212swe

It seems that Mercedes has some sensor that not can detect all kind of washer fluids. Have read on the web that its seems only to happen with winter fluids!?

My light has been on since I bought the car always go with - 30 Celsius and didn't know why that message keep popping up all the time. Was reading here on the forum some say it can be the fluid and yess it was.

If you have the same problem you may try to change your fluid.

dlafever

I rarely use fluid, just a gallon of distilled water (easy on the nozzles) and a squirt of Dawn dishwashing liquid. The Dawn has enough electrolytes in it to allow the conductors of the level sensor to work properly. If you're in a colder climate add some ammonia or rubbing alcohol to lower the freezing point.

kajtek1

When you have the light with full reservoir - add 3 grains of salt to the fluid.

212swe

Thanks for the tips But seems to working good with another brand! Why they putting a sensor that not can detect all fluids

kajtek1

The same reason they made SCN coding. It is all about buying at MB.

cetialpha5

You're only supposed to use the blue MB fluid. I've already replace my sensor. When you use the wrong fluid, it can gum up the sensor so that it's on all the time no matter what you use. But the sensor is only around $10+ and not too hard to change out. No idea what the previous owner used.

212swe

Now I see it leaking from underside common problem it’s the grommets to the pumps they are 2 pumps in the bottom and you access these from the front tire housing!

Here you got MB art-nr if you have same issue!

010 997 1181 and 000 998 9001

Putting up video later on the install!

kajtek1

I had the washer tank grommets leaking on my 2001 ML when I bought it in 2008.
My remedy was to go to JY and remove the same size grommets from MB build in 1980's as those last for decades.
Same for hose and wire holders.

Arrie

I have used various washer fluids from very many different gas stations and Walmart where it is cheap. I have never seen any problem with the washer tank level. When it says "Check washer fluid" I stop at a gas station and buy and pour a gallon of washer fluid in the reservoir. Never had any problem and never thought I would have to buy washer fluid from the dealer. That would be insane. Something else is wrong, not the fluid.

kajtek1

No, the latest level sensors are not float sensors, but conductivity sensors.
They need certain PH, or whatever for current flow and not all fluids provide it.
That's where 3 grains of salt make the difference.

212swe

Interesting seems to be same in W124 never had problem with this. But yah they cost like 1 $ each and change pretty easy but still annoying.

djdirty76

Hi. I’ve had the same problem last winter. What happened is I used some orange -45 fluid bought at Canadian tire. I’m in Canada. . And the problem started. I’ve heard about the issues like that before somewhere on the forum. I run the orange fluid out which took few min of window washing. Anyways. I bought another brand and never had a problem. My fluid is blue now.

DFWdude

Krzysztof, when you say 3 grains of salt, do you literally mean 3 tiny grains of salt crystals, or an amount you can meter with a measuring spoon, or a powder scale?

kajtek1

Driving in CA and NV the 5l washer reservoir would last me for 20 years if it would not evaporate after 6
The 3 salt grains remedy is something I pick up from respectful member on Polish MB forum and it only makes sense.
Coming to technical application, I can't verify size of Polish grains v/s USA grains, so you have to do your own experiment ..

cetialpha5

The sensor was bad. Once I replaced it, it was fine. I always used the regular blue stuff at Walmart. As mentioned earlier, it's basically two prongs that detect the connectivity of the fluid. If you get the wrong electrical signal from using a different type of fluid than what MB expects, then it would also trigger the fluid low warning or the sensor just goes bad. Once you remove the shroud around the wheel well, it's easily accessible. It's a common sensor used on many other MB cars and in other forums people mention the sensor being gummed up by using a different type of fluid, typically the bug and tar orange stuff. Also videos about it on youtube.

kajtek1

The sensor is just 2 metal pins. What wrong can go with it?

cetialpha5

It's just like any other piece of electronics that can go bad. Didn't get the right reading. Replaced it and it was fine afterwards.

kajtek1

How much electronics did you have in metal pin?
I suspect they were dirty?

212swe

Going to try salt thing with - 30 fluid hope it works! This - 18 fluid not really work good. Start to ice as soon it hit the window!

nota_amg

you should move...LOL!

J/K

Arrie

I don't think mine is a float sensor either.

Just normal "clean" water conducts electricity and I believe all washer fluids have water in it so hard to believe this would be a fluid issue.

ygmn

Why does MB use some fancy sensor in lieu of a float switch like everyone else in the world.
Argggggggggggggggg.

cetialpha5

It's like a $10 sensor, basically just two metal probes with an electrical connector. I wouldn't exactly call that fancy. In other cars, you know you're out when nothing comes out.

kajtek1

The same type of sensors are used for last 50 years in RV holding tanks. Evidently S***t conducts electricity better.

212swe

Guys have do two other brands of fluid for - 18 C now after the video and it work flawless