How to Access Windshield Washer Reservoir

The plastic reservoir, pump, nozzle and electric motor make up the windshield washer system on your car. The windshield washer reservoir holds the washer fluid until you squirt it on the windshield. For the system to work properly, the reservoir must be full of fluid. Problems arise when the reservoir is damaged, causing fluid to leak out. If that happens, you need to know how to access the reservoir to make repairs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drive ratchet
• Socket

1. Check your owner's manual to determine if you can access the reservoir straight from the top under your hood or if you will need to access it through the fender well.

2. Open the hood of your car to find the top of the windshield washer reservoir. It is easier to locate it from the top first so you know which side it's on. The reservoir is a clear or translucent plastic tank located in front of one of the front tire fender wells.

3. Move to the side of the car where the reservoir is located and kneel down by the tire.

4. Look into the fender well to locate the bolt(s) in the fender liner (also called a splash shield).

5. Use your drive ratchet and socket and carefully loosen and remove the bolt(s).
   
   

6. Fold back the fender liner and you will see the large plastic windshield washer reservoir. You don't need to remove the entire inner fender well in order to access the reservoir, just the liner. You can now inspect or remove the reservoir as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to break off the bolts when removing them. Most likely, the bolts will be corroded, so handle them carefully.

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