FYI Window Washer Fluid

[Idaho Dave]

Purchased Rainex all Weather washer fluid and filled the reservoir. Sometime later was on a trip and it was getting low, topped it off with regular washer fluid, after a bit my washers wouldn't work, pulled the tank apart and low and behold the Rainex had turned to snot, so I guess it's not compatible with the standard washer fluid. Comments?

 

[tron67j]

Do a search in the forum, lots of discussion on this. Have to use only approved type, suggest OEM fluid.

 

[Rlaf75]

Ive used rain-x in every vehicle i owned including both my rams and rain-x washer fluid is the only fluid I'll use. I never had a problem with it ever

 

[GTyankee]

one type of Rain-X will eat up plexiglas, just ask a motorcyclist that has been riding for more than a few years.

One type of Rain-X does gum up Ram windshield Washer Pumps

Some Rain-X works perfectly in the Windshield Washer Reservoir

There have been more than one conversation on this forum about it

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

Don't use any Rain-X product, only use the blue stuff, or OEM there is an additive called Heet antifreeze to bring it down close to O Fahrenheit to prevent freezing.

 

[Tomkay44]

I let mine run dry in my 2020 1500 because they never top it off or tell you it's low when they do the alleged 24 point check when I get my oil changed at the dealer. Bought Rainex because it was basically the same price as the blue, filled it up, and now, everything sounds great when I press the washer fluid button with my truck running but nothing comes out. It also leaks a bunch but only if I run the washer. Everything that's supposed to go on my windshield leaks out at the reservoir. It doesn't leak if I don't run the washer.

 

[NETim]

I only run the purple -30F stuff. Whatever brand Menard's sells. Works good. Never had a problem.

 

[Mike Sully]

Pump seems to work fine, BUT it just sprays a little squirt. Thought - mineral deposits slowing the flow - I added straight 5% acidity vinegar to see if that could clean the lines. There HAD been a line disconnected under the hood. I fixed that and know it isn't leaking there (nor does it seem to be leaking anywhere). Just seems to be spraying with hardly any pressure at all. Guess I'll drain/siphon and try a toothbrush on a rod to clean the pump area...


(2 hours later)
drained vinegar water. nothing would pump. filled with plain water - nothing. I pulled the line and applied vacuum while the pump was on - that got it back to a trickle...

Not sure what to do.

 

[Wild one]

Pump seems to work fine, BUT it just sprays a little squirt. Thought - mineral deposits slowing the flow - I added straight 5% acidity vinegar to see if that could clean the lines. There HAD been a line disconnected under the hood. I fixed that and know it isn't leaking there (nor does it seem to be leaking anywhere). Just seems to be spraying with hardly any pressure at all. Guess I'll drain/siphon and try a toothbrush on a rod to clean the pump area...


(2 hours later)
drained vinegar water. nothing would pump. filled with plain water - nothing. I pulled the line and applied vacuum while the pump was on - that got it back to a trickle...

Not sure what to do.

Try running some 99% rubbing alcohol through it

 

[turkeybird56]

Run wateva blue washer fluid like 0 F. I use the Walmart blue does fine. Lowest temp they sell here is 0F fluid. If u need lower drop pint 90% Isoprophyl alcohol in reservoir. Do not run any with bug removal stuff or anything like orange rain x. Multiple posts about rain x issues with WW pumps.

Not new either been issue for years.

But OP yer truck do wat makes U happy.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

I quit using rain x after I had to take pump apart and flush out the slime. Pump would run but slime stopped it up. Ran clean clear water for about three cycles and then went back to the blue stuff.

Bought tablets on Amazon and drop them into a gallon of water. Works great. Cost about .60 cents a gallon. Works the same as the pre mixed that cost 3.99 a gallon

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Yep, been there with Rain-X on my previous Ram. It was this forum that I learned of the possible perils of using Rain-X washer fluid.

I bought a new pump and flushed the lines and all was great, and just used the Costco standard -45 green fluid from then on, all year, with zero issues.

I now use the same fluid in my new Warlock, too.