D2 A8 - The dreaded Washer Fluid Warning Light
 

All,

I'm fairly new to the A8 world. I own a 1998 A8 4.2L. I recently installed a new washer pump for the wipers (works great), but after filling the reservior, the fluid warning light stays on when I put the car into gear. I have the vag com light software/went in and changed the instrument code to 00283 hoping to to turn the washer warning light off...........nothing/stays on.

Any solutions out there??

Thanks in advance for any help

Well is the resivior empty? Because thats what that light is for, try filling it all the way to the top. There are also TWO pumps, one for the windshield, and one for the headlight washers. Its most likely leaking.

fluid tank has been filled to the brim. I did open it back up to check the headlight washer pump this morning. The headlight washers do not work, but there is no leak.

I assume the warning light stays on because of the headlight washer pump? Is there a way to trick the system.........I could care less about washing my headlights.

Thanks.

Usually its the windshield washer pump that causes the fault code, did you replace it with a factory part? Its either the pump you used is cheap, or you need to replace the headlight washer pump. My money is still on the windshield washer pump, however if you want to trick the system, unplug the headlight washer pump and measure the resistance with an ohm meter, then wire in a resistor about the same value into the circuit and it should turn off the light. If that still doesn't work, buy a factory windshield washer pump.

P.S. It could be a wiring problem as well, but that is about a 2-4% chance.

I bought the pump from autohausaz, but not sure if it's an oem replacement. I'll give your suggestions a try and report back. Thanks for your help!

It was definitely the aftermarket washer pump (Meyle Brand). I've unplugged it until I have a chance to get a genuine Audi pump.......I couldn't stand the beep/constant light on the instrument panel. Thanks for your help.