Low Washer Warning

[AlabamaDan]

I ran my widow washing fluid out and got that warning message on the dash. I filled up that little bottle beside the battery with about a gallon of Rainex fluid but the warning light is still on. Any ideas?

[maxnix]

Probably a stuck and/or dirty level sensor.

Always fill to top whenever you open the hood to look, change air filter, check fluid levels.

[qship96]

Give it a few days and the light will most likely go off.

[AlabamaDan]

...I filled up that little bottle beside the battery with about a gallon of Rainex fluid..

I was really thinking y'all would jump all over me for putting washer fluid in the overflow bottle. I guess you just know I wouldn't do that. I filled it in the spot right up front. BUT, I am having the problem with the warning light. I'm afraid that by it being dry I've done harm. I'll give it a few days. Maybe run them a little....I just washed and waxed.

[AlabamaDan]

It's been a week and 120 miles now. I've ran the washer fluid motor to squirt fluid on the windshield a few times - it rained anyway. Still there. It's the little things like this that can drive you crazy! Any ideas?

[qsiguy]

Have you tried "mallatizing" it? (smacking it) Might want to start with soft wacks as the plastic can get brittle over the years.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Hitting things often helps. Even just threatening electronics can end well, as my old Sega Genesis 32x repeatedly demonstrated.

I'd definitely investigate the fluid level sensor.

[Mint Q45A]

How about draining the RainX and simply running water hose with some pressure directly into the tank. This will probably loosen the dirt inside allowing the level sensor to move. The bad part is that you may need to drain the tank completely, again, before adding the RainX to make sure you get rid of any dirt floating around....Just an idea...

[Infinitiguy19]

There is no moving sensor in the tank.

Its just a little electrical sensor that senses if there is fluid in the tank or not (Like the low fuel sensor), Once the washer fluid drops below the specified level (Height of the sensor) the warning is triggered.

So I would check the connection to the sensor. Which means unbolting the passenger side wheel well cover. Be careful because the plastic is brittle.

[AlabamaDan]

Thanks.