Q: washer fluid hasn't been coming out nozzles to windshield, yet within 12 hrs "refill washer fluid" notification comes up - leak?

asked by

John L

on October 10, 2016

Ok so about a month ago I was on 17 and randomly there was something maybe 12 inches tall, likely plastic because it didn't scratch the front bumper - but it made a very large CRACK sound - and i didn't put two and two together now that the following day the windshield washer nozzles no longer worked and they haven't since... I was notified to fill washer fluid and I did - still windshield nozzles wouldn't spray at all but however, the headlamps washer nozzle (one of them - not both) DID temporarily work... and given it was a full bottle of fluid and I only sprayed one headlamp - the next day the notification told me to refill washer fluid again - so I am thinking the undercarriage of the car must have an area of the washer fluid reservoir that is exposed and that region was struck and is leaking... Can this be patched up or would an entire new reservoir replacement be more logical? Assuming my assumption is correct, that is... anyways, let me know

My car has 94000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Save Big on Auto Repairs

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing

Get a quote

Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

Apply Now

What others are asking

What does the low tire pressure warning light mean?

There are several lights on the dash of your vehicle that indicate when problems arise. The Low Tire Pressure Warning Light will tell you when your tire pressure is low. To understand the Low Tire Pressure Warning Light. The Low...

99 Chevy S10 shakes at 35-45 mph

The first thing you should do is check your tires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-if-your-tires-are-in-good-condition) for balance. It can be that the tires are just out of balance. That's a very common thing. You'd want to pray that the tires are out of balance...

Engine chugging at low speeds when the weather is bad

It is very possible that moisture is getting into the connectors of the engine control module (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-engine-control-module-ecm). The connectors should be checked and cleaned if necessary. Di-electric grease can be used to help seal the connectors and keep the moisture...

My 08 scion xb vibrates at 55 mph

You did not specify the transmission you have but the problem sounds like an issue with the constant velocity inner joint. When these joints start to have problems with vibration they are known to exhibit problems under a load and...

Car starts with difficulty, ABS and O2 sensor lights on

Hello. The hard start and O2 sensor light can be due to the fuel control distributor leaking excessive amounts of fuel from the air control door. Some leakage is normal but less that 22cc of fuel and anymore than this...

AC compressor only engages around 40% of the time

This is likely due to a faulty thermostat sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) which is responsible for controlling the temperature at which the AC compressor comes on. To determine this will require a series of tests. I would recommend having an expert from...

Engine revving when going over 30 mph. Problem with the 3rd gear?

Hey there. It sounds like your clutch may be worn to the point of slipping. The engine revving but the vehicle speed not matching in 3rd gear is typically an early indication of the clutch being worn. When the clutch/pressure...

The EPS warling light just lit on my 2010 hyundai elantra but the steering seems fine. What might be the problem?

Hi there. When the electronic power steering light illuminates on the dashboard, it indicates that the ECU has detected a trouble code relative to that system. It could be as simple as the connection being loose, or the sensor being...

TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT: How do you determine which sensor is faulty?

Depending on the vehicle and tire pressure system you can find out what sensor is defective by scanning the TPMS system to isolate the failed sensor. Another way is to use a sensor activator scanner near each wheel to test...

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Rock Climber

If If you’re a rock climber, you want a vehicle that gets you where you need to go, even if the terrain gets rough. You may be living out of your vehicle at times, so you also want a rig...

How to Replace a Washer Fluid Level Switch

The washer fluid level switch fails when the Windshield Fluid Warning Light stays illuminated or there are unusual noises coming from the washer pump.

The Most and Least Expensive Cars to Insure

Car insurance quotes depend on the car make and model. The Honda Odyssey is the least expensive and the Dodge Viper is the most expensive to insure.

Q: washer fluid hasn't been coming out nozzles to windshield, yet within 12 hrs "refill washer fluid" notification comes up - leak?

Get an instant quote for your car

Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Related articles

Browse other content