[Restyle]

Have they changed the way the Xenon Headlight washers work on the New 05 Cars ??

On my old 2002 MCS, to get them working, you just had to first Switch on the Headlights & then to activate the Front Screen washers.
This then brought out the Stalks for a 2 cycle wash.
Subsequent washes were governed by the computer after a certain time lapse.

On my new August 04 build MCS, I was trying to demonstrate this feature to a group of people at work who had gathered round the front of the car, & NOTHING HAPPENED
Are all recent MINI`s, fitted with Xenons, Governed by a new Computer protocol which aims to Embarass New owners trying to show off its features, Or is this a fault
All the Owners Manual says ..
[P.62] :- "When washer fluid is sprayed, (onto the windscreen), ....If the car`s lights are on, the headlights are also cleaned at suitable intervals"
Has anyone else with a recent Xenon equipped MINI tried theirs ??

[cuprar]

mine works like you said your 02 did and that is on my new 05

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by cuprar

mine works like you said your 02 did and that is on my new 05

Thanks, Looks like I might have a Fault on them then
Has anyone else checked if theirs are working at the 1st "Wash of the Screen" ??

[Rossi]

Mine don't work like that either I 've tryed squirting the windscreen 3 times and waitng and nothing happens although they have popped up once but I've no idea how I did it

[Restyle]

Strange
I wonder if there`s a difference between between July & August Built cars ??

I suppose the only way of finding out if they`re working at all is to do a lot of "Headlight on" driving interspersed with constant squirts of the windscreen & then to monitor if the Headlight Washer reservoir needs topping up .

Any chance we can we have some more Wash-Test results off people, to givea better picture of whats going on

[Chris Williams]

I did just the same thing on a demostrator S (05 August) I recently borrowed, getting my mum and sister to watch as I attempted and failed to get the washer jets on the Xenon to work!

Regards
Christopher

[118]

I have a June 04 build MCS & you do have to hold the washer stalk for a several seconds before the headlight washers work, but they do work. You can also hear them whir & squirt, when they do work

[Restyle]

Thats right, Ive since discovered that you now have to hold the Washer lever back for a couple of seconds in order to initiate the Headlight Washers for the 1st sesson of a drive

[Tubby]

Yep - I was going to saythe same - I have an Aug'04 build car, and the Xenon washers take a bit of hold on the stalk to get them to activate (as do the windscreen wipers i notice ).

As for how often they wash the headlamps after that (i.e. without switching the engine off and back on again) I haven't figured out yet...

They also wash the headlamps if you only have sidelights on...

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tubby

They also wash the headlamps if you only have sidelights on...

That's interesting, they never used to.

[Tubby]

I personally find it a bit annoying - you're dirving along with sidelights on (something I do quite a bit, even during the day...), want a wash of the windscreen and - oh! There goes a load more washer fluid all over the headlights that you're not even using! (It is fun for getting the feet of pedestrians wet when they're waiting at traffic light crossings though! )

[minigolf]

Well, here's my April 2004 build MCS xenon washers in action ... I just turned my headlights on and pulled the washer stalk towards me for a second or two. The other day my xenon washers were not working and I had my car at the dealer for something else and asked them to look at the headlights. Turns out the hose from the water resevoir had disconnected somehow. All fixed now.





Right click save as on the images above to download. Both vids are a touch over 2.5mb.



Cheers Liam

[NeedMiniInfo]

Finalizing my specs for my Cooper.
Torn about what to do.

I like the retro look w/out them, but clearly, they are sort of cool, too.
Arghhhh....what to do?

[Rakey]

Xenons give a much clear light, better visabilty and easier for other road users to see you

[dinlo]

My wife's MINI (04) and my MINI (03) are both the same way. Turn on the light and activate the Front Screen washers.

However, my doesn't work lately, I'm taking it in this Fri. for service.

[minigolf]

Quote: Originally Posted by NeedMiniInfo

Finalizing my specs for my Cooper.
Torn about what to do.

I like the retro look w/out them, but clearly, they are sort of cool, too.
Arghhhh....what to do?

Get them, you won't regret it if you do, but you might if you don't.