I ran out of windscreen washer fluid but got no warning.
It had to happen late on a wet night with lots of traffic plus road film on the screen.

RTFM says there should be an amber light plus a " Low washer fluid level" displayed on the Message Centre.

I did not see such a message and from what I read it should override other messages ( activated by the left stalk )

I added a little water to the tank and the washers are OK.
I an guessing that either the level sensor in the water tank or the wiring is where the fault is.

Can anyone detail how I access the tank / wiring. Thanks
In the meanwhile I will ensure I keep to tank topped up.

 

 

Thanks Jac
Seems to be very similar to my old Ford Mondeo.
I guess I can uplug the connection and the short out a couple of pins on the plug to test the display and confirm the wiring loom is OK
Then I can get a new sender unit.

 

just pull it out and clean. theyre always in the "up" full position and subject to getting nasty crap on them and then sticking in the up position. Clean out the tank and keep your nose plugs handy, many times that tank water smells like pond water

 

Thanks Brutal.
I have a tiny amount of water in the bottle. I added it just to check the pump was OK. I will certainly do as you suggest.
After the flush out is there any additive that will deter the smelly building up again ?

 

A little bleach

 

I an now confused about the situation.

There was only one screw ( next to the wheel arch ) to undo but I needed to release a further two, low down, near the engine.
I was able to ease back the wheel arch liner to see the electrics.
There is a pump with a small bore tube at the bottom of the tank.
There is what I assume is the water level sensor a little higher.( it has a couple of very thin wires that suggests it takes no power)
There is, what I guess is another pump higher up.
Am I right ? I do have headlamp washer so two pumps ?

I eased out the middle unit part of the way out and washer fluid poured out.
I then realised that the water level was way above what I think is the sensor.

I have tested ( and observed) the headlamp washers in action for the first time.
With sidelights only on, every six squirts the headlamp washers activate which I understand is the correct function.

I will now try to empty the reservoir using the washers to see what happens.
In taking the sensor part way out I may disturbed it into sending correct signals.

A little later on.
Washers still working but not the headlamp washers. I can hear the pump trying but what I think I am hearing is a dry pump - not a nice noise. Still no warning message!!!

I assume the headlamp washers will be deprived of water before the normal washers. I also assume that the headlamp washer will come to no harm when running dry.

I am now getting the proper warning message and the amber light so time to celebrate !

The message I have from this is.
By the time you get the warning message the headlamp washer motor is pumping air ( not the best design) so be aware of the situation and top up the washer bottle immediately. Better still keep the washer bottle topped up ( unlike me!!!)

Thanks .