Washer Fluid Level Low Warning

[1 MEAN66]

After I "retired" from being a full time tech, I did "some time" as a parts counter person. Most parts suppliers stock and sell products for the area that they are in. That is when I noticed all the different "freeze points" that washer fluid jugs have. I just used what the shop I worked in used. So to all of you out there, Look at the jug of juice you are buying to make sure it will work for you based on the temps of the year that you are using it! My neighbor (computer person) solved his problem by just using his wife's 1500 watt hair drier on the washer bucket. It was cold out so he ran an extendion cord out to the car, aimed the hair drier, and walked away. Came back problem solved!!!! Bucket assembly melted!!!! That what I mean by "doing time" in a parts store!
Unrelated to what we are discussing here: actually had someone come in to buy a two foot piece of rubber hose. After asking him, "What size" answer "I don't know" then "What do you want to do with it" - "just cover my brake line cause it's leaking"! After about 15-20 minutes of explaining brake pressure, why metal line is there, and what to do. He was confused, just want the rubber hose! Management was not happy as I wasted that time at the counter on that person. "sell them what they want". "When it doesn't work they well be back for the right parts". My answer "When it doesn't work, if they are able to come back". "They won't come, they will go elsewhere. Because they will tell their friends what the guy at the parts store told him what to do. Even though it will be a lie. No way will he admit HIS mistake. And WE will not only loose that customer but all those people to which he told - his side of the story!. Many, Many similiar stories. I try and use a parts store that hires people that listen and try to find me what I want. I, at the same time try and help them do their job. As a result they learn, and they help me with pricing, orders I want to make - such as I want valve cover gaskets for a "big block Mopar". They ask for the year I tell them 66, and I get "sorry we don't make them any more". As to them, not being "car people" just computer operators cann't find a 66 in the computer. They learn. they know understand, and they can help the next person a bit better. "doing Time" at a parts counter is hard!!!

 

[1 MEAN66]

Of course that is correct, but I use the word "float" so that a picture is formed. as to a problem that they have a question about. As some of those sensors, as the one mentioned for the radiator in a buick Century actually have a float that varies the resistance at the sensor, then that sensor "talks" to the computer. And yes I know that you can not hear them (sensors & computers "talking"!). As I have tried even with a stethoscope. They just don't "talk" loud enough.I have a hard enough time typing and trying to get spelling correct, etc. I just try and help in a small space to solve a problem. It is always good to listen to what people say and not always just the words they choose to use to say it with.

 

[rpr]

Same problem here with my sensor due to Rain X. Maybe I missed it, but how do you access and remove the sensor to clean it?

 

[Lurker55]

It’s the rain-x. The same stuff that in it that makes the water bead and blow off also coats the 2 prong sensor and causes this issue… you’ll have to wait till the fluid is low or out, and pull the sensor out (or when full have all the washer fluid spill out) and clean the sensor prongs, by cloth or brush. Happened to both my ram and journey… same 2 prong sensor in both that detects the liquid level. Gets covered with a brown/yellowish film.

 

[Dusty]

Hey All,

So, my 19' has been happy and never had a light on my dash or msg come up on my EVIC, now starting this winter, and initially only when the temps were below freezing, does the annoying orange light pop up and stay on with the windshield washer symbol and the msg indicate low washer fluid level.

Once it warms up outside to above freezing it goes away and stays off.

Ffwd to the next below zero outside temp, and it comes on and stays on.

Now, the annoyance is on all the time and the same msg comes up too.

My washer fluid is always full, or damn near full as I travel a lot for work and running low or out of washed fluid is never on my agenda...lol.

I use the same washer fluid all the time whenever possible (Rain-X, yellow stuff), or get whatever the flavor is from the gas station (but it's rare that I run out of my regular go-to as I'm usually stocked up).

Thoughts as to what this is caused from?

I'm thinking that the washer fluid pump/fluid level monitor sensor thingy is starting to malfunction now and needs replacing, but I've no idea as to what that or those pieces consist of. Or, could it be some other gremlin?

Thanks for the help on this.

The yellow Rain-X has caused two other cars (Cadillac CTS, Chevy Blazer) to do the same thing. On the Cadillac we used some cheap blue washer fluid for a while. Cleared itself.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 3 June 2018. Now at 82990 miles

 

[Danny Phillips]

I just use whatever Walmart carries. I just change to winter fluid when it's time. Never had a problem. 4th gen.

 

[Jim113]

Hey All,

So, my 19' has been happy and never had a light on my dash or msg come up on my EVIC, now starting this winter, and initially only when the temps were below freezing, does the annoying orange light pop up and stay on with the windshield washer symbol and the msg indicate low washer fluid level.

Once it warms up outside to above freezing it goes away and stays off.

Ffwd to the next below zero outside temp, and it comes on and stays on.

Now, the annoyance is on all the time and the same msg comes up too.

My washer fluid is always full, or damn near full as I travel a lot for work and running low or out of washed fluid is never on my agenda...lol.

I use the same washer fluid all the time whenever possible (Rain-X, yellow stuff), or get whatever the flavor is from the gas station (but it's rare that I run out of my regular go-to as I'm usually stocked up).

Thoughts as to what this is caused from?

I'm thinking that the washer fluid pump/fluid level monitor sensor thingy is starting to malfunction now and needs replacing, but I've no idea as to what that or those pieces consist of. Or, could it be some other gremlin?

Thanks for the help on this.

There was a class action lawsuit filed against the makers of RainX back in 2015 which was dismissed by a Judge in 2017 ... The suit was because RainX was damaging washer fluid sensors ... I stopped using it as a precaution and started using REFLEX Ice Defence fluid with de-icer ... It actually works better than RainX ... Since you are in Canada, as am I, you can buy REFLEX at Canadian Tire ... No harm in trying it and see if clears up your sensor issue ...

 

[CanuckRam1313]

There was a class action lawsuit filed against the makers of RainX back in 2015 which was dismissed by a Judge in 2017 ... The suit was because RainX was damaging washer fluid sensors ... I stopped using it as a precaution and started using REFLEX Ice Defence fluid with de-icer ... It actually works better than RainX ... Since you are in Canada, as am I, you can buy REFLEX at Canadian Tire ... No harm in trying it and see if clears up your sensor issue ...

I had to replace my sensor, drain and flush the tank, and then revert to anything but RainX... now all is good.

I'm glad it only cost me 1.5 hours of my time and call it $10 for the new sensor.

Thanks for the info and recommendation!

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Same problem here with my sensor due to Rain X. Maybe I missed it, but how do you access and remove the sensor to clean it?

Remove the grill and remove the washer fluid tank.
Replacing the sensor only cost me some time and $10 for the new OEM sensor.

 

[Brent 1955]

Hey All,

So, my 19' has been happy and never had a light on my dash or msg come up on my EVIC, now starting this winter, and initially only when the temps were below freezing, does the annoying orange light pop up and stay on with the windshield washer symbol and the msg indicate low washer fluid level.

Once it warms up outside to above freezing it goes away and stays off.

Ffwd to the next below zero outside temp, and it comes on and stays on.

Now, the annoyance is on all the time and the same msg comes up too.

My washer fluid is always full, or damn near full as I travel a lot for work and running low or out of washed fluid is never on my agenda...lol.

I use the same washer fluid all the time whenever possible (Rain-X, yellow stuff), or get whatever the flavor is from the gas station (but it's rare that I run out of my regular go-to as I'm usually stocked up).

Thoughts as to what this is caused from?

I'm thinking that the washer fluid pump/fluid level monitor sensor thingy is starting to malfunction now and needs replacing, but I've no idea as to what that or those pieces consist of. Or, could it be some other gremlin?

Thanks for the help on this.

Your sensor on the bottom of your tank is sticking. It is behind your fender skirt. Take and tap it lightly they get really brittle with time and are a pain to remove without breaking the tank like I did. Or unplug it and check for corrosion on the plug.