Windshield washer fluid

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Old 11-01-2008, 07:11 AM
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Windshield washer fluid

Went down to Walmart and got me some expensive rainx washer fluid. Went back to the car all excited, I know a little cheezy, and filled up the reservoir with fluid but when I pushed on the lever inside the cabin not a drop of fluid hit the window. I can hear the motor working though. I'm thinking that the tube to the pump has somehow disconnected or is clogged. Anyone had this problem?
Old 11-01-2008, 11:22 AM
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Try clearing the washer nozzles with a needle-- dirt or wax from detailing can clog the nozzles.

Then check the tubing to see that it is not pinched between the hood and strut bar against the firewall.

G/L.
Old 11-01-2008, 08:22 PM
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here's a way to tell if the hose is broken -
open the hood and watch while friend operates wiper sprayer
If the hose is off it will spray wildly and with great vigor-into the engine area or under the car.

More likely wax got into the nozzle, a paper clip will clean them out-
give the sprayer a few shots- clean some more
When flow is good- use same clip to adjst postion of the ball inside sprayer to aim!
Go lower 1/3 of the windshield- with airflow, it will carry it up higher as needed
Old 11-02-2008, 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
here's a way to tell if the hose is broken -
open the hood and watch while friend operates wiper sprayer
If the hose is off it will spray wildly and with great vigor-into the engine area or under the car.
Good call - this exact thing happened to mine. Got the windshield replaced and the hoses were never reconnected.

OP, if this is your problem it's pretty easy to fix. Just take off the two rear plastic cover pieces in the engine bay. Take off the side plastic piece that runs from the back to the front of the engine bay on the passenger side. Now you can remove the cowl that has the nozzles in it and reconnect the tubing.....
Old 11-02-2008, 04:00 PM
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how the hell are you guys getting wax in the nozzels when they arent even located on top of the hood...they are no where near a painted surface...
Old 11-03-2008, 07:02 AM
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Maybe they wax their nozzles?
Old 11-03-2008, 08:39 AM
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If you wax your nozzle you should always get it polished!
Old 11-04-2008, 10:45 AM
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I always used distilled water so you never have to worry about mineral buildup clogging things up and it rarely gets down to freezing here. It keeps everything working like new and doesn't spot the windshiled like tap water will.
Old 11-04-2008, 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by LoveMyTL-S
Maybe they wax their nozzles?


That was priceless. Perfectly executed, sir!
Old 11-04-2008, 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by I hate cars
I always used distilled water so you never have to worry about mineral buildup clogging things up and it rarely gets down to freezing here. It keeps everything working like new and doesn't spot the windshiled like tap water will.
Ah, but distilled water is a better solvent so it will degrade your finish coat of sealant/wax more quickly.

Steve
Old 11-04-2008, 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by sr1sws
Ah, but distilled water is a better solvent so it will degrade your finish coat of sealant/wax more quickly.

Steve
That's only for people that actually wax their TL lol. Seriously though, do you think distilled water will kill the wax quicker? I wasn't aware the lack of minerals would hurt anything but I do know of it's effects in cooling systems when run without some sort of corrosion inhibitor.
Old 11-04-2008, 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by I hate cars
That's only for people that actually wax their TL lol. Seriously though, do you think distilled water will kill the wax quicker? I wasn't aware the lack of minerals would hurt anything but I do know of it's effects in cooling systems when run without some sort of corrosion inhibitor.
Oh this was half joke/half truth. Distilled water IS a better solvent, but I really doubt it would have any significant effect on wax life when used as washer fluid. Maybe if you washed your car with it every time, but who'd do that? I do wash mine with soft water because it's easily available where I do my wash.

Enjoy!
Steve
Old 11-09-2008, 10:37 AM
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Well, it is none of the above. When I push on the lever water leaks out the bottom of the car right behind the right wheel well. I'm thinking the actual reservoir has a crack in it. Anyone ever had to gain access to the reservoir to replace it?
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