Windshield fluid is one of the most reliable components in a car for a journey at night. It will help you wash out all the tiny flies attached to the windscreen. Even on a dusty road, you will get a clear view without getting blurred by the debris with the help of the stored wiper fluid. How to reset low washer fluid light? This may be your question if you are noticing a constant light-up of the washer fluid signal in your dashboard.
You will be clueless when you see a constant illumination of the low windshield washer fluid level signal in your dashboard, even after a refill. Read along with the article and find out how to handle the situation like a pro.
Symptoms of Low Washer Fluid Light Problems
Basically, there are two main problems with the windshield fluid warning light. Sometimes the light will not appear although you have run out of liquid inside the tank. When you try to wipe the windscreen with stored solvent and find less amount coming from the pump, you must stop the process at that point.
It is needed to hurry for a refill. By opening the hood, you can realize that the tank has low levels of anti-freezing liquid. This is a worst experience for every driver and has the potential to allow the windscreen to the foreign materials which disturb the driver’s vision.
In other cases, the low washer fluid sign will constantly appear, even if you are just after a refill. You will need to inspect the tank and the system to find any leaks or holes in the pumps. This is a possible scenario when the windshield fluid level switch is not working properly. If this happens after a refill, check the fluid levels ASAP.
If you see a strange decrement in the fluid, we can assume there is a leak somewhere. You need to get a skilled mechanic’s help to recognize and treat the issue. If the problem is with the fluid level switch, it will cost you less. But if the case is serious, like replacing a hose, you will have to spend more.
Sometimes the issue may be with the car’s electrical wiring without any fault in the washer fluid sensors, pump, or switch. This also could be identified when you visit a service station.
Why it is Important to Know How to Reset Low Washer Fluid Light?
When you do not notice the low washer fluid light signal while it is low in the tank, you will eventually use the rest and finish it all. When there is no solvent in the tank, the parts begin to get damaged by overheating, corrosion and wearing. If the issue has continued up to this level, sometimes you will have to replace the pump, which is a bit of hard work and more costly.
If you identify the problem during an urgent trip, you will be delayed nearly 1 hour for the work. Having no help from the windscreen washing liquid while driving in wind, rain and snow will make the drivers inconvenient with blurred vision. Accordingly, they have a high risk of meeting a car crash.
How to Reset Low Washer Fluid Light in a Vehicle?
Here is the step-by-step guide to reset low washer fluid light in a vehicle.
Refilling and cleaning the hoses
The first thing to do when the light says you have a low fluid level in the windshield washer is to open the hood and refill the tank. We highly advise you not to use water. Use a specially made solvent for the purpose. You can buy it even from gas stations on your way.
Do not forget to clean the hoses with the help of compressed air. The hoses of the pumps may contaminate dirt and debris with time and lead to clogged pumps. The warning light could appear when there is an obstacle to passing the fluid outward.
Pushing the gas pedal
Turn the ignition on if you see the low washer fluid indicator after a refill. Then push the gas pedal down. Repeat the pressing 5 times. But make sure you complete the 5 times downward pushes in less than 3 seconds. So, be quick!
Stuck floating valve
The tank sensor consists of a floating apparatus inside the fluid. Sometimes it may get stuck in the bottom and stop the work of the system. Insert a clean rigid rod and release it.
New washer fluid sensor
You can find the washer fluid sensor behind the inner fender. You need to replace it when you have non-stop sensor warning lights.
Repairing the damaged washer fluid reservoir
When the tank or reservoir containing the washer liquid gets damaged and has cracks, leaking occurs. This will lead to turning on the signals in the dashboard. These tanks are made of thick polyethylene plastic and can be repaired by plastic welding.
Replacing washer fluid level switch
Fault signals will be sent to your car’s ECU when the washer fluid level switch malfunctions. You can replace it and do the correction.
Reset the ECU
Resetting the Engine Control Unit will refresh the car indications. Drive your vehicle for at least 15 minutes before you start the resetting.
This video explains how to reset ECU of a car
When to Seek Professional Help?
Replacing the windshield washer fluid level sensor and the switch are DIYs. But if you are a total newbie, go for a skilled mechanic rather than taking a risk. The severe damage in the pumps will need technical assistance for many. Replacing the hoses are also a lengthy procedure that needs the hand of a professional.
When you are doing an ECU resetting you must be careful and must not touch any metallic part with the negative end you remove. If you are unfamiliar with this work, it is more likely to do a mistake. Therefore, if it is the first time, do it in a garage with a mechanic.
Getting the right person to repair your windshield fluid mechanism is essential to avoid further damages that lead to more expenses.
How to Prevent Future Low Washer Fluid Light Issues?
You can perform a washer fluid test when your car is serviced or else investigate the tank once every two months. If you need to fill the reservoir more often, there must be a fault in the system, probably a leak. When you have that doubt, we recommend getting a check-up with a technician as quickly as possible.
Washing the hose with compressed air to remove the debris is also a wonderful tip to prevent clogging and failures. Never use water and soapy liquid instead of the true agents made for the specific task. When you find little fluid discharging from the pump, stop releasing ASAP and refill the tank.
Conclusion
According to the reason for the constant light-up, the resetting procedure may change. As we discussed, the indicator will switch on when you have forgotten to fill the tank on time. A faulty valve, broken switches, leaking reservoirs, and damaged pumps are among the other reasons. Refer to the article to cover the methods of resetting in each situation.
