How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Chevy Cobalt

The Chevy Cobalt is a relatively new compact car introduced in 2005. However, it can still have problems and if it's not covered under your warranty, you can save time and money by handling some problems yourself. Fixing or replacing the windshield washer reservoir, falls into this category, if you find you have a leak.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windshield washer reservoir
• Screwdriver
• Seals
• Washer fluid
• Catch pan

1. Learn the part number of your windshield washer reservoir, which depends on the year of your Chevy Cobalt. Getting to the reservoir in your car can be time consuming; therefore, it's best to have the new reservoir before you begin. Some dealerships have parts available for purchase and may have a replacement reservoir in stock, otherwise, ask them to order one for you. Alternatively, you can order the part from an online source or check the salvage yards.

2. Work on your Chevy Cobalt in your driveway, if it's relatively flat. Back in, so you have easy access to the hood. Put your car in park, turn it off, remove the keys, put on the emergency brake and locate the hood release, which is on the left side of the steering wheel under the instrument panel.

3. Release the auxiliary latch located under the hood, in the center, to open your hood fully. Raise it and use the support rod to hold the hood securely while you work.

4. Look in the engine compartment and locate the windshield washer reservoir. The reservoir in the Chevy Cobalt is located in the bottom right corner. As in many models, there's an image of a waterspout on the cap.

5. Find the negative cable connected to the battery and disconnect it. Check if your Chevy Cobalt has air bags. If it does, wait at least a minute and a half before doing any work.

6. Detach the hose and connector from the washer pump. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the two lower screws and the upper screw that attach the reservoir to the car. Then, lift out the reservoir and toss the seals in the trash. You should always replace the seals and not reuse the old ones.

7. Locate the air induction assembly and the two retainers that are on the reservoir and undo them. Next, remove the washer pump by pulling it out of the reservoir.

8. Install the new windshield washer reservoir, by first attaching the pump to it. Then, put the two retainers and the air induction assembly back where they belong. Next, put the reservoir assembly in your Chevy Cobalt, redo the screws, replace the seals and connect the electrical lead and the hose. Finally, reconnect the negative battery cable.

9. Fill the new reservoir with fluid and test it to make sure you put everything back exactly as you found it and everything is working properly.

Tips & Warnings

• To check for a repairable crack in your Chevy Cobalt's windshield washer reservoir, pour some fluid in it to find the leak. If the crack is small enough, you can repair it, instead of having to replace the whole reservoir.
• Drain the reservoir into a catch pan, if there's any fluid left in the tank prior to uninstalling it.
• Always keep your windshield washer reservoir filled. Running the washer pump without fluid can damage it and replacing the pump can be harder than replacing the reservoir.

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