Washer fluid light on, how do I get the washer bottle out?

wig · Post by **wig** » 14 Jan 2010, 01:45

Hi, I have a 440 2.0i on a 96 plate, how do I remove the washer bottle to check the level indicator within it?

The light is getting on my nerves now, and it will be up for sale soon due to an upgrade to an 850 T5, and want it perfect!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Wig!

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 Jan 2010, 12:25

As far as I can remember you don't need to remove the washer bottle. The sender unit is mounted at the front top.

Bill.

nifton · Post by **nifton** » 27 Jan 2010, 04:25

Yeah, you can see it clearly, its mounted about halfway up the bottle, it's most anoying when it hits the threshold as it triggers the light to flicker when you accelorate or slow down.

wig · Post by **wig** » 20 Apr 2010, 23:25

Hi all, Finally got round to this job! Got it out, no way of repairing it, and cant seem to find one at the moment, so I'll just leave it disconnected until I find one!
It is at the front, as you both so rightly pointed out. I really should have gone to spec savers! I'm just too busy fixing everyone elses cars so mine only gets a quick look then I run out of time or patience!

Thanks again!

Craig!

Post by **billofdurham** » 21 Apr 2010, 12:37

Why replace it? I ran my 740 for years without one. If you keep an eye on the fluid level you don't need it.

Bill.

wig · Post by **wig** » 21 Apr 2010, 23:57

I'm the kind of person that thinks, well if it's fitted, it should work. Especially when it goes to a new owner, I would like it to be in perfect condition! The wife moans at me sometimes, says I'm wasting money.

Craig!

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Apr 2010, 12:10

In the good old days cars didn't have things like washer bottle low warning lights so I have always made a point of checking all fluid levels daily. This was required when I was working so it was no hardship for me.

I can remember the really old days when cars didn't have washers. I used to carry a liquid soap bottle filled with water and if the screen got dirty I would stick my hand out of the window and give it a squirt or two of water. I was one of the first in my area to fit a screen washer. The reservoir held about 1 pint of water and the pump was manually operated. To prevent freezing I added methylated spirits, which didn't work.

It will be cheaper to pop the bonnet occasionally and look at the level.

Bill.

wig · Post by **wig** » 23 Apr 2010, 00:54

I check the levels once maybe twice a week, the car doesn't get used much some days!

While we are on the subject of washers etc. I have noticed that the O/S headlamp wiper has grown a mind of it's own!

I'll go out on a journey, don't wash the screen, but when I look the wiper has moved from the rest position towards the grille. The N/S one stays where it is and works when it is supposed to. Also, the O/S one does not operate when it should, i.e. washing the screen. So the motor isn't seized! What do you reckon that could be bill?

By the way, I remember the old manual pump washer operation, it was never very good, especially at speed, although an improvement on sticking your arm out the window! I used to work on old Land Rovers (proper series 1,2, 2a etc), and they were shockingly rubbish, thank god things have moved on!

Anyway, I'm starting to sound old now, so if you have come across the old headlamp washers with their own brains before and could shed any light on it, it would be most helpful!

Kind Regards,

Craig!

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Apr 2010, 12:00

I had that problem with the headlight wiper on my 240 for a short time and never did find out what it was. One day it started working properly again and didn't give me any more trouble before I sold it.

Bill.