How to Change a Windshield Washer Fluid Bottle
If you just filled your washer fluid only to find it empty within an hour, you may need to replace the washer fluid bottle, or reservoir. The location of the bottle is as different as the number of cars available, but a common location is on the passenger's side, behind the battery.
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Things You'll Need
- Wrenches of appropriate size
- New fluid bottle, or reservoir
- Any screw drivers necessary to remove bottle
- Shop rags
Instructions
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1
Remove the battery if the reservoir is in front of it before proceeding. In order to do this you need to disconnect the negative terminal first. Take the positive terminal off and then detach the bracket that holds the battery down. Once it's free, remove the battery.
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2
Loosen the reservoir bracket holding the reservoir in place. Lift out the entire reservoir/pump assembly.
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3
Purchase a new container from a parts store or a dealership.
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4
Detach the pump and hoses from the reservoir and attach the old pump to the new reservoir. Next you will transfer the rubber bushing, mounting bracket, rubber fluid hose, and the holding bracket to keep the reservoir in place, to the new one.
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5
Install the new fluid bottle, once the hardware is installed and all the connections are made. Attach the fluid bottle securely using the mounting bracket.
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Complete the job by putting the battery back into place and reconnecting it.
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7
Fill and check the system to make certain that it is working properly.
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Tips & Warnings
You can save money by getting a used reservoir from a salvage yard. Since the washer fluid container is made of plastic, it won't rust. Check it thoroughly or leaks before you purchase it, however.
