How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Toyota Tacoma
Introduced in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma is a compact or mid-size pickup truck depending on the year of your truck. Even if you have a new one, learning to fix or replace certain parts in your truck can save you money, especially if it isn't under warranty. Finding and fixing or replacing the windshield washer reservoir is a task you can do even if your mechanical knowledge is limited.
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Instructions
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Shop for a new windshield washer reservoir after finding the part number for your Toyota Tacoma, which depends on the year of your truck. See the Resources section for places to start your online search.
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Select a level surface to work on your Toyota Tacoma--be sure there's plenty of room. After putting your truck in park, turn it off, put on the emergency brake and exit the truck. With your right hand, reach in and pull the hood release.
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Access the engine compartment by releasing the auxiliary release latch under the hood. Raise the hood until the hydraulic lift kicks in and opens it fully.
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Find the windshield washer reservoir. The reservoir in the Toyota Tacoma is located in the front left corner the engine compartment next to the power steering fluid reservoir.
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Pour fluid into the reservoir to locate the leak, and if it's small, you may be able to patch it, otherwise, replace the whole reservoir. Disconnect the battery's negative cable and wait 90 seconds before stating to work, if your Toyota Tacoma is equipped with air bags.
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Take out the reservoir by unbolting it from the upper radiator support. Then, lift the reservoir assembly from your Tacoma.
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Slide the hose from the reservoir assembly. Then, remove the pump from the side of the reservoir by unhooking the wiring harness. Toss the seals.
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Reattach the pump to the new reservoir by hooking the wiring harness to the side of the reservoir and putting the hose back on the reservoir. Replace the seals and place the reservoir assembly in your Tacoma bolting it to the upper radiator support. Reconnect the negative battery cable and fill the new reservoir with windshield washer fluid.
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Tips & Warnings
Drain the reservoir into a catch pan, if there's any fluid left in the tank, before uninstalling it.
You can buy premixed windshield washer fluid--diluted window cleaner--or make your own by adding about three cups of window cleaner per one gallon of distilled water.
Avoid frozen fluid in your windshield washer reservoir and your washer lines by using weather appropriate fluid in the wintertime that includes both cleaner and ice remover.
