How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Toyota Tundra

Introduced in 2000, the Toyota Tundra is a popular full-size pickup truck. It's important to remember certain things are vital to driving. One of them is always having a clean windshield. Use your windshield washer fluid to help you do this. Fill the reservoir routinely and check for leaks in the reservoir periodically. If you find a leak, decide if you need to fix or replace the reservoir.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windshield washer reservoir
• Screwdriver
• Seals
• Washer fluid
• Pan

1. Learn the part number of your windshield washer reservoir, which depends on the year of your Toyota Tundra. Getting to the reservoir in your truck 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 Toyota Tundra in your driveway, if it's relatively flat. Back in, so you have easy access to the hood. Put your truck 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 Toyota Tundra is located on the left side next to the power steering fluid reservoir.

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

6. Take out the reservoir by unbolting it from the upper radiator support. Then, lift the reservoir assembly from your Toyota Tundra.

7. 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; always use new ones instead of reusing the old ones.

8. Reattach the pump to the reservoir by hooking the wiring harness to the side of the reservoir and putting the hose back on. Replace the seals and place the reservoir assembly in your Toyota Tundra bolting it to the upper radiator support. Reconnect the negative battery cable and fill the new reservoir with windshield washer fluid.

Tips & Warnings

• Check for a repairable crack in your Tundra's reservoir by pouring some fluid in to find the leak. You may be able to repair the reservoir rather than replace it if the crack is small enough.
• If you're having a hard time finding your windshield washer reservoir, just look for a large clear container that almost always contains a blue-colored fluid.
• Before you remove the reservoir, set a pan under your car to catch any fluid that may still be in it.
• 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.

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