Car keeps running out of washer water
#1
11-28-16, 10:15 AM
Car keeps running out of washer water
My car unexpectedly ran out of window washer fluid, (water), a couple of weeks ago. So, i filled it up with about 4 litres, or until I could see the level approach the 'max' line in the vessel.
We've had a really cold spell for about a week and the there was no water coming to the windscreen washer and I tried to rinse the windows, (both front and rear).
I put it down to the fact that the sub-zero temperature just ment that the water had turned to ice - and was therefore not flowing.
Thing is, we have had several days now of mild weather, no icy conditions and there is still no water coming. It couldn't have ran empty again. Any ideas?
I havent been able to check it in daylight hours yet - as my work hours are such that it's dark in the morning and dark too when I get home. I haven't been able to get a good look at it.
Thanks
Moderators note: Member is from northern Ireland.
We've had a really cold spell for about a week and the there was no water coming to the windscreen washer and I tried to rinse the windows, (both front and rear).
I put it down to the fact that the sub-zero temperature just ment that the water had turned to ice - and was therefore not flowing.
Thing is, we have had several days now of mild weather, no icy conditions and there is still no water coming. It couldn't have ran empty again. Any ideas?
I havent been able to check it in daylight hours yet - as my work hours are such that it's dark in the morning and dark too when I get home. I haven't been able to get a good look at it.
Thanks
Moderators note: Member is from northern Ireland.
Last edited by PJmax; 11-28-16 at 02:35 PM.
#2
11-28-16, 10:27 AM
Group Moderator
Could be that you have a leak and it's empty or there's a problem with the pump getting it from the reservoir to the windshield.
You're not actually using water, are you?
You're not actually using water, are you?
#5
11-28-16, 01:05 PM
When you say sub-zero, I'm assuming you're Canadian and talking Centigrade Temps ?
I've had the same problem using Windshield washer Fluid that protects down to only -20°F when we sometimes get Temps down around -50°F and I can't get the Windshield clean . . . . but luckily, I've never had it crack my reservoir.
Where exactly are you ?
I've had the same problem using Windshield washer Fluid that protects down to only -20°F when we sometimes get Temps down around -50°F and I can't get the Windshield clean . . . . but luckily, I've never had it crack my reservoir.
Where exactly are you ?
#6
11-28-16, 01:21 PM
Member
Water with dash of washing liquid? So you saved a penny and now will spend a few bucks as it surely froze and blew something. Canister, lines, you name it. Ice is a huge cracker when it expands.
If you really want to save that little money, next time, drain fluid completely. Pour half a liter to a liter of rubbing alcohol in, then fill with water. It prevents water from freezing lowering freezing point - they add methanol to WWF - and makes it clean very well.
Btw, if you find cracked canister - get some JB Weld, roughen crack area good about an inch width, dry perfectly, and then patch with resin. I had several done, works great.
To defrost lines you'll have to take heat gun or hair drier to them. Esp to nozzles as they are always blown at by cold air.
Donno what your car is, if it's a Civic, you'll have to remove driver side tire well cover to get to it.
If you really want to save that little money, next time, drain fluid completely. Pour half a liter to a liter of rubbing alcohol in, then fill with water. It prevents water from freezing lowering freezing point - they add methanol to WWF - and makes it clean very well.
Btw, if you find cracked canister - get some JB Weld, roughen crack area good about an inch width, dry perfectly, and then patch with resin. I had several done, works great.
To defrost lines you'll have to take heat gun or hair drier to them. Esp to nozzles as they are always blown at by cold air.
Donno what your car is, if it's a Civic, you'll have to remove driver side tire well cover to get to it.
#7
11-29-16, 06:01 AM
Thanks for feed back folks. It is probably damage due to use of water and freezing conditions. Quick follow up question...
Is the windscreen washer pump located behind this panel?
Photo link: Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet
I might open up and see if there is anything I can fix myself.
Cheers
Is the windscreen washer pump located behind this panel?
Photo link: Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet
I might open up and see if there is anything I can fix myself.
Cheers
#8
11-29-16, 06:16 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Post make, year and model type, This is a US based site and may not be able to help, Can not help without a make.
#11
11-29-16, 09:18 AM
Group Moderator
We don't normally link to other help forums but there are several on the Citroen and located throughout Europe.
Here's one response that sounds like it may be helpful to you....
citroen c3 owners/help-on-windscreen-washer-bottle-motor-not-working-t422.html
Here's one response that sounds like it may be helpful to you....
citroen c3 owners/help-on-windscreen-washer-bottle-motor-not-working-t422.html
#12
12-02-16, 11:54 AM
Windshield wash water leak
You don't say car model which would give viewers with experience on that to respond with the possibilities. How quickly does it gets gone? Newspapers on the ground under the area should show some water in an hour or two when parked. Blow some vacuum cleaner air into the tank - but easy does it. It may force a visible leak. It may be a leaking hose or siphoned by a leak lower than the tank. . Pull out the tank, fill it and see if has a hairline leak. Check all the hoses for bad connectors. LOL
