Rain-X windshield washer fluid problem?
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Rain-X windshield washer fluid problem?
I've been using the Rain-X (orange) windshield washer fluid for a while, in several cars also.
Two days ago my wife complained that her '13 Golf (she loves VW's, what can I say) turned on the dash light for low washer fluid. When I checked, it was about a cup low (i.e. not low enough that the sensor should trip on). The light is on steady. After Googling I found a number of VW owners with the same problem. The dealer asked if we were using the orange stuff and mentioned Rain-X, before I did. He said that 'silicone-based' fluid ruins the sensor. He wasn't sure if it affected other cars but definitely VW. They can try to flush it out or worst case, would need to replace the sensor. At least for her car, I'm switching back to the blue stuff after we get it fixed.
Does anybody use the Rain-Ex in their E-class and have there been any reported problems to your knowledge?
Two days ago my wife complained that her '13 Golf (she loves VW's, what can I say) turned on the dash light for low washer fluid. When I checked, it was about a cup low (i.e. not low enough that the sensor should trip on). The light is on steady. After Googling I found a number of VW owners with the same problem. The dealer asked if we were using the orange stuff and mentioned Rain-X, before I did. He said that 'silicone-based' fluid ruins the sensor. He wasn't sure if it affected other cars but definitely VW. They can try to flush it out or worst case, would need to replace the sensor. At least for her car, I'm switching back to the blue stuff after we get it fixed.
Does anybody use the Rain-Ex in their E-class and have there been any reported problems to your knowledge?
Last edited by noka; Feb 20, 2015 at 06:53 PM.
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2006 E320 CDI 2014 C63 507 Coupe 2012 E550 4M 2016 E63s Wagon
I've had problems with the orange rain-x too.
It started in my 2012 Ram 1500. Got low fluid warning even when filled. I called the dealer and asked if they could take a look at this minor problem - he immediately asked if I used that wiper fluid and then told me it doesn't work with the sensors and that I needed to switch. I looked at the Ram forums and there were 100s of posts, subaru and BMW as well.
Sounds like Rain-x re-forumulated the fluid and perhaps it coats the sensors (I'm guessing conductivity sensors).
I didn't have any issues with the rain-x in my W211, but my W212 I put it in for the first time (after emptiying the blue-junk), and it took a while for the warning to go off, and comes and goes now.
I have another gallon of rain-x, and have gone out of my way to buy it since it worked so well. However, now that I'm having these issues I'm also wondering if it doesn't work as well as it used to do the re-forumulation.
It started in my 2012 Ram 1500. Got low fluid warning even when filled. I called the dealer and asked if they could take a look at this minor problem - he immediately asked if I used that wiper fluid and then told me it doesn't work with the sensors and that I needed to switch. I looked at the Ram forums and there were 100s of posts, subaru and BMW as well.
Sounds like Rain-x re-forumulated the fluid and perhaps it coats the sensors (I'm guessing conductivity sensors).
I didn't have any issues with the rain-x in my W211, but my W212 I put it in for the first time (after emptiying the blue-junk), and it took a while for the warning to go off, and comes and goes now.
I have another gallon of rain-x, and have gone out of my way to buy it since it worked so well. However, now that I'm having these issues I'm also wondering if it doesn't work as well as it used to do the re-forumulation.
Last edited by rediesel; Feb 20, 2015 at 09:56 AM.
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
I've had problems with the orange rain-x too.
It started in my 2012 Ram 1500. Got low fluid warning even when filled. I called the dealer and asked if they could take a look at this minor problem - he immediately asked if I used that wiper fluid and then told me it doesn't work with the sensors and that I needed to switch. I looked at the Ram forums and there were 100s of posts, subaru and BMW as well.
Sounds like Rain-x re-forumulated the fluid and perhaps it coats the sensors (I'm guessing conductivity sensors).
I didn't have any issues with the rain-x in my W211, but my W212 I put it in for the first time (after emptiying the blue-junk), and it took a while for the warning to go off, and comes and goes now.
I have another gallon of rain-x, and have gone out of my way to buy it since it worked so well. However, now that I'm having these issues I'm also wondering if it doesn't work as well as it used to do the re-forumulation.
It started in my 2012 Ram 1500. Got low fluid warning even when filled. I called the dealer and asked if they could take a look at this minor problem - he immediately asked if I used that wiper fluid and then told me it doesn't work with the sensors and that I needed to switch. I looked at the Ram forums and there were 100s of posts, subaru and BMW as well.
Sounds like Rain-x re-forumulated the fluid and perhaps it coats the sensors (I'm guessing conductivity sensors).
I didn't have any issues with the rain-x in my W211, but my W212 I put it in for the first time (after emptiying the blue-junk), and it took a while for the warning to go off, and comes and goes now.
I have another gallon of rain-x, and have gone out of my way to buy it since it worked so well. However, now that I'm having these issues I'm also wondering if it doesn't work as well as it used to do the re-forumulation.
.
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2012 E-350
Little bits of info like this makes me appreciate car forums.
Another thing about the orange Rain-X is the streaks are far worse then with cheap blue fluid.
Bad thing about the blue stuff is I've had it freeze at the nozzles before, Rain-X not the case.
Another thing about the orange Rain-X is the streaks are far worse then with cheap blue fluid.
Bad thing about the blue stuff is I've had it freeze at the nozzles before, Rain-X not the case.
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
I also found some reference to other car makes/models having problems with the Rain-X.
Last edited by noka; Feb 20, 2015 at 06:54 PM.
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From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
For what's it worth my SA told me to never use Rain-X in my MB, something about messing with the sensors. My Indy said the same thing. They said the blue stuff is fine. Heading to the boatshow in Boston later, expect to use plenty when the next storm rolls in this evening. Can hardly wait :-(
More info here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...d-warning.html
More info here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...d-warning.html
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2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
Interesting to find out about the orange vs blue fluid though, I never would have expected that. Mine has the blue so I'll just continue with that.
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From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
I use the prestone windshield solvent. It is a yellow green color. Never have had a problem with it. I drain the winter stuff out before I put the summer stuff in. It takes 2 full gallons of solvent when it is completely empty. It is hard to find but autozone carries it.
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2012 E-350
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From: Nyack, NY
C300 Sport 4Matic
So what's the best brand to use? Thought Rain-X was the real stuff
Last edited by MBSebas87; Feb 22, 2015 at 07:05 PM.
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2012 E-350
Well, after reading through this thread I'd say to just stick with the cheap blue stuff. Or maybe getting the green Prestone fluid assuming it's not silicone based
We're at the end of February so it won't be long until spring, and with it, thinking about washer fluid will be at the bottom of the list
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MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Rain-X messed up with the sensor in a C350 I had a few years back. They drained the tank and added "normal" washer fluid and it was good again.
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
My E350 appears to also be difficult to access but so far no problem. I'm going to try to use it up quickly. Luckily, I did not add a full reservoir amount but only topped off a few times and I'm hoping that will help prevent problems with the E.
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2006 E320 CDI 2014 C63 507 Coupe 2012 E550 4M 2016 E63s Wagon
Couldn't figure out why my headlamp washers weren't working so I read the manual. To engage - the headlights must be on and then it operates every 10th time you wash the windows. No wonder I've never seen them work. Also washer fluid: anyone use Benz fluid? Per manual...
Use MB SummerFit windshield washerconcentrate at temperatures above freezing:
Mix 1 part MB SummerFit with 100 partswater.
Use MB WinterFit windshield washerconcentrate at temperatures below freezing:
At temperatures down to 14F -10C: mix1 part MB WinterFit with 2 parts water.
At temperatures down to 4F -20C :mix1 part MB WinterFit with 1 part water.
At temperatures down to -20.2F -29C: mix 2 parts MB WinterFitwith 1 part water.
! Only SummerFit and WinterFit can bemixed. Otherwise, the jets could becomeblocked.Vehicle data
Use MB SummerFit windshield washerconcentrate at temperatures above freezing:
Mix 1 part MB SummerFit with 100 partswater.
Use MB WinterFit windshield washerconcentrate at temperatures below freezing:
At temperatures down to 14F -10C: mix1 part MB WinterFit with 2 parts water.
At temperatures down to 4F -20C :mix1 part MB WinterFit with 1 part water.
At temperatures down to -20.2F -29C: mix 2 parts MB WinterFitwith 1 part water.
! Only SummerFit and WinterFit can bemixed. Otherwise, the jets could becomeblocked.Vehicle data
Last edited by rediesel; Mar 6, 2015 at 05:23 PM.
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'11 E350BTC P2 Leather
Over the weekend I siphoned the orange Rain-X out of my tank and filled it with the blue stuff from Autozone.
This immediately stopped the "Low Washer Fluid" warning that kept coming up even when the tank was full with the orange stuff.
A pity, because I liked the orange stuff a lot.
BTW, the empty tank (well, I think it was empty because the siphon stopped) took one gallon to be full. I am guessing it's a 4L tank.
This immediately stopped the "Low Washer Fluid" warning that kept coming up even when the tank was full with the orange stuff.
A pity, because I liked the orange stuff a lot.
BTW, the empty tank (well, I think it was empty because the siphon stopped) took one gallon to be full. I am guessing it's a 4L tank.
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From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
Over the weekend I siphoned the orange Rain-X out of my tank and filled it with the blue stuff from Autozone.
This immediately stopped the "Low Washer Fluid" warning that kept coming up even when the tank was full with the orange stuff.
A pity, because I liked the orange stuff a lot.
BTW, the empty tank (well, I think it was empty because the siphon stopped) took one gallon to be full. I am guessing it's a 4L tank.
This immediately stopped the "Low Washer Fluid" warning that kept coming up even when the tank was full with the orange stuff.
A pity, because I liked the orange stuff a lot.
BTW, the empty tank (well, I think it was empty because the siphon stopped) took one gallon to be full. I am guessing it's a 4L tank.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 3
From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
Over the weekend I siphoned the orange Rain-X out of my tank and filled it with the blue stuff from Autozone.
This immediately stopped the "Low Washer Fluid" warning that kept coming up even when the tank was full with the orange stuff.
A pity, because I liked the orange stuff a lot.
BTW, the empty tank (well, I think it was empty because the siphon stopped) took one gallon to be full. I am guessing it's a 4L tank.
This immediately stopped the "Low Washer Fluid" warning that kept coming up even when the tank was full with the orange stuff.
A pity, because I liked the orange stuff a lot.
BTW, the empty tank (well, I think it was empty because the siphon stopped) took one gallon to be full. I am guessing it's a 4L tank.
) formula.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,367
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
I'd consider you lucky given all the problem posts I have seen and my wife's problem. I'll never use it again unless the formula is changed and proven to be safe for windshield washer systems.
