fray

iTrader: (1)

I am considering adding headlamp washers to my US car. But I'd like to get some pictures of what it'll take.

Basically if someone would be kind enough to take a couple pictures (close) of the headlamp washer in the bumper... w/ the headlight -- bumper -- washer -- edge of the gril/edge of the bumper it would help me understand placement. (both headlights)

Also, I would like a picture of the washer tank, and the wiring going to the tank. I'm not sure how much is visible to the front of the tank, but I know there is some special wiring based on the service manuals.

Any help would be appreciated!

iKenndac

Sorry I haven't PM'ed you back yet - I still haven't got my stuff back! I'll chase the dealer up tomorrow.

fray

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, I figured you had gotten busy. I figured someone else might have easy access to a digitial camera and can snap some pictures.

Mikelikes2drive

better to go to the regional threads and post there...
i remember long ago there was a video clip of it working.

btw. whats the point of it? do u really need ur headlights washed? or just for the cool factor?

DreRX8

I'd like it for the cool factor--but not enough to try a pricey retrofit--besides; I don't exactly need them in Houston.

sakura968

I am searching for the same upgrade. Here in Chitown, it's a must. Had them on my Audi, and I miss them dearly on my 8. For days after they lay down the salt, your car is covered in it. You are constantly fighting to keep your windshield clean, and you headlamps are in the same boat. It gets scary driving in the dark with your lights on and nothing showing in front of you because there is a thick layer of salty grime across you front end.

fray

iTrader: (1)

Do I need it... no.

Do I want it... I'm not sure yet...

Am I curious as to what it would take to retrofit a US model w/ Headlamp washers? Absolutly!

And I agree, here in Minnesota (if I drove it in the winter) I'd be constantly cleaning the headlights.. the salt grime is amazingly thick. I have to clean the headlights on my Jeep daily.

BlueFrenzy

Hey fray, I wish I saw this thread last year when I was doing my oil cooler grills that way I could have taken pics of the washer tank wiring. From what i remember the hose coming from the washer fluid tank is not visible at all and is well tucked. Basically the hose runs down the passenger side near the corner markers, splits into two when it reaches the passenger side washer. I'll get those pics of the washer that you requested if ikenndac didn't get to it yet.

in terms of retrofitting ... i think that you might be better off finding somebody here in Canada who replaced the OEM front bumper with another bumper, rather than retrofitting by drilling and cutting your current bumper. In terms of the hosing coming from your tank ... I think that stuff looks pretty standard hosing although, you might need to modify your tank slightly to accomodate the new hose. As for the electrical, I'm not sure about that part but from the quick look in the service manual, it doesn't seem terrible.

DreRX8

They should offer that as an option for those snowbelt states in addition to Canada. Like it stops snowing instantly when you cross the border.

said7

rainx ?

djgiron

I would like it too, it is a PITA to keep cleaning the headlights, especially during a snowstorm. RainX doesnt help when it is freezing slush getting splashed up on there from the cars in front of you.

fray

iTrader: (1)

Well, if I do decide to do this, I'll make sure I document the parts and process required.

BTW for those folks who DO have the headlamp washers, is there a control in the car or an indicator light when the washer is activated?

(Obviously my US owners manual doesn't tell me how it works or how to know its working...)

Bindon

no, basically how it works, is whenever your headlights are full on, and your press the window wiper fluid, it sprays your headlights as well.

fray

iTrader: (1)

Ahh.. so the relay kicks based on headlight "on" + windshield washer motor switch. Ok that makes a _LOT_ more sense to me looking at the service manual fragments I have!

Thank you!

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

I'll take some pics for you.....

It is a bit complicated.....the pump is high volume, and the tubing is half-inch all the way! You need the rats nest on the bottle, and the "squirters" are hydraulic, they pop out using the fluid pressure.

Your best bet would be to work an exchange of bottle and bumper with a Canadian spec owner who has the MS front.

S

fray

iTrader: (1)

StealthTL, great pictures. That is what I was looking for. From looking at the service manuals, I didn't expect the pump to be in the area to the left of the washer tank like it is. Very interesting.

Since my car is currently in the garage for the winter, I'm comparing to the picture: http://gate.crashing.org/~fray/RX-8/...es/Image6.html

Thanks!

BlueFrenzy

Don't need to have the headlights on to activate the washers. You can "double click" the washer stalk to activate the washers.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I went to put my spare jug of oil there, and found it full of "wires'n junk"!!

S

RX4life

are you sure.. cause i tried it without having my headlights on and it didnt work...

the4v3ry

Well, I got a Canadian bumper with washers, and I'd like to connect them to my US car, but I didn't get a bottle or pump or anything. So, it requires a bunch of stuff from the upper left compartment, huh?