Windshield washer fluid sensor/ Pump Removal/ Replace DIY

[wxsgt]

So I have been using Rain-X De-Icer (new formula dark orange) and it fried the sensor for the washer fluid level. This is a common occurrence that Rain-X is aware of, they even sent me a bottle of the old blue stuff to replace the bottle of orange I had. So I finally got around to replacing it and it proved easy aside from one incident while i was trying to figure things out which I will explain when I get there.

Part
Washer fluid level sensor Part Number: 7M0-919-376

Tools required
Flat tip screw driver
17mm socket and ratchet or lug nut tool from trunk
jack and jack-stand

First start by removing the driver side front wheel and these tabs



Next pull back the cover to show everything





This is where I made my mistake, if you pull the bottom pump there is no valve so it drains everywhere, so be prepared with a slender funnel if you want to save the fluid, as I had the bad Rain-X I did not want to save the fluid, but made a huge mess lol.

Next pry out the sensor taking care to not damage the rubber seal on the washer fluid reservoir.



To disconnect the sensor from the wiring squeeze the sides like so



Once everything is done, simply install the new sensor and/or pump then reconnect the wiring as it can be a pain to push the sensor into the hole. Then just follow in reverse order to finish.

[TDIaholic]

Nice DIY, but was the sensor actually fried of just coated with residue? The sensor is very simple and only forms a circuit when in contact with fluid, so it's highly unlikely it would break completely.

[wxsgt]

some people have had luck with washing it but the majority have not. This is a widespread problem on the mk6 forums and even rain-x has said its been bad, hell when i tried to order the part it was on delayed due to a national shortage.

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72581

[TDIaholic]

That's weird! Any idea what's causing it? Sanding the electrode on the sensor could help if the fluid has formed some residual layer on it.

[wxsgt]

Dont know exactly what causes it. Rain-X was bought by another company that "improved" the formula which is why this is just now happening. As to sanding I guess it is possible and I still have the old sensor, but as I do not have a garage anymore I didnt want to experiment and just bought a new one. A side note the original in my '10 had flat pegs the new one has round pegs so there may have been a revision somewhere along the line

[c0crusader]

Thanks for the DIY wxsgt. However, you don't even need to remove the wheel nor the pesky wheel liner clasps. I was able to simply peel back the liner enough to reach the sensor and swap it out. There was a visible coating on the old sensor, which I bet your could remove. I didn't try because I bought a new one for under $3 bucks from ECS Tuning (http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2708731/). Took less than 5 minutes. Cheers.

[TBlauw]

I just pulled my windshield washer fluid reservoir sensor out and cleaned the prongs, which also empties all the nasty, old fluid. Back to working fine again.

[Jarjarbinxs]

Hey guys so i just had this same problem, I was at costco this summer and they were selling 6 of the one gallon Orange Rain-x s for $6 bucks. I thought i was getting a steal, i shoulda known better since normally that stuff is $4-$5 bottle. Recently My sensor is malfunctioning. Telling me im out of fluid. The past two weeks i have been trying to pump out all the fluid and replace with OEM more alcohol based fluid thinking it could clean the sensor to avoid taking off my wheel because i dont have a garage and its getting cold in ohio.

Now my car is ten years old, and im not sure if this is the issue. The headlight pump may have just gone out cuz shit does just break. I will find out this weekend when i replace the sensor. I wanted to see if anybody had insight on this. So my headlight sprayers have always worked and i just noticed that they are no longer working. I think it may have something to do with the sensor telling the CPU the fluid is low and the car attempting to save the washer fluid for the Windscreen.

Now that is just a theory. I will check it out when i replace the sensor. I wanted to know if anybody noticed there headlight sprayers not engaging while there wiper reservoir sensor was showing "LOW".?

[zokissima]

Good writeup, always great to have more DIYs

[JAG836]

I ran into the same problem, but I was able to clean and reuse my sensor. I used a Scotch-Brite pad and some 91% isopropyl alcohol to clean it up and it functions normally now. I'm primarily posting to add before and after pictures of the sensor for others to reference. The rain-x fluid left a gelatin like coating on the probes.

[Toiffel]

Awesome, going to give it a try, my sensor has stopped working....

[A4 Centaur]

Great write up! Thanks very much!

[bripsu]

+1 Great write-up! I tried flushing with clean water and a vinegar / alcohol solution to no avail. The sensor is located in the same location on my 2009 Q5, but you'll need to remove 2 trim clips, a 10mm nut and a T25 screw. Cleaning with scotch brite and alcohol has everything back in order!

[nycaudi]

fuck i just saw this AFTER filling up my reservoir with a half a bottle of old orange DEICER rainx.

When i took the bottle cap off there was a semi orange slimy substance that had built on the underside of the cap ....honestly i paid it no mind. i only noticed because of the film it left on the bottle opening.....kinda nasty shit.

im gonna go buy some of the blue stuff in hopes of dilluting the deicer and preventing that "gel" from building up.....

MY only concern is i have been using the deicer rainx for several months now...

[Toiffel]

Need some help gents, I went to do this, and where the sensor should be I have a black grommet, is the sensor behind the grommet, I didn't see any wires or anything going into to it, so I didn't want to pull it.....thanks

[Toiffel]

So I went back and tried this again, I have 2010 A4 not sure it makes a difference, but where the sensor is supposed to be I have a rubber grommet and nothing else, any ideas ?

[ChicagoDave]

So I went back and tried this again, I have 2010 A4 not sure it makes a difference, but where the sensor is supposed to be I have a rubber grommet and nothing else, any ideas ?

Don't know if this is relevant still, but I'm in the same boat. Turns out the washer sensor is not standard on the A4 Premium (i.e. A4 "everything is optional" model.)

The black plug is in the place of where the sensor would go. Does anyone have a good retrofit DIY for it? The parts would be cheap (saw sensor on ECS for $4) and wiring would be next to nothing. The DIY I found was for a B7.

Thank you in advance!
Dave

[TDIaholic]

Why are you trying to replace the sensor if you don't have it? This isn't exactly a regular maintenance item. Is it really so that you don't get a low washer fluid warning on a Premium? Over here it's standard on all models.

I couldn't find the exploded view for the washer fluid bottle so I'm not 100% sure, but it could be that the Avant has a different setup as it has the extra pump for the rear window washer. It could be that the sensors is located on another part of the washer bottle.

[ChicagoDave]

Why are you trying to replace the sensor if you don't have it? This isn't exactly a regular maintenance item. Is it really so that you don't get a low washer fluid warning on a Premium? Over here it's standard on all models.

I couldn't find the exploded view for the washer fluid bottle so I'm not 100% sure, but it could be that the Avant has a different setup as it has the extra pump for the rear window washer. It could be that the sensors is located on another part of the washer bottle.

On the A4 Premium, the washer sensor was not standard. It's part of a convenience package that the previous owner did not get. My ride doesn't have the sensor because I've run out of fluid twice. It's the first car I've owned since high school that doesn't have a washer fluid sensor. I'm somewhat annoyed by this. But through reading around the 'Zine, I've seen it can be retrofitted in the B7 and B6. So....I'm hopeful it can be done on a B8! :-)

Thanks for the reply,
Dave

[beemerchef27]

I have an '02 Allroad. I was able to remove the wheel well liner without taking off the wheel. I then had access to the reservoir and removed the sensor. I then took a scrubby/ sponge like you wash dishes with and scrubbed the sensor contacts gently. Replaced the sensor and turned the car on and the yellow low washer fluid light was replaced with a big "OK" . First time seeing all the dash lights check out normal since buying the car months ago. The dealer wanted $400 to fix the issue. I fixed it and it didn't cost me a dime.

[Jerritt]

This helped a lot. Solved my problem when I got a low wiper fluid light and my fluid was full. Sensor looked clean when I took it out. May be it just needed some fresh air. Works fine now. Definitely a lot of fluid coming out really fast once its removed.

[ballinb5]

Any idea where the b7 a4 sensor is located? Is it between the resorvoir and intercooler? I dont think i can reach without taking the bumper off. Will the water leak out if i remove the old sensor?

[Wantboost]

Subscribed..... I ll have to see how access is on a b8.5

[Dannydyn]

Sorry to bring this thread from the dead.... I went to replace the sensor and rubber seal the other day. The warning is gone, but I can't seem to have the sensor seated properly within the seal? Upon putting everything back together and filling the reservoir with new liquid, it leaked out of the sensor. Is there anything extra/special I need to do to get a good seal?