Windshield washer problem

[paris1]

My wife (who DDs the Z4) tells me that the washer motor is failing intermittently and I have to believe her even though every time I test it in the driveway it squirts and squirts like there's no tomorrow. She tells me that it will work maybe on the first try and then goes dead after that. Anyone here ever have a failure of this component? Maybe a relay or the column switch?

[ManiacGT]

Never heard of a motor fault but it's a moving part so could fail, more common is gunk in the filter so try cleaning out the water tank filter on the pump first.

[Mick70]

Probably "junction box" failure. Read out error messages and you will know for sure.

Best regards

Mick

[paris1]

Originally Posted by Mick70

Probably "junction box" failure. Read out error messages and you will know for sure.

Best regards

Mick

How is this done? (No Idrive)

[paris1]

Originally Posted by Mick70

Probably "junction box" failure. Read out error messages and you will know for sure.

Best regards

Mick

Mick: Turns out you were right; dealer just called to say the were ordering a junction box. However it didn't throw any codes.

[Tangent]

I know this is an old thread, but was the part they replaced the FRM or footwell module by any chance? I recently stumbled across the fact that my car is covered by the reimbursement offer for that part and a few things have said the windshield washer is controlled by that. I also have a weirdly intermittent washer. Usually when I try to use it I'll get a half second spray and then nothing but shutting the car off and restarting gets me normal operation.

[NoQuarter]

The JBE is what they are talking about.

Not the same as the FRM

The FRM controls lighting, mirrors, locking and windows

[paris1]

I had mine replaced under warranty a little over a year ago (see above). I was told by the dealer it would have cost $1k otherwise. The unit is located behind the glove box and is what most other manufacturers call a body control module (I believe).

[distinctperson]

I had the same issue for a few months. The windshield washer pump would work intermittently, and then it wouldn't. Turning off and on the car wouldn't help. Dealer suspected it was algae developing in the tank at first. However, after a quick inspection, turns out that the motor was not fully connected, and hence the erratic behavior. Cost at dealer: $0 (surprisingly!)

[BugsBunny]

To the people who replied to this tread, two questions please:

1/ Is there any fault code I could look for ?
2/ Does a working pump produce enough noise so that i can hear ?

The windshield washer is not working anymore. I can't hear the pump but to be honest I don't recall I ever heard it.

Thanks

[bryanhoag]

Resurrecting this thread as I think I am developing the same issue. Sometimes my windshield washer works totally normally. Then suddenly, doesn’t work at all.

A few questions…

1. Where exactly is the junction box located? Is it on the pull down panel with the fuse box or somewhere else?

2. Does a new junction box need to be coded to function?

Thanks all!

[paris1]

It’s behind the glove box and yes, it needs to be coded. Mine was done under warranty and I seem to recall my SA saying it was a $1300 job (in 2016 dollars).