How to Replace the Windshield-Washer Reservoir in an Oldsmobile Alero

Although the Oldsmobile Alero is no longer on the market, you may still own one and need to use your windshield washer fluid to help keep it clean. If you run out of fluid, refill the reservoir. If you still don't have fluid, you may need to locate a leak and fix it.

Things You'll Need

• Windshield washer reservoir
• Seals
• Pry tool
• Screwdriver
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Find the part number for your windshield washer reservoir. The part number depends on the year of your Alero. You can get the part by either ordering it from the dealer or online, or get it from a salvage yard. However, since this car isn't available any longer, an alternative to getting it from the dealer is probably more likely.

2. Put the car in park and turn it off. Don't forget to remove the keys. While still in the driver seat, reach under the instrument panel--on your left side--and pull the hood release.

3. Go to the front of your Oldsmobile Alero and locate the auxiliary release, which is in the center of the hood. Pull it or twist it to open the hood fully. Locate the prop rod--usually on the engine compartment edge--and use it to prop the hood open.

4. Locate the windshield washer reservoir. In your Alero, it's in the bottom right corner of the engine compartment next to the battery.

5. Remove the front bumper in order to get to the windshield washer reservoir by first taking off the inner clip pin using a pry tool and then the other clips running along the top of the bumper. Next, unscrew the screws that run along the bumper in front of the wheel opening and wheel well. Finally, free the shoulder bolts with a wrench in the center of the bumper to gain complete access to the windshield washer reservoir.

6. Disconnect the negative cable on the battery. If your car comes with air bags, you need to wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the negative battery cable in your Oldsmobile Alero.

7. Undo all the leads to your reservoir, including any hoses, guide wires and mounting bolts. After that, simply lift the windshield washer reservoir out of your Alero. Throw away the seals--you'll need to replace these when you install the new reservoir.

8. Reassemble your Oldsmobile Alero by putting the new windshield washer reservoir in your car by screwing it into place, replacing the mounting bolts and attaching the hoses and any other leads. After that, reconnect the battery.

9. Put the front bumper back together by reversing the order in Step 5. Make sure you put everything back exactly as you found it to ensure everything works properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Check for a crack in your Oldsmobile Alero's reservoir that might be repairable. To increase your chances of finding the leak, pour some washer fluid into the tank.

• In case there is any windshield washer fluid in the tank, drain it before removing the reservoir.

• It's easier to have the part before you dismantle your car so you don't have to take it apart twice.

• Never run your windshield washer pump when it's out of fluid. This causes the pump to go bad and require replacement, which can be a more difficult task than replacing the reservoir.

• Be sure the prop rod is secure before starting to work on your Oldsmobile Alero.