2013 VOLKSWAGEN EOS Owners Manual

Windshield wiper and washer

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
Y Not enough windshield washer fluid. Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next
opportunity

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 88 Operating the front windshield wiper.

NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside,
always make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Using the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the
windshield
x If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the
same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other
objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.
x Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
x If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen
recommends using a deicing spray.
NOTICE
Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can
be scratched.
The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine hood is closed. The
windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened.
The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the
speed, the faster the wipers move.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends
using a deicing spray.
Windshield wiper functions

Headlight washer system
The headlight washer system cleans the headlight glass.
If the ignition and the headlights (high or low beams) are switched on, the headlights are cleaned the
first time and every fifth time the front windshield washers are activated. This happens only when the
low or high beams are on when the windshield wiper lever is pulled towards the steering wheel.
However, the headlights must still be washed by hand periodically (for instance, during refueling) in
order to get rid of hard-to-remove dirt (like insect splatter).
To help make sure that the headlight cleaning system works during winter weather, always keep the
headlight washer nozzles free of snow and remove any ice with a deicer spray before driving. Use a
deicer spray to remove any ice.
If there is something on the windshield, the wiper will try to wipe it away. If it continues to block
the wiper, the wiper will stop moving. Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper on again.
Windshield wiper service position

Fig. 89 Windshield wiper in service position.

NOTICE
x To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper
arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.
x Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving
the vehicle.
Rain sensor

Fig. 90 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting rain sensor 1.

Fig. 91 Inside the front windshield above the inside mirror: Sensitive rain sensor surface.

Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works
The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor
surface ⇒ fig. 91 (arrow) and not work for a number of reasons; which include:
x Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of water or wiping streaks; this can
cause the wipers to run longer, to wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.
x Insects: Insects hitting the sensor may trigger the wipers.
x Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or
continuously on glass that is almost dry.
x Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other build-up on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent
residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
x Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on,
this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself
to respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the
sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.
WARNING
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.
x Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface (arrow) regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or
damage.
To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield
cleaner.
Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 92 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

x Check if there is still enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
x Refill with an appropriate windshield washer fluid that is recommended by Volkswagen ⇒ .
Follow the directions on the container.
x In cold weather, always use a special windshield washer antifreeze solution that will help keep the
water from freezing ⇒ .
Recommended cleaners
x For the warmer months, Windscreen Clear SummerG 052 184 A1 or equivalent. Mixing ratio
1:100 (1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the windshield washer reservoir.
x All-season Windscreen ClearG 052 164 A2 or equivalent. Mixing ratio in winter to 0 °F (-18 °C)
about 1:2 (1 part concentrate to 2 parts water), otherwise, mixing ratio 1:4 in the windshield washer
reservoir.
Filling capacity
The windshield washer fluid reservoir holds 3.1–4.2 quarts (about 3–4 liters); in vehicles with a
headlight cleaning system 3.1–6.3 quarts (about 3–6 liters).
WARNING
Never mix antifreeze or similar additives into the windshield washer reservoir. This could
produce an oily film on the windshield, which would considerably reduce visibility.
x Use clear water with a cleaning solution recommended by Volkswagen.
x If necessary, blend with a suitable windshield washer fluid antifreeze agent.
NOTICE
x Never mix cleaning solutions recommended by Volkswagen with other cleaning agents. If
you do, this could cause sediments or other by-products that can clog the windshield wiper
nozzles.
x When refilling, do not confuse one type of operating liquid with another! Otherwise serious
malfunctions and engine damage can occur!

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