No sensor for windshield washer liquid

bugs · 27-10-2005, 12:53

Is this possible for a car like Skoda Octavia II, being far from a cheap model, and in Elegance package, not to have a simple sensor to show you before you run out of washing liquid? I think this is unacceptable and Skoda should send sensors to be installed by Skoda dealers worldwide. Less expensive cars with no ABS or airbags have this simple sensor, but I can have it only if I take the headlight wash option? This should not be an option whatsoever. Do you agree with me?

JRHartley · 27-10-2005, 13:05

Personally I tend to check mine on a weekly basis along with the coolant and oil levels, especially when going on a long journey or in winter, so a sensor for the washer level is an unecessary expense for the car..IMHO

andy2407 · 27-10-2005, 13:07

For me, this sort of thing should be on an options list, along with things like auto-windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirrors, headlamp washers etc.
I just feel that there are too may options these days on cars that some people might like and other people do not appreciate.
Having said that, I guess you have to decide where to draw the line.
Things like CD player, ABS, electric windows (often front and rear) and air-con/climate control are often standard now, whereas perhaps 10 yrs ago they were options.
Maybe this is a way the car industry can push prices up across the board.
I am a company car driver with a nonthly lease amount that I am able to spend. In the past, there have been cars I've wanted that were just over the limit so I couldn't have them. In a case like that, I would have been quite happy to lose the "standard washer warning sensor" or some other gimmick, so that I could drive what i wanted.
I suppose in theory, an ideal situatuion would be to have a system where there was a very basic car, and then an extensive list of options. I think BMW did this just to get their prices down, but for a make like Skoda it would just allow people to customise their car to suit their requirements.
In reality I'm sure this wouldn't work - their has to be some standardisation on the production line or set-up costs etc would go sky-high.
There is also the requirement to have certain spec or trim levels so that people know what they are buying in the future, and so that insurance companies know what they are covering etc.
Just a few thoughts - I'm know i'm not going to solve this one!

**roo** · 27-10-2005, 13:15

I thought they all did, mine does and it's an elegance. It does have a 5 litre tank though so you may not have reached it yet. And the washers come as standard in the Elegance in the UK so that may be why I have them.

Fabia 12v · 27-10-2005, 13:16

Doesn't take much to pop the bonnet and check.

rents cars have the sensor... but don't think yet it has ever gone off.. usually have the bonnets up on all of them every two or so weeks just to check oil and screenwash so it never gets low. Check the tyres at the same time.

All these sensors are just pointless costs and by not fitting them saves costs.... cheaper car.

Reason there is no sensor on models without light washers is because the tank is different. Non-washer tanks cannot have sensors.

bugs · 27-10-2005, 14:47

I know that the 5 liter tank (headlight wash) has the sensor. But I envisage the fact that is pretty shameful that you don't put that in your best equiped version. I don't think such a sensor costs more than by example the central locking or a passager seat with height ajustments. It's a simple two blade sensor that feels when you run dry .. it's like 10 cents production cost, come on. I'm personally offended .. I don't lift the bonnet weekly or even montly, I want a car that don't require looking under the bonnet, I did that with my local car (Dacia .. way before the new Logan hit the market) and my other car (a corean Daewoo Cielo .. aka Nexia). Andy, interesting opinion, but also here let me have mine, which is I wouldn't want to buy for myself a particular brand just to have the brand, but could not afford to put some "optionals" which brings more security (EBD, ABS, ESP), useness (heated mirrors, tinted windows for minimizing heat etc) or just "fun"/more useness (cruise control, xenon, DSG). So I bought a Octy2 that have most of that than a "bold" (as in no hair .. not as in brave) beamer or merc B, in which I would have had to raise the windows by hand and close the door by key and wonder the mileage because I have no bord computer. All the best guys!

EddyH · 27-10-2005, 14:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fabia 12v

Doesn't take much to pop the bonnet and check.

rents cars have the sensor... but don't think yet it has ever gone off.. usually have the bonnets up on all of them every two or so weeks just to check oil and screenwash so it never gets low. Check the tyres at the same time.

All these sensors are just pointless costs and by not fitting them saves costs.... cheaper car.

Reason there is no sensor on models without light washers is because the tank is different. Non-washer tanks cannot have sensors.

My golf had the smaller wash tank and that had the sensor as does my Octy.

simon · 27-10-2005, 15:07

Furby VRSs have them as standard too.

Slavnist · 27-10-2005, 15:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by bugs

Is this possible for a car like Skoda Octavia II, being far from a cheap model, and in Elegance package, not to have a simple sensor to show you before you run out of washing liquid? I think this is unacceptable and Skoda should send sensors to be installed by Skoda dealers worldwide. Less expensive cars with no ABS or airbags have this simple sensor, but I can have it only if I take the headlight wash option? This should not be an option whatsoever. Do you agree with me?

Mine is a Octavia II (Elegance) and comes with headlight wash therefor I assume it has a sensor in the wash bottle, it seems to have sensors for everything else!! rain etc..

Are you sure you have the right car ie Skoda !! not a VW !!

fredw · 27-10-2005, 16:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by bugs

Is this possible for a car like Skoda Octavia II, being far from a cheap model, and in Elegance package, not to have a simple sensor to show you before you run out of washing liquid?

My Elegance has a warning light as standard. Ask your dealer to check that yours is functioning correctly.

What I would like is an audible warning when a service is due, this is especially important with variable servicing.

dstev2000 · 27-10-2005, 16:45

Mine has the washer warning and its very handy if you are a high mileage driver, it's much better to have an orange light than to run out totally when your screen is covered in crap.

And as for it being a simple sensor: how much will Skoda save if they DON'T put this sensor on say, 5 million cars worldwide, quite alot I would imagine.

And its not just the sensor but the extra wiring, the time to install it, the plastic widget that hold it in etc etc. It all adds up.

And as for it not being in the best equipped version, it is along with loads of other extras you dont get on most other cars.

Very few brands of cars can touch the Octy II for the standard spec.

And is the washer level sensor a legal requirement that is tied in with self levellers and washer jets for xenon headlamps?

bugs · 27-10-2005, 17:18

My Elegance does not have the sensor, I have seen the plastic tank and there is no sensor or wiring. I was about to go to the dealer to ask to be installed, but some guys here says I can't have the sensor if I don't have the bigger tank, which I seriously doubt. I will ask the dealer.

Lummox · 27-10-2005, 17:25

You have taken the arch liner out and seen the tank?

ETOSonly lists a 5.5 tank with the level sensor.

Jules59 · 27-10-2005, 18:54

Talking of sensors. I have just discovered that my new Furby vRS has a sensor to indicate if the rear folding seat is not properly engaged (after its been folded flat)- never seen one of those before ! Nice one Skoda.

Lummox · 27-10-2005, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jules59

Talking of sensors. I have just discovered that my new Furby vRS has a sensor to indicate if the rear folding seat is not properly engaged (after its been folded flat)- never seen one of those before ! Nice one Skoda.

You have to have this really as it has a three point centre rear belt. Should that seat back not be clipped in properly it aint gonna do much. Having said that there is a cable that runs from the catch to the reel. So if the seat isnt clipped in you cant pull out the belt. The light is an additonal warning.

agent006 · 27-10-2005, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by bugs

My Elegance does not have the sensor, I have seen the plastic tank and there is no sensor or wiring. I was about to go to the dealer to ask to be installed, but some guys here says I can't have the sensor if I don't have the bigger tank, which I seriously doubt. I will ask the dealer.

You must have a special budget elegance model then.

JasonLVC · 28-10-2005, 08:30

First of all, just joined this morning so hello to all!.

Have an Octy II Elegance (UK spec) and it does have a washer level sensor (buzzer and light on dash panel). I know this as my washer water went smelly for some unknown reason and I spent best part of 15 mins emptying it by repeatedly using the washer jets - and the buzzer/light does come on.

In the old Octy, washer bottle was smaller and easy to syphon off/empty. New bottle is hidden away in wheel arch with long filler neck so not easy to syphon.

Does anyone else have smelly washer water - or is it just me!!.

Lummox · 28-10-2005, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonLVC

Does anyone else have smelly washer water - or is it just me!!.

Welcome to the site.

What screenwash are you using?

JasonLVC · 28-10-2005, 13:54

I had some blue generic stuff from Halfords and after a week when you used the washers got a smell, best described as "eggy farts!". Sorry about that, but no other way to explain it. Made worse by the fact that my 2year old pips up in the back seat and says 'Daddy's pumped!'.

I guess it's the same smell as a warming up catalytic converter, but the smell only comes when I use the washer jets.

Emptied the tank, refilled with tap water and nothing else and the smell's come back after a fortnight. So probably need to flush the tank properly with something - but not sure what.

Lummox · 28-10-2005, 14:03

Use the propper lemon fan jet washer fluid from VAG (technically you shouldnt use anything else or it may well block the jets). Its only a couple of quid for a bottle that should last an age if use correctly.

JasonLVC · 29-10-2005, 19:40

Thanks for the advice - I'll go get some first thing Monday (I work next door to an Audi and VW dealership).

dstev2000 · 29-10-2005, 21:19

Good bit of advice there, never thought of using the proper stuff, I use Halfords crap and they filled my bottle up with blue stuff on the service

Lummox · 29-10-2005, 21:22

Skoda say only use thier fan jet stuff, and it does block up if you use regular fluid.

goonybird · 30-10-2005, 22:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonLVC

First of all, just joined this morning so hello to all!.

Have an Octy II Elegance (UK spec) and it does have a washer level sensor (buzzer and light on dash panel). I know this as my washer water went smelly for some unknown reason and I spent best part of 15 mins emptying it by repeatedly using the washer jets - and the buzzer/light does come on.

In the old Octy, washer bottle was smaller and easy to syphon off/empty. New bottle is hidden away in wheel arch with long filler neck so not easy to syphon.

Does anyone else have smelly washer water - or is it just me!!.

I've had exactly this problem with Halfords 'Blue' washer cleaner.
You have described the smell to a tee.

Everyone in the car thought it was me!

ednmra · 31-10-2005, 09:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by goonybird

I've had exactly this problem with Halfords 'Blue' washer cleaner.
You have described the smell to a tee.

Everyone in the car thought it was me!

No problem with Homebase cheapo blue screenwash - I use it by the gallon.

27-10-2005, 12:53	#1
bugs Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Romania Posts: 21 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	No sensor for windshield washer liquid Is this possible for a car like Skoda Octavia II, being far from a cheap model, and in Elegance package, not to have a simple sensor to show you before you run out of washing liquid? I think this is unacceptable and Skoda should send sensors to be installed by Skoda dealers worldwide. Less expensive cars with no ABS or airbags have this simple sensor, but I can have it only if I take the headlight wash option? This should not be an option whatsoever. Do you agree with me?

27-10-2005, 13:05	#2
JRHartley Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North west Posts: 2,010 Members Car: Octavia 1.9 TDi Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 13 Posts	Personally I tend to check mine on a weekly basis along with the coolant and oil levels, especially when going on a long journey or in winter, so a sensor for the washer level is an unecessary expense for the car..IMHO __________________ I'm a celebrity...... Get me out of here !!!

27-10-2005, 13:07	#3
andy2407 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Upper Ramsbottom Posts: 5,590 Members Car: Yellow Fabia vRS Thanks: 59 Thanked 222 Times in 180 Posts	For me, this sort of thing should be on an options list, along with things like auto-windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirrors, headlamp washers etc. I just feel that there are too may options these days on cars that some people might like and other people do not appreciate. Having said that, I guess you have to decide where to draw the line. Things like CD player, ABS, electric windows (often front and rear) and air-con/climate control are often standard now, whereas perhaps 10 yrs ago they were options. Maybe this is a way the car industry can push prices up across the board. I am a company car driver with a nonthly lease amount that I am able to spend. In the past, there have been cars I've wanted that were just over the limit so I couldn't have them. In a case like that, I would have been quite happy to lose the "standard washer warning sensor" or some other gimmick, so that I could drive what i wanted. I suppose in theory, an ideal situatuion would be to have a system where there was a very basic car, and then an extensive list of options. I think BMW did this just to get their prices down, but for a make like Skoda it would just allow people to customise their car to suit their requirements. In reality I'm sure this wouldn't work - their has to be some standardisation on the production line or set-up costs etc would go sky-high. There is also the requirement to have certain spec or trim levels so that people know what they are buying in the future, and so that insurance companies know what they are covering etc. Just a few thoughts - I'm know i'm not going to solve this one! __________________ The future's bright The future's mellow Now with a little zest of Washbrook added Last edited by andy2407; 27-10-2005 at 13:09. Reason: typos

27-10-2005, 13:16	#5
Fabia 12v RICHARD Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Twickenham - Middlesex Posts: 5,026 Members Car: Skoda Fabia >> VW Golf >> Seat Ibiza >> VW Polo Thanks: 11 Thanked 26 Times in 23 Posts	Doesn't take much to pop the bonnet and check. rents cars have the sensor... but don't think yet it has ever gone off.. usually have the bonnets up on all of them every two or so weeks just to check oil and screenwash so it never gets low. Check the tyres at the same time. All these sensors are just pointless costs and by not fitting them saves costs.... cheaper car. Reason there is no sensor on models without light washers is because the tank is different. Non-washer tanks cannot have sensors. __________________ First Car: Skoda Fabia MK1 1.2 12v Comfort Replaced with: Volkswagen Golf MK4 GT 1.9TDI Replaced with: Seat Ibiza MK4 Sport 1.9TDI Replaced with: Volkswagen Polo MK6 Ltd. Edition Sport 1.4 16v

27-10-2005, 15:07	#8
simon Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Sunny Aylesbury Posts: 1,041 Members Car: octavia VRS Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Furby VRSs have them as standard too. __________________ If it feels good....Do it! [IMG]

27-10-2005, 14:47	#6
bugs Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Romania Posts: 21 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I know that the 5 liter tank (headlight wash) has the sensor. But I envisage the fact that is pretty shameful that you don't put that in your best equiped version. I don't think such a sensor costs more than by example the central locking or a passager seat with height ajustments. It's a simple two blade sensor that feels when you run dry .. it's like 10 cents production cost, come on. I'm personally offended .. I don't lift the bonnet weekly or even montly, I want a car that don't require looking under the bonnet, I did that with my local car (Dacia .. way before the new Logan hit the market) and my other car (a corean Daewoo Cielo .. aka Nexia). Andy, interesting opinion, but also here let me have mine, which is I wouldn't want to buy for myself a particular brand just to have the brand, but could not afford to put some "optionals" which brings more security (EBD, ABS, ESP), useness (heated mirrors, tinted windows for minimizing heat etc) or just "fun"/more useness (cruise control, xenon, DSG). So I bought a Octy2 that have most of that than a "bold" (as in no hair .. not as in brave) beamer or merc B, in which I would have had to raise the windows by hand and close the door by key and wonder the mileage because I have no bord computer. All the best guys!

27-10-2005, 16:45	#11
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Mine has the washer warning and its very handy if you are a high mileage driver, it's much better to have an orange light than to run out totally when your screen is covered in crap. And as for it being a simple sensor: how much will Skoda save if they DON'T put this sensor on say, 5 million cars worldwide, quite alot I would imagine. And its not just the sensor but the extra wiring, the time to install it, the plastic widget that hold it in etc etc. It all adds up. And as for it not being in the best equipped version, it is along with loads of other extras you dont get on most other cars. Very few brands of cars can touch the Octy II for the standard spec. And is the washer level sensor a legal requirement that is tied in with self levellers and washer jets for xenon headlamps? __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

27-10-2005, 17:18	#12
bugs Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Romania Posts: 21 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My Elegance does not have the sensor, I have seen the plastic tank and there is no sensor or wiring. I was about to go to the dealer to ask to be installed, but some guys here says I can't have the sensor if I don't have the bigger tank, which I seriously doubt. I will ask the dealer.

27-10-2005, 17:25	#13
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,456 Members Car: Mk2 Golf GTi 16v and building a 20VT MK2. Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 753 Times in 633 Posts	You have taken the arch liner out and seen the tank? ETOSonly lists a 5.5 tank with the level sensor. __________________ www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details. Last edited by Lummox; 27-10-2005 at 17:29.

27-10-2005, 18:54	#14
Jules59 Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Midlands, UK Posts: 362 Members Car: Thanks: 9 Thanked 16 Times in 14 Posts	Talking of sensors. I have just discovered that my new Furby vRS has a sensor to indicate if the rear folding seat is not properly engaged (after its been folded flat)- never seen one of those before ! Nice one Skoda.

28-10-2005, 08:30	#17
JasonLVC Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 19 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	First of all, just joined this morning so hello to all!. Have an Octy II Elegance (UK spec) and it does have a washer level sensor (buzzer and light on dash panel). I know this as my washer water went smelly for some unknown reason and I spent best part of 15 mins emptying it by repeatedly using the washer jets - and the buzzer/light does come on. In the old Octy, washer bottle was smaller and easy to syphon off/empty. New bottle is hidden away in wheel arch with long filler neck so not easy to syphon. Does anyone else have smelly washer water - or is it just me!!.

28-10-2005, 13:54	#19
JasonLVC Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 19 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I had some blue generic stuff from Halfords and after a week when you used the washers got a smell, best described as "eggy farts!". Sorry about that, but no other way to explain it. Made worse by the fact that my 2year old pips up in the back seat and says 'Daddy's pumped!'. I guess it's the same smell as a warming up catalytic converter, but the smell only comes when I use the washer jets. Emptied the tank, refilled with tap water and nothing else and the smell's come back after a fortnight. So probably need to flush the tank properly with something - but not sure what.

28-10-2005, 14:03	#20
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,456 Members Car: Mk2 Golf GTi 16v and building a 20VT MK2. Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 753 Times in 633 Posts	Use the propper lemon fan jet washer fluid from VAG (technically you shouldnt use anything else or it may well block the jets). Its only a couple of quid for a bottle that should last an age if use correctly. __________________ www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details.

29-10-2005, 19:40	#21
JasonLVC Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 19 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the advice - I'll go get some first thing Monday (I work next door to an Audi and VW dealership).

29-10-2005, 21:19	#22
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Good bit of advice there, never thought of using the proper stuff, I use Halfords crap and they filled my bottle up with blue stuff on the service __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

29-10-2005, 21:22	#23
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,456 Members Car: Mk2 Golf GTi 16v and building a 20VT MK2. Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 753 Times in 633 Posts	Skoda say only use thier fan jet stuff, and it does block up if you use regular fluid. __________________ www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details.

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No sensor for windshield washer liquid

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