Does the orange washer fluid still mess up Rams and Jeeps sensor?

Lamarsh · Jun 15, 2020

Not sure if anybody remembers, but years ago all Chrysler cars (or at least Jeeps and Rams) had an issue where the sensor for measuring whether the washer fluid was low was calibrated with blue or purple fluid, and when you used that orange RainX washer fluid it would screw up the sensor, and eventually ruin the sensor. I haven't used that fluid since then, didn't use it on my 2018, and I just got a 2020 and haven't used it on that one either.

Just wondering whether anybody remembers this issue, and whether it is still a problem with these washer fluid sensors on Rams. Thanks!

392DevilDog · Jun 15, 2020

I do not remember that. I have used the orange rainx for years.

I only drove chrysler products and never had an issue.

Interesting

Juniorss · Jun 15, 2020

Ive never had an issue with it, but I have heard rumors about that years ago. I have ran it in my 2016 Ram since the factory filled stuff ran out and I haven't had an issue.

RVGuy · Jun 15, 2020

I run whatever is on sale, I'm sure I've had all the colours of the rainbow in there. No problems.

magic280z · Jun 15, 2020

If you have automatic wipers the manual cautions against using rainx as it might cause issues with the rain sensor. I don't think it will damage as it should be behind the glass, but maybe something about rainx interferes with how it detects rain.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 - Crew Cab/5.7 Bed - 5.7 Hemi - 3.92 - Anti Spin - Level 1 Options - RamBox - BUG

Lamarsh · Jun 16, 2020

392DevilDog said:
I do not remember that. I have used the orange rainx for years.

I only drove chrysler products and never had an issue.

Interesting

magic280z said:
If you have automatic wipers the manual cautions against using rainx as it might cause issues with the rain sensor. I don't think it will damage as it should be behind the glass, but maybe something about rainx interferes with how it detects rain.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 - Crew Cab/5.7 Bed - 5.7 Hemi - 3.92 - Anti Spin - Level 1 Options - RamBox - BUG

I had the issue in my Gen3 2008. My wiper fluid low warning light was constantly on, despite being full, so I did a ton of research at that time and consensus was the orange RainX causes the sensor to go bad due to being calibrated with a blue fluid. Same thing with Jeeps of the same era. I had that truck for 10 years, and got a 2018 and just kept up using the blue or purple fluid simply because I was in the habit. I now have a 2020, and can only imagine FCA resolved this silly issue, but didn't want to risk it without looking into it.

Rlaf75 · Jun 16, 2020

ive been using rainX washer fluid for years in my 11 without any problems

John Jensen · Jun 16, 2020

I clearly remember that. There were many instances of RainX fluid corrupting the sensor. And, it could be duplicated. That said, as the posts above declare, it no longer seems to be a problem. Don't know whether RainX changed it's formula or FCA did something.
Just glad to hear it's no longer a problem.

kad · Jun 16, 2020

I use Prestone fluid, Bug Wash variety in the summer and De-Icer variety in the Winter. They are yellow, not orange but I've had no problems. *

What I remember reading about issues with RainX had nothing to do with it's color though, it was the substance in it that coats the glass to create the rain shedding effect that was coating sensors and causing malfunctions.

-K

* In my experience of using them for close to 20 year both the Bug Wash and De-Icer varieties of Prestone work very well, but the newer 3in1 variety doesn't work well for anything/any season.

Rado · Jun 16, 2020

I did have a issue with my sensor a few years ago ! The Tech told me they had issue with RAIN EX and to use the cheap blue stuff ! Have been using that ever since

WY-Dave · Jun 17, 2020

2 '14 Jeeps with no issues, '18 truck no issues

MTRamFan · Jun 17, 2020

I had to replace the sensor in my 2012 1500 Laramie. I had used Rain-X in the past. YMMV.

jawzs2 · Jun 17, 2020

I didn't have to replace mine or my sons sensors, I just took them out and cleaned the gunk off them. The Rain-X stuff built up a snot like goo on the contacts, a little contact cleaner and they've been fine since.

WRX03 · Jun 18, 2020

2013 Dart, 2018 Ram; no issues yet.

PoMansRam · Jun 18, 2020

Love the Rain-X stuff, but as far as I know the formulation will still mess with the wire type level sensor our trucks still use.

10 Break · Jun 18, 2020

jawzs2 said:
I didn't have to replace mine or my sons sensors, I just took them out and cleaned the gunk off them. The Rain-X stuff built up a snot like goo on the contacts, a little contact cleaner and they've been fine since.

I've got a Jeep and a Ram and haven't had any problems with this but now I'm gonna have to check this.

Ramcharger84 · Jun 18, 2020

I know a guy with a '17 2500 who had to clean his sensor to get the low fluid light to go out. He wasn't using Rain-X fluid fwiw

confusio · Jun 18, 2020

Orange or green Rain-X (depending on the season) in my '01, '04 and '13 1500s without issue. Now I'm curious and will have to scope out the level sensor in my '13 Sport (only one left on the road.) [...but I don't think the Rain-X has anything to do with the others being retired from service.....?]

Ed F · Jun 22, 2020

magic280z said:
If you have automatic wipers the manual cautions against using rainx as it might cause issues with the rain sensor. I don't think it will damage as it should be behind the glass, but maybe something about rainx interferes with how it detects rain.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 - Crew Cab/5.7 Bed - 5.7 Hemi - 3.92 - Anti Spin - Level 1 Options - RamBox - BUG

If I could find something that would permanently damage the rain sensor I’d buy a case of it

KLook · Jun 22, 2020

2016, been seeing the warning for at least 8 months, used the rainx.....

Kevin

Does the orange washer fluid still mess up Rams and Jeeps sensor?

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