Windscreen washer filling

[MatC]

Hi,
I'm having trouble with my windscreen washer reservoir and/or washer level low light. Last time the light came on the dash, I got just over a litre of windscreen washer into the reservoir before it overflowed. This was probably only a couple of weeks ago. Then the light came on the DIS on Friday, so today I poured more windscreen washer in, but only got a litre in before again it overflowed.
The car is a 15 plate, I got it in June '15.
Presumably this isnt normal? How big is the reservoir tank?

(My wife's Clio also had the dash light on, so I filled her windscreen washer up too - got nearly 5 litres in before it overflowed!)

[warp_speed]

Hi,
I'm having trouble with my windscreen washer reservoir and/or washer level low light. Last time the light came on the dash, I got just over a litre of windscreen washer into the reservoir before it overflowed. This was probably only a couple of weeks ago. Then the light came on the DIS on Friday, so today I poured more windscreen washer in, but only got a litre in before again it overflowed.
The car is a 15 plate, I got it in June '15.
Presumably this isnt normal? How big is the reservoir tank?

(My wife's Clio also had the dash light on, so I filled her windscreen washer up too - got nearly 5 litres in before it overflowed!)

It should contain about 5 - 6 litres of screen wash. The level sensor is probably your issue, it can stick causing you problems or the reed switch and magnet within the sensor can cause issues. Replace the sensor and your issues should disappear. Think you might have to remove your passenger side wheel arch to get to the sensor.

[Gunnark100]

Nice DIY for sensor as well:

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

Windshield washer fluid sensor/ Pump Removal/ Replace DIY (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/587098-Windshield-washer-fluid-sensor-Pump-Removal-Replace-DIY)

[MatC]

Thanks both. That's what I expected, I don't think I've ever got 5 litres in after the level-low light comes on. As the car is only 8 months old, I wont be taking the sensor out, but I'll be getting Audi to do so when it next goes in. Maybe even when I get invited in for my software 'upgrade'.

[MatC]

Well, I've been ignoring the low washer light thinking its a stuck sensor and that there is loads of washer liquid left, until yesterday I tried to squirt my windscreen and the pressure dropped to nothing, as if the reservoir was empty and the pump was pumping air. So I thought I must have emptied the reservoir, so would be able to fill up with 5litres of washer fluid. But no, I nearly got the 2nd litre in, before it overflowed everywhere. So it seems I do only have a 2 litre reservoir.

[zollaf]

is the washer fluid neck a right angle before it goes down into the bottle. some cars you can fill until it overflows but a minute later its gone. basically the bottle airlocks then burps itself clear and you can get a bit more in. ?? i mean there is no way they would only fit a 2 litre washer bottle, you could empty that in one drive..

[MatC]

Zollaf, I think it is. It certainly seems to bubble, especially if i put washer concentrate in first, then water to dilute - I'll try putting some more washer in tomorrow.

[zollaf]

take a good while filling it, a day or so, see what happens..

[MatC]

So, I followed your advice, Zollaf. On Thursday I had got only 2 litres into the tank before it overflowed. So today, I tried to slowly top up, and as you predicted, by pouring the washer and water in slowly, I got another 4 litres in before it overflowed. I drove 150 miles on the motorway on Friday so used a bit of washer, so I now estimate my washer reservoir is actually 5.5 litres.
Thanks for your help.