Ughhh......I drove my 2005 Jaguar XJ8L over a couple of chuck holes on the street earlier this week a few blocks before I pulled into my driveway, and then received a "Windscreen Low Washer Fluid Fault" (along with the amber light) about the time that I pulled into the driveway. Then when I depressed the washers button, I could hear something activating, but the windscreen wipers wouldn't come on. The windscreen washer reservoir is full of washer fluid, and the windscreen wipers will not come on in any position. I don't have a service manual or wiring diagram handy so I would appreciate any ideas on where to look here. Thanks!

You should begin by adding vehicle details.

Graham

Whoops! I'm sorry. I just edited my initial post. Thanks!

I've moved your question from New Member Area - Intro a MUST to X350 forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

The wipers will not operate if the fluid level is low in the reservoir (see section boxed in red):


(click on the image to enlarge it)


If the reservoir is definitely full, the recent impact with the holes could have damaged the fluid level sensor (see item 5) in the base of the reservoir or dislodged the harness connector.


(click on the image to enlarge it)


This would explain the "Windscreen Low Washer Fluid Fault" message and the wipers not operating.

Graham

Thank you very much for the reply Graham! I would surmise then that the windscreen wipers will also not activate in any position as long as the "windscreen washer fluid level low" fault is illuminated. Is that correct?

My guess is that the float magnet probably dislodged from the float while riding over those two chuck holes, and dropped down near the sensor. It's also possible that the electrical jack could have separated too.

That or you just loosened the wires to the sensor. It's a quick disconnect. Try just wiggling it back on a bit and see if that helps. If not, take the sensor out (just a half turn and it pops out). You will lose your fluid, but that is cheap. The float is dependent on which way it goes in, but it's pretty straight forward. Worth a try.

Thanks for the advice 007! I suppose that the easiest way to access that sensor is to remove the front passenger tire, and the wheel well too. I just hope that the wheel well isn't going to be a bear to remove.

YES - the "windscreen washer fluid level low" message is triggered by the fluid level sensor. If there's a fault on the sensor circuit, the wipers are inhibited.

Graham

Thanks Graham!

You have to take some of the plastic off, mostly the forward part of the underside skirting to get at the bottom of the reservoir. I do want to clarify though, that the wipers will not come in if you push the WASH button if the fluid low warning is on. The wipers will still work normally in the on position regardless of the fluid level. They are only inoperable if you select wash. I think you have a different issue going on here than just the sensor...your wipers should still work normally except for washing.

Thanks 007 for that very helpful procedure! I rechecked, and the windscreen wipers do work normally (except for the wash function). That's a relief! It was operator error on my part (I must be losing it---again).

I should have explained that more clearly. The wipers are 'inhibited' on the wash button function. They still work as normal on the stalk positions.

Graham

I think that you explained it all right previously Graham, but at least I'm back on track now.

I finally found time to work on the Jag today. The tiny circular magnet that seated into the pocket of the windscreen washer reservoir float was dislodged. After applying a little dab of Locktite into the pocket, I pressed the magnet back in. A half hour or so later (so as to allow the glue to set), I reinstalled the float back into the reservoir. Afterwards, I filled the reservoir back up with windscreen washer fluid, and that cleared the fault. Thanks for all of your help guys! It was very much appreciated!

Next, I have to get some new windscreen wiper blades.

In the future if anyone has a problem with the "washer fluid low" fault, a quick fix if you have a bad sensor is tape or glue the flapper closed shut. This will take off the error display. Or you can also disconnect the sensor completely, works with my XJR, not with my x-type.

Just a quick fix until you buy a replacement sensor.