Citroen C3 screen washer problems

[Lelc]

I really hope someone can answer this for me.

I've had no washers working since before Christmas. I think it's possibly the fuse that's blown however, try as I might, I cannot get the clip to undo on the fuse box. Does anyone know if there's a special tool for taking it off as I've tried just about everything to get into it. I'm really reluctant to take it into a garage just for a simple fuse replacement.

Many thanks in advance.

LC

[Inactive]

It may well be more than a fuse, how you can drive safely in January without any screen washers is beyond my comprehension.

Get them fixed before you have a serious accident.:rolleyes:

[Lelc]

Originally Posted by Inactive

It may well be more than a fuse, how you can drive safely in January without any screen washers is beyond my comprehension.

Get them fixed before you have a serious accident.:rolleyes:

Thanks for your help:rolleyes: Given the short distances I drive and the rain - it's not been a problem!!!!!!!!!! The nearest garage is 40 miles away so I would have to drive even further to have it repaired. I'd use my dh's car for that kind of journey.

[goldspanners]

there is water in the reservoir isnt there?

[Pew Pew Pew Lasers!]

Do you hear the washer motor whirring? If so, lift the bonnet and check to see if there is a dribble of water from the washer heads on the bonnet. Frozen water can often pop the pipes off the washer heads.

[Lelc]

Originally Posted by Pew Pew Pew Lasers!

Do you hear the washer motor whirring? If so, lift the bonnet and check to see if there is a dribble of water from the washer heads on the bonnet. Frozen water can often pop the pipes off the washer heads.

Many thanks for your help and sensible suggestion. No there was no sound from the motor.

Finally, with the help of a friend and after removing all sorts of bits and pieces and a few 'tools' we managed to get the top off and change the fuse. Voila! working washers!!

[iulian]

Lelc, what is the position of the fuse responsible for the screen washers? I have a similar problem and I think it has the same answer.

Help!

[glenandemm]

hi guys just reading this thread,i used to work for citroen and one of the reasons why the fuse blows is because the water freezes up in the bottle due to not enough screen wash mixed with water to stop it freezing which then stops the motor from turning which blows the fuse,make sure your screen wash is well topped up,also i noticed you said its a c3,theres a common problem on these where water leaks out of the water jet connection under the bonnet and drips onto the injector on the petrol engines and corrodes the end injector connection and stops it working,make sure the water pipe under the bonnet isnt leaking down onto the drivers side of the engine onto the injector,when they eventually go its £100 for a new injector,just a tip to make sure its not leaking

[iulian]

In my case, the fuse under the bonnet was the problem.

[Buzz Bubblegum]

Apparently do not attempt to use the washers when they're likely to be frozen because the minute you do the fuse will blow. Difficult to know when they are ready to wash and of course if you forget and twist the lever for the back washer and it's already on then that's it blown it! Never known this on any previous cars but there you go. I'm on my second fuse since Christmas and the local (Luton, Beds) Citroen Service Centre will fit free of charge with the fuse costing £1.00. I would try and fit myself but it looks a bit complicated for a blonde! I'm going to put in a tad more washer wash than normal.

[Quietmanc]

Had the same thing with OH's C3.It just happens to be one of the most awkward fuses to get to.It's a 10A mini blade fuse BTW in case you want to stash a few spares.

[pencil1020]

2004 c3 windscreen washer does not work - however - it does when the bonnet is up!!! [car stopped ]- can anyone give me a clue as to why this is please?

[oldagetraveller]

Originally Posted by pencil1020

2004 c3 windscreen washer does not work - however - it does when the bonnet is up!!! [car stopped ]- can anyone give me a clue as to why this is please?

A massive outside guess but could the bonnet be trapping the feed pipe from the pump when it's closed? Does the rear screen wash work correctly with the bonnet up?

[hewhoisnotintheknow]

as suggested see if the tube is being trapped

also is there enough water in the tank, it might be sloshing to the back when the car is moving, but settling when the car is still

[warehouse]

Thanks for the advice everyone. My C3 washer stopped working last week, (obviously frozen and I blew the fuse when i tried to use it). Replaced fuse no. 14 today with another 10 amp one, and will keep a few spare in the car just in case .

[Lindz Delirium]

I have a C3 with the same problem, but mine wasn't a fuse it was a burnt out motor! £157!!!!

[chapel house]

I have just come back from the garage for a second time in 4 days due to my screen wash not working, Apparently you cant use it until your car is completely warmed up other wise the fuse blows. But the guy at the garage has said that the water holder isnt at the side of the hot engine anymore but is placed right at the bottom of the car were it takes ages to defrost( if it is frozen) so after driving for about half an hour obviously my screen needed washing so i tried to use the screen wash and blew the fuse!!!! which is so dangerous if you cant wash the screen as you drive. Does anyone know how long it takes to warm the screen wash up, or who to complain to. many thanks

[thescouselander]

Originally Posted by chapel house

I have just come back from the garage for a second time in 4 days due to my screen wash not working, Apparently you cant use it until your car is completely warmed up other wise the fuse blows. But the guy at the garage has said that the water holder isnt at the side of the hot engine anymore but is placed right at the bottom of the car were it takes ages to defrost( if it is frozen) so after driving for about half an hour obviously my screen needed washing so i tried to use the screen wash and blew the fuse!!!! which is so dangerous if you cant wash the screen as you drive. Does anyone know how long it takes to warm the screen wash up, or who to complain to. many thanks

What you need to to is increase the concentration of screen-wash in the washer bottle and that way it wont freeze in the cold.

[Inactive]

Originally Posted by chapel house

I have just come back from the garage for a second time in 4 days due to my screen wash not working, Apparently you cant use it until your car is completely warmed up other wise the fuse blows. But the guy at the garage has said that the water holder isnt at the side of the hot engine anymore but is placed right at the bottom of the car were it takes ages to defrost( if it is frozen) so after driving for about half an hour obviously my screen needed washing so i tried to use the screen wash and blew the fuse!!!! which is so dangerous if you cant wash the screen as you drive. Does anyone know how long it takes to warm the screen wash up, or who to complain to. many thanks

Put some decent non diluted screenwash in to your vehicle, mine is good down to -40.

I am surprised that the garage did not advise you better.

[bryanb]

Carry a wash up liquid bottle full of screenwash in freezing conditions. You will have to stop but at least you can clean it.