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 761
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From: Oregon
2005 C55, 1988 260E, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
I'm adding this now, and the pump is not the same one as the wippers on mine. There are two different pumps and a third spot on the reservior for the wagon. Have you had any battery issues that might have affected your programming? I need to have Star hooked up to update mine so they will work. Maybe your got deleted??
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: 38° 52′ 51″ N || 94° 48′ 11″ W
'01 C320 || '14 Honda Pilot EX-L
They failed on my '02 coupe and if my memory serves me correct it was the front SAM unit that needed replacing. Everything else but the headlamp washers worked so I don't think they are all tied together like posted above. I can look up at home for the exact part that was replaced.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
C230K - sold
Washer Pump Question?
I searched all threads I could, and this one seems closest. So rather add a new one, maybe others might pipe in to add here.
I have same 2002 C230 K Coupe with everything working, all head lamps, all headlamp switch positions, including fogs. The delay and 2 speed wipers work, both power mirrors work and yup windshield washer works. No malfunctions on screen, and I have checked the head lamp washer fuse. But alas no headlight washer. No noise nothing when pushing the button...
Given the cost of a pump I am all for just remove and replacing it, but is that the issue?
Perhaps supporting clarification Questions/Answers on this type W203:
It is one pump that does both headlamp and windshield washer? With internal valve to direct lamps or windshield?
Are there 2 pressure or paths (more than 2 wires?) to divert flow to lamps or windscreen, or is there a solenoid which switches paths?
Thanks.
I have same 2002 C230 K Coupe with everything working, all head lamps, all headlamp switch positions, including fogs. The delay and 2 speed wipers work, both power mirrors work and yup windshield washer works. No malfunctions on screen, and I have checked the head lamp washer fuse. But alas no headlight washer. No noise nothing when pushing the button...
Given the cost of a pump I am all for just remove and replacing it, but is that the issue?
Perhaps supporting clarification Questions/Answers on this type W203:
It is one pump that does both headlamp and windshield washer? With internal valve to direct lamps or windshield?
Are there 2 pressure or paths (more than 2 wires?) to divert flow to lamps or windscreen, or is there a solenoid which switches paths?
Thanks.
Last edited by NYFlapjack2; Mar 21, 2011 at 07:26 AM. Reason: Valve internal?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: Cali
My Ride
I searched all threads I could, and this one seems closest. So rather add a new one, maybe others might pipe in to add here.
I have same 2002 C230 K Coupe with everything working, all head lamps, all headlamp switch positions, including fogs. The delay and 2 speed wipers work, both power mirrors work and yup windshield washer works. No malfunctions on screen, and I have checked the head lamp washer fuse. But alas no headlight washer. No noise nothing when pushing the button...
Given the cost of a pump I am all for just remove and replacing it, but is that the issue?
Perhaps supporting clarification Questions/Answers on this type W203:
It is one pump that does both headlamp and windshield washer?
Are there 2 pressure or paths (more than 2 wires?) to divert flow to lamps or windscreen, or is there a solenoid which switches paths?
Thanks.
I have same 2002 C230 K Coupe with everything working, all head lamps, all headlamp switch positions, including fogs. The delay and 2 speed wipers work, both power mirrors work and yup windshield washer works. No malfunctions on screen, and I have checked the head lamp washer fuse. But alas no headlight washer. No noise nothing when pushing the button...
Given the cost of a pump I am all for just remove and replacing it, but is that the issue?
Perhaps supporting clarification Questions/Answers on this type W203:
It is one pump that does both headlamp and windshield washer?
Are there 2 pressure or paths (more than 2 wires?) to divert flow to lamps or windscreen, or is there a solenoid which switches paths?
Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
C230K - sold
Sorry I have not fixed or figured out yet, kinda gave up for now. I Haven't read or heard if there is 2 pumps on the tank? Or how fluid path changes.
Anyhow I bought a new "head lamp washer pump" to install a while ago. But rotten weather in CNY & low priority I haven't looked under inner wheel liner yet to see if there is only 1 pump or where this pump goes? It looks just like the windshield washer pump photos with 2 wire conncector. Mounts in a grommet direct in a tank with inlet and only 1 outlet fluid hose port.
Anyhow I bought a new "head lamp washer pump" to install a while ago. But rotten weather in CNY & low priority I haven't looked under inner wheel liner yet to see if there is only 1 pump or where this pump goes? It looks just like the windshield washer pump photos with 2 wire conncector. Mounts in a grommet direct in a tank with inlet and only 1 outlet fluid hose port.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 912
Likes: 0
From: Dunstable, ,Ma
Nowhere ...Fast
its a washer pump...its located next to the windshield washer reservour.. there has been thread all about it..about $60 for the pump...windshield and headlight dont share the same pump... and there is no fuse for that...so as i said replace the pump about 30 min job...and you will be all set
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 645
Likes: 2
From: Perth, Australia
Audi A4 Quattro 2013
I kind of agree. Good to have if you didnt pay extra for them but not much use unless your headlights get splashed by some real mud.
I got my car from the dealer and pressed the headlight cleaning button... my shiny published car then had water stains. Live and learn
I got my car from the dealer and pressed the headlight cleaning button... my shiny published car then had water stains. Live and learn
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: Cali
My Ride
Got around to checking it out. It is really easy to get to and lives right next to the windshield washer pump. It is a $70 item and seems to be prone to failure. Here is a couple pics of mine. It is pretty obvious that the large crack with rust coming out of it is most likely why mine do not work. 
I really don't need them, but since it is there, and their not working, it nags at me so I will be trying out my coupon gleaned from the other thread here to get this & a flat hood badge.
I really don't need them, but since it is there, and their not working, it nags at me so I will be trying out my coupon gleaned from the other thread here to get this & a flat hood badge.
Last edited by Star Rider; Apr 26, 2011 at 12:08 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: Cali
My Ride
I changed out my bad pump today. Works great and now I have my own personal car wash! 
It was very easy to do by removing the plastic cover in the forward of the opening for the left or drivers side wheel. 3 bolts & some push plugs to remove the cover. The pump just slides up & out. Replace in reverse order.
It was very easy to do by removing the plastic cover in the forward of the opening for the left or drivers side wheel. 3 bolts & some push plugs to remove the cover. The pump just slides up & out. Replace in reverse order.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: Cali
My Ride
Got mine from the dealer but Google turned up other suppliers. All of them were similar in pricing. I used my coupon from them on mine so really it was free. Be sure & get the little grommet where it seals/sits in the tank or it will most likely leak. It's a pretty easy fix.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: Cali
My Ride
It is the black rubber seal between the tank and the pump so it doesn't leak. It is better to have a fresh one when you replace the pump. Just ask for it at the dealer if you go that route. I believe I paid $72 for it. This is a simple fix so no worries. I din't even remove the wheel, just turned it all the way right after I removed the 3 or so bolts that secure the plastic cover. See my pics in this thread for an idea of what to look for. Look at the pic where the pump is mounted... see at the bottom of the white pump there is a black rubber grommet... thats the one. It's not the one on the hose, but right at the plastic tank.
EDIT: It is a little hard to see from that angle.
#60 is the pump and #70 is the grommet...
EDIT: It is a little hard to see from that angle.
#60 is the pump and #70 is the grommet...
Last edited by Star Rider; Jul 21, 2011 at 02:32 PM.
