How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Chevy Avalanche

The Chevy Avalanche is a full-size sport pickup truck. One way to keep it looking brand new is to keep it clean and this includes the windshield. Using your windshield washer fluid helps maintain the windshield. If you've filled the reservoir and found you don't have any fluid, you probably have a leak and need to replace your reservoir--an easy task with the right directions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windshield washer reservoir
• Pry bar
• 1/8-inch drift pin
• Screwdriver
• Drain bucket
• Washer fluid
• Seals

1. Arrange for a new windshield washer reservoir, before working on your Chevy Avalanche. This will save you time later, since you won't have to dismantle your truck twice. The part number depends on the year of your Avalanche.

2. Park your truck on a level surface to check for a leak. Turn it off, put on the emergency brake and pull the hood release, which is on the left side of the steering wheel under the instrument panel.

3. Get out of your Chevy Avalanche, go to the front of the truck and find the auxiliary release. Raise the hood with your hands until the hydraulic lift kicks in and opens it fully.

4. Check your windshield washer reservoir for a leak. The reservoir in the Chevy Avalanche is black-capped and located in the engine compartment under the windshield wiper arms and cowl grille. As in many models, there's an image of a waterspout on the cap.

5. Start by disconnecting the battery's negative cable. Always wait 90 seconds before continuing, if your Chevy Avalanche is equipped with air bags.

6. Remove the wiper arms by one of three ways. If a spring clip holds the wiper arms together and there's a release tab at the center, depress the tab and it will release the arm. If there isn't a tab use a small pry bar to depress the spring and release the arm. Otherwise, there should be a small release hole at the base and inserting a 1/8-inch drift pin into the access hole will release the locking device and let you easily take out the arm.

7. Take off the cowl top screen by gently pulling the outer corners of the cowl until you're able to release it. Then, using a screwdriver, disconnect the wiring harness, the washer hose and the sheet metal screws attached to your reservoir. Lift out the windshield washer reservoir and throw away all the old reservoir's seals, as you'll need to replace these when you install the new one.

8. Install the new windshield washer reservoir in your Chevy Avalanche by putting the tank in the same place you removed the old, reconnecting the wiring harness, the washer hose and the sheet metal screws and replacing the seals. Continue by putting the cowl top screen back in place. Then, put the windshield washer arms back in by reversing the order in Step 6 and reconnect the battery.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a drain bucket below the reservoir to catch any washer solvent that may leak out.
• Make sure you put everything back exactly as you found it to ensure everything works properly and fill the new reservoir with windshield washer fluid before testing it out.
• For models made before 2006, turn the auxiliary hood release to the left; after 2006 to the right.

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