Weird problem-need a chemist... 99 Q45 windshield washer light

[bullittandy]

The windshield washer light indicated a low fluid level and so I filled it up-but the light stayed on.

I'm assuming that this circuit uses the washer fluid to conduct a signal between contacts and when the fluid is low the light illuminates. If this is acurate then I'm guessing that the contacts became corroded in the momentary absence of fluid. So. . .

I could take apart the front of the car and clean the contacts but what I'd like to know: Is there a substance that I could add to the washer fluid that would be able to clean the contacts without hurting the windshield, paint, rubber lines etc?

[maxnix]

Might try a dilute solution of vinegar, but are you sure it is not a float?

[elwesso]

im pretty sure its a float... cant you get to the washer by simply taking the headlight out? I know on G50 its right below the passenger side headlight, you may even be able to get at it from taking off the fender liner.

Im pretty sure the sensor is a float...

[Q45tech]

What is the chemical composition of the washer fluid you purchased or made? Methanol, ethanol, isopropyl are good.

Many make the mistake of using tapwater instead of deionized or distilled.Ammonia attacks the wiper blade rubber as does acetic acid [vinegar].

We find slime at bottom when not periodically cleaned from things added to tap water to make it look pretty.

[bullittandy]

I'm still waiting on the lab results to return from the last batch of washer fluid i bought.

If the sensor is a float then the solution is easier-a good whack. I will check on my parts car and report back.

[qship96]

Fill it up and give it a day or so, chances are it will cure itself as any dried crusty corrosion on the float is immersed in the new washer fluid.

[Q45tech]

If you don't test it , not fair to complain about failures!

Now that I think about it, pretty amazing that somethings work for 18.5 years with no mainteance.

But then I barely use 3 gallons per year and I'm sure some use only a gallon.

[bullittandy]

If you don't test it , not fair to complain about failures!

Now that I think about it, pretty amazing that somethings work for 18.5 years with no mainteance.

But then I barely use 3 gallons per year and I'm sure some use only a gallon.

If you really expect anyone to "test" their windshield washer fluid then you are positively insane.

I also think its amazing that somethings works for 18.5 years with no maintenance but do you think you could see fit to provide some amount of your expertise by ANSWERING the question?

Is it a float? Is there a chemical that will accomplish what I proposed if not?

[bullittandy]

The washer sensor is a float and so I will try a mechanical fix tomorrow-hitting it.

[Q45tech]

I EXPECT owners to KNOW EXACTLY what they put in their vehicle, whether it be coolant, windshield fluid, oil, ATF, PS, DIF, brake fluid or gasoline!

Are you recommending that a state of scientific / chemistry ignorance is to be applauded and something to be proud of in a vehicle owner?

Surely it it not beyond the mental capacity of the majority of humans to become self educated and KNOW these things. Especially since at least for the next 20 years they or something similiar will be used.

I expect even fusion vehicles will have windshields with washers.

Solar cells must be cleaned carefully with the correct chemicals.

[maxnix]

Seems like the ingredients would be listed on the bottle.

[jimbyjimb]

There is no longer any doubt in my mind that the windshield washing feature is the #1 most important system the vehicle has, beyond steering or braking. I will now annually test my fluid and do a full system inspection twice a year. Damn the dust!

[Q45tech]

Some lux vehicles have ww fluid heaters so that less antifreeze/ alcohol is required...............better for wiper blade life.

The main problem in the big gallons is the quality of water used, as it is with the small concentrated bottles.

Tap water is death to coolant, ww, batteries, and many humans

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/c....html

"According to an Arizona State University study conducted last year, plastic water bottles exposed to temperatures 75 degrees and higher leached antimony (a material used in the making of PET plastic) into the water at levels exceeding federal limits within a matter of days. High levels of antimony have been known to cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea."

Those that drink bottled water or soft drinks might find this interesting:http://www.atlantamagazine.com...23554http://www.atlantamagazine.com...a.pdf

If you add up dissolved solids per liter you'll see where the sludge comes from ~~ 100mg per liter

Many cities are on the ragged edge:http://www.nrdc.org/water/drin...x.pdf

[bullittandy]

The fix is in. One 3 ft piece of pvc pipe and three sharp hits (through the airdam) dislodged the float.

[96Qowner]

Some more of that there "percussive maintenance".

[jimbyjimb]

Especially dependant on location. Water in the midwest and south has an astounding level of calcium and requires more chlorine to sanitize, affecting pH. In the NW our water is .2-.5 ppm cl2, alkalinity of about 40, hardness around 40, and a pH of 7.4-8.0, normally closer to 7.4. Bottled water has 0 chlorine, a neutral pH of 7.0, higher alkalinity for pH stabilization, and roughly the same calcium as our tap water. This is dependant on the brand. The best thing for your battery is piss, since it is distilled and slightly acidic. Sodium hypochlorite is corrosive so adding it to your radiator isn;t that great of an idea either. You can get by much longer in the NW or Alaska due to our better water quality.

[Q45tech]

"The best thing for your battery is piss"....................slightly acidic"

Hopefully you understand urine is not distilled and is full of chemicals [5%] and ions REMOVED from your body by OSMOSIS using Millions of nephrons.

high protein diets result in more acidic urine, but vegetarian diets generally result in more alkaline urine (both within the typical ph+ range 4.6 - 8).

http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/Topi...e.htm

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/n...4.pdf

Again newbees are warned to not take anything you read here as gospel especially those comments that don't have multiple reference links to attempt to prove that they spend 15 minutes researching their answer before typing some bull.

[maxnix]

"The best thing for your battery is piss"....................slightly acidic"

Maybe he meant for external use only?

[bullittandy]

The light came back on the other day and the fix was the same, 2 hits with a piece of PVC pipe.

I realized that the resevoir is right where the deer hit my car and though it didn't appear damaged I didn't really inspect it. So, this is my curse, every once in a while the light will stay on unless I keep the resevoir at 7/8's or more because I didn't inspect the damage from the accident.

This is the kind of thing that saps profits if you do this for a living, having to take apart the front end for this small problem b/c a customer wants the car perfect-my heart goes out to you guys making a living like this.

[qship96]

keep a gallon jug in th trunk for frequent top-offs......at least you will never be without juice when you need it most