Every vehicle owner should understand how to do some quick replacement jobs without the assistance professional automotive expert. This can save you money and time.
One of the tasks that you can learn on your own is how to remove the windshield washer fluid reservoir. This stores the fluid, which assists your car’s wipers in cleaning the windshield. To remove it, you should first remove the components surrounding it, then disconnect the wiring and hoses. Once you have done this, you should remove the reservoir easily and replace it with a new one. After installing the new one, reinstall the components you took out.
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Why does the windshield washer fluid reservoir need replacement?
The reservoir is a simple container that is made using rugged polyethylene plastic. The plastic material used to make this reservoir is hard and can thus resist ethylene glycol and ethanol. This reservoir holds the washer fluid.
Though the reservoir can handle different environments, it can sometimes fail. Its plastic walls can start deteriorating if the fluid runs out and the reservoir runs dry for a long time. This can cause cracking from the inside. If, for instance, you often drive the vehicle on rough surfaces, the shocks from this can cause cracking in the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Frozen washer fluid also leads to such cracks.
As the car vibrates, the bolts designed to hold the reservoir to the car can loosen. Holes can make the windshield washer fail, making it impossible for the vehicle to carry washer fluid. If you have noticed signs of leaking or cracking on the windshield washer fluid reservoir, you need to replace it. Removing and replacing the reservoir can ensure that this part continues functioning as expected. Unlike in other car replacement jobs, you don’t need extensive experience to remove and replace the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
How to remove the windshield washer fluid reservoir
If you are removing the reservoir for the first time, you should follow the car manual keenly. The replacement instructions sometimes vary based on the vehicle one has. It is also important to observe safety measures before working on such DIY car replacement tasks. Start by parking the vehicle on an even surface.
You can also switch off the ignition. The transmission should also be set into park before removing the windshield washer reservoir. Get goggles that can protect your eyes during this task, and don’t forget to set the emergency brake. Once you have done all this, you can start removing the present windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Remove the components that surround the washer fluid reservoir.
In some vehicles, the windshield washer fluid reservoir is located behind the front bumper, while in other cars, it is found near the engine bay. Since this reservoir fits into a tight space, it is often oddly shaped. To remove it, you first need to access the clips and mounting bolts that hold it in place. Eliminating these components first makes it easy for you to pull the reservoir out of the mounting location. Do not forget to disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect hoses and wiring
You should now have access to the reservoir. At this point, you should remove any hoses that connect the washer fluid nozzles and the pump. You also need to remove the wiring on the washer fluid pump. A washer fluid reservoir often has two pumps that come with their own wiring.
Remove the reservoir
Once you have disconnected the wiring, you can now easily remove the reservoir. This should be easy once you have taken out any clips or mounting bolts. Take off any fasteners that hold the reservoir. You can now pull out the reservoir free.
Install a new one
If you already have a new reservoir, you can install it immediately you get the old one out. After installing the new reservoir in place, you should reinstall the rest of the components you took out. You can now refill the washer fluid.
Here is a summary of how to remove the windshield washer fluid reservoir
Remove the different components surrounding it | This includes the clips and mounting bolts that hold the reservoir. |
Disconnect hoses and wiring | The washer fluid pump has wiring and hoses that connect it to the washer fluid nozzles. |
Remove the reservoir | Get rid of fasteners that hold the reservoir so that you can remove it easily. |
Install a new one | Once you have removed the reservoir, you can install a new one and reinstall all the components. After this, refill the washer fluid. |
Conclusion
The process of removing the windshield washer fluid reservoir is not that hard. You only need to locate the reservoir in your vehicle and follow the steps above.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the washer fluid in my vehicle?
This fluid can wipe tough grime off your car’s windshield during driving.
How can I tell when my reservoir is failing?
Uneven spraying of the fluid or the washer fluid not coming out at all are clear signs of a failing reservoir.
Dennis Vaughn
Dennis Vaughn is a certified plumber and has been offering apprenticeship experiences to most of his employees for the past 12years. Dennis owns and runs an appliance store, and has a team made of different expertise from electricians, appliance repair individuals, and plumbers. According to him dealing with appliances is one thing but the after-sales services are what makes for the loyal clients.Many people don’t know who to call when their appliances break or become faulty, and a good number are not aware of the varieties of appliances in the market tailored to fit their expectations. The above is what necessitated the creation of the extensive excerpts on the washing machine units, which come complete with directions on the simple home repairs.
