2004 Windshield Washer Reservoir

[tarheel76]

How do you get to this fluid reservoir? I discovered that mine leaks and never realized that until today. I was doing a pre-winter check on all my fluids and after filling it fluid started dripping on the garage floor. I see where the white translucent filler tube goes into the fender well. Is this a DIY project and what would have caused this to leak? Any ideas or solutions to my leaking solution? tarheel76

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[konigstiger]

Originally Posted by tarheel76

How do you get to this fluid reservoir?

Check your email.

[tarheel76]

Thanks for the email pictures. Before I decide IF I want to take on this project what should cause this to leak? Is there bottom drain plug/seal that may be defective? Have you ever had this problem and how labor intensive is this? Thanks....

tarheel76

[jimbo1763]

I did this fix in my 2007 E350. Not sure if your configuration is the same. That being said, though, the hardest part by far was gaining access. Had to remove the right front tire and remove/peel back the wheel well covers. Once I did that, though, access was okay.

I had suspected a worn out grommet where the pump goes into the tank-apparently that is a common source of leakage. I replaced that, but my leak remained. On further investigation, I found that my pump itself was leaking, which surprised me. I replaced that, and the leak was gone. The grommet is cheap, the pump not so much so. But I got tired of seeing the puddle on the floor.

[tarheel76]

Thanks for your response... The previous forum member sent me (4) detailed email pix files in the removal/replacement of the pump assembly. As per the owners manual the reservoir holds 4.8 qts. I started with a full 1.2 gallon container of RainX washer fluid and used 1.5 qts to bring it to the top of the "filler tube". Per my calculations that meant that there was 3.3 qts still in the reservoir. There has to be an "O ring" where the "filler tube" joins the reservoir and my first guess is that is the problem area. I siphoned all of the fluid from the "filler tube" (approx 1 pt.). I will keep watching my garage floor for any signs of leaking fluid. What the heck Columbus took a gamble. I live in extreme Eastern NC.

tarheel76

[jimbo1763]

If yours stops leaking after a while (once it gets lower than where the filler neck goes in), that may be right. Mine would go all the way down until the system would flash at me telling me to add washer fluid.

[tarheel76]

I have never had any signals that my fluid was low. Having owned the car for two years I doubt if I have used the washers more than 3-4 times. If the leak goes away I'll just add a qt if I get a light on the dash. Only time will tell.

tarheel76

[novae500]

i have the same issue, Fill to the top and it leaks, but still have some fluid when i do use it to spray the windsheild. I dont get the low on washer fluid, So must be the filler tube oring??

[Gersh320]

I'm having the same issue as above. I get the check fluid warning, but still has fluid. I added fluid but leaks down to where there is probably only one cup. konigstiger, would you be able to post pics on this thread? 3 years ago I paid the dealership $129 to fix this, the part listed @ only $1! even the name of the part I need to replace, bottom or (if any) top grommet would help. Thank you

[jimbo1763]

Originally Posted by Gersh320

I'm having the same issue as above. I get the check fluid warning, but still has fluid. I added fluid but leaks down to where there is probably only one cup. konigstiger, would you be able to post pics on this thread? 3 years ago I paid the dealership $129 to fix this, the part listed @ only $1! even the name of the part I need to replace, bottom or (if any) top grommet would help. Thank you

Just FWIW, my issue turned out to be a leaking pump, not a leaking grommet.