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

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michaelm_ski

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I think your thinking of the Radiator fluid , I was told you couldn't use the green fluid and had to use the yellow because it would ruin the radiator . I think it was just a ploy and am using it with no problems .
 

Anthony Kalos

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My 98 Lincoln Mark VIII STILL has the low washer fluid light on because I used 1 fill up of the orange RainEx a few years back ! I got the new sensor in the trunk and haven’t installed it yet though.
I won’t ever use it again in my vehicles !
 

chrisbh17

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I believe the issue is with a "wax" type ingredient in the rain x orange stuff. It cakes up on the sensor and shorts the leads.

Mopar actually makes a wiper fluid concentrate that looks comparable (if not better than) the rain x stuff... It's just hard to find.

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Hootbro

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Depends how risk averse you are. I was in the camp for many years of never having a issue with Rain-X until one day my wife's Renegade nozzles clogged with the stuff. You never realize how expensive little pieces of plastic are until you are having to buy OEM replacement washer nozzles.

I avoid the stuff now and recommend the same of any who ask.
 

Gamedog

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Interesting.

Used Rain-X 2-in-1 De-icer and Bug Remover in my 2016 1500 for 3 years without any issues on the nozzles and was planning to use it in my new Power Wagon. My 1500 did not have rain-sensing wipers though, and my PW does.

Might have to to switch it up just to be safe.
 
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If I could find something that would permanently damage the rain sensor I’d buy a case of it

Not sure about your year, but on my 2020 you can disable the rain sensor on the screen setup menu.
 
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Lamarsh

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Thanks for everybody's replies. It sounds like the consensus is that the Rain X washer fluid can certainly still gunk up sensors and cause problems. I'm going to stick with the blue and purple stuff.
 

Sherman Bird

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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

The cheap blue stuff is what I use.... BUT! This stuff grows algae! I cure that problem by cutting it 50% with distilled water in summer, and adding a couple of teaspoons of white 5% Vinegar from the grocery store! This and using the washer every time I drive keeps the nozzles clear as well.
 

Paul Miller

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Yeas ago had a 2012 RAM and used RainX and sensor quit working and was advised RainX was the cause.
 

Rado

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The cheap blue stuff is what I use.... BUT! This stuff grows algae! I cure that problem by cutting it 50% with distilled water in summer, and adding a couple of teaspoons of white 5% Vinegar from the grocery store! This and using the washer every time I drive keeps the nozzles clear as well.
Up here in Maine I would not add water to the fluid ! Our temps change too fast lol But I do like your idea ! I have heard about people adding Alcohol ( Not Vodka :O ) and works as a deicer but do not know if that would effect the sensor ! But you do not have to worry about that in Tx. lol
 

Judy

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Where is the sensor discussed located?
 

PoMansRam

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Where is the sensor discussed located?

They plug into the bottom of the w/s washer fluid reservoir. They twist into place and are sealed by an O-ring. All it is is a couple of metallic prongs on the business end of the sensor that "sense" when liquid is touching them or not. Like said above, theory is, some washer fluids build up a film on the sensor prongs, causing it not to work.
 

Judy

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They plug into the bottom of the w/s washer fluid reservoir. They twist into place and are sealed by an O-ring. All it is is a couple of metallic prongs on the business end of the sensor that "sense" when liquid is touching them or not. Like said above, theory is, some washer fluids build up a film on the sensor prongs, causing it not to work.
Ty
 

Dalton

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Have run the orange stuff for years without issues. Seems it is hit or miss as far as impacts.
 

FPrice

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My 1500 showed a low washer fluid warning a few weeks back. I picked up a new jug of RainX, filled the resevoir, but the warning light still shows.

Can't find it now but there was a short YouTube video of a Ram Owner fashioning a way to tape a toothbrush to a long wire and insert this into the filller tube to clean the sensors. He showed the gunk he had removed and it seemed to clear his problem.
 

Sherman Bird

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Up here in Maine I would not add water to the fluid ! Our temps change too fast lol But I do like your idea ! I have heard about people adding Alcohol ( Not Vodka :O ) and works as a deicer but do not know if that would effect the sensor ! But you do not have to worry about that in Tx. lol

Here in Texas, we do get freezes, and I do not add water in those very few months. I usually add water only during hotter months. The blue stuff will etch the paint if left full strength and squirted in our brutal heat. Water diminishes that likelihood.
 

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Here in Texas, we do get freezes, and I do not add water in those very few months. I usually add water only during hotter months. The blue stuff will etch the paint if left full strength and squirted in our brutal heat. Water diminishes that likelihood.
WOW Never knew that ! Good info Thanks
 

10 Break

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They plug into the bottom of the w/s washer fluid reservoir. They twist into place and are sealed by an O-ring. All it is is a couple of metallic prongs on the business end of the sensor that "sense" when liquid is touching them or not. Like said above, theory is, some washer fluids build up a film on the sensor prongs, causing it not to work.
I pulled my tank out to clean it last weekend while replacing my radiator and pulled my sensor. I've used the orange for over a year and had clean prongs.

coolant sensor.jpg
 

PoMansRam

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I wonder if they changed the formula. This is good to know because I love using the stuff.
 
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