Windshield washer fluid light
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 165
Likes: 10
Honda Pilot
Windshield washer fluid light
The low windshield washer fluid light comes on in my GLK when the temps are below 32*F. When it's warmer the light doesn't come on. There's plenty of windshield washer fluid in the tank. It's been doing it for a few more months now, and does it even if the fluid level in the tank is mid level or full. Anyone else had this?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 887
Likes: 6
From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
Yep, it happened to me last winter. The light would come on when it was below freezing. I brought it to the dealer and they said, are you ready for this "it is the wrong fluid and doesn't protect to a low enough temperature".
I told them at the time that I was using Rain-X and they told me that they had to drain it and they refilled it with their brand. I never had the problem again. My question always was, how does a sensor that is supposed to indicate the lack of fluid measure the temperature of the fluid. I was always able to spray the windshield with fluid even when the indicator came on. They did not charge me but said that it was my fault.
I had reason to go to the parts department a couple of months ago and when I asked them about the fluid I should use he gave me a gallon of some blue stuff and said "here use this, this is what we put in all the cars." It was some no name blue liquid. He didn't charge me for it and while I was there he gave be a small bottle of "Summer Fit". There is also supposed to be "Winter Fit". They are just additives to help clean the windshield like detergent.
Like I said never had the problem again but still can't figure it out.
I told them at the time that I was using Rain-X and they told me that they had to drain it and they refilled it with their brand. I never had the problem again. My question always was, how does a sensor that is supposed to indicate the lack of fluid measure the temperature of the fluid. I was always able to spray the windshield with fluid even when the indicator came on. They did not charge me but said that it was my fault.
I had reason to go to the parts department a couple of months ago and when I asked them about the fluid I should use he gave me a gallon of some blue stuff and said "here use this, this is what we put in all the cars." It was some no name blue liquid. He didn't charge me for it and while I was there he gave be a small bottle of "Summer Fit". There is also supposed to be "Winter Fit". They are just additives to help clean the windshield like detergent.
Like I said never had the problem again but still can't figure it out.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 165
Likes: 10
Honda Pilot
Yep, it happened to me last winter. The light would come on when it was below freezing. I brought it to the dealer and they said, are you ready for this "it is the wrong fluid and doesn't protect to a low enough temperature".
I told them at the time that I was using Rain-X and they told me that they had to drain it and they refilled it with their brand. I never had the problem again. My question always was, how does a sensor that is supposed to indicate the lack of fluid measure the temperature of the fluid. I was always able to spray the windshield with fluid even when the indicator came on. They did not charge me but said that it was my fault.
I had reason to go to the parts department a couple of months ago and when I asked them about the fluid I should use he gave me a gallon of some blue stuff and said "here use this, thiss is what we put in all the cars." It was some no name blue liquid. He didn't charge me for it and while I was there he gave be a small bottle of "Summer Fit". There is also supposed to be "Winter Fit". They are just additives to help clean the windshield like detergent.
Like I said never had the problem again but still can't figure it out.
I told them at the time that I was using Rain-X and they told me that they had to drain it and they refilled it with their brand. I never had the problem again. My question always was, how does a sensor that is supposed to indicate the lack of fluid measure the temperature of the fluid. I was always able to spray the windshield with fluid even when the indicator came on. They did not charge me but said that it was my fault.
I had reason to go to the parts department a couple of months ago and when I asked them about the fluid I should use he gave me a gallon of some blue stuff and said "here use this, thiss is what we put in all the cars." It was some no name blue liquid. He didn't charge me for it and while I was there he gave be a small bottle of "Summer Fit". There is also supposed to be "Winter Fit". They are just additives to help clean the windshield like detergent.
Like I said never had the problem again but still can't figure it out.
So what do they recommend people buy? You can easily go through a whole gallon bottle in a few days if there is a storm. They can't expect people to buy their crap... grr
Last edited by koojo; Feb 5, 2011 at 11:23 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 887
Likes: 6
From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
It was just generic crap that probably had a better below zero rating. The blue stuff was called Splash and its good down to 20 below zero. At a retail of $2 and change you can't go wrong.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Tromsø, 69° 41' N
2010 GLK 220CDI 4M BlueEFFICIENCY
The low windshield washer fluid light comes on in my GLK when the temps are below 32*F. When it's warmer the light doesn't come on. There's plenty of windshield washer fluid in the tank. It's been doing it for a few more months now, and does it even if the fluid level in the tank is mid level or full. Anyone else had this?
I did as well refer to a Daimler internal info, addressing the issue, translated (in short) from Danish:
Cause: The electrical conductivity of the fluid is insufficient due to:
- Usage of distilled or "deonized" water.
- Amount of water (providing conductivity) in the solution i too small.
- The anti-freezing additive to high.
Electrical conductivity of water decreases for example 2% per 1°C (1,8°F). Assuming various washer fluid brands “behaves” accordingly, the conductivity of the fluid, with decreasing temperature, may finally “open” the fluid level sensor circuitry, thus triggering the display message.
An experiment would be (DON’T DO IT!
) adding a little salt to the reservoir to see if the message disappeared, as it would increase the electrical conductivity of the fluid, however the side effects - We are using the MB Winterfit, for protection down to -18ºC (-.4ºF), mixed 1:1 with water. From the “The anti-freezing additive to high”, do I see why a higher concentration is not recommended – to prevent false Low Level Warning Display messages.
You COULD try adding a little (tap) water to the reservoir, thus reducing the mixture concentration i.e. increasing the conductivity, given the fluid still will provide antifreeze protection as required for your area.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 165
Likes: 10
Honda Pilot
Yeah I suppose I could give that a try.. but what a PITA. You would think that they would have put a better sensor in there for this very reason.
I have been using the -20*F fluid so next time I'll try to put some tap water in there, and hope it doesn't freeze.
I have been using the -20*F fluid so next time I'll try to put some tap water in there, and hope it doesn't freeze.
Last edited by koojo; Feb 6, 2011 at 07:31 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Tromsø, 69° 41' N
2010 GLK 220CDI 4M BlueEFFICIENCY
Our replacement sensor is most likely manufactured at specifications as for the original (another statement given). We haven’t seen the error message after the replacement, however have environmental temperatures only been down to the “critical point” – so far. We will see – and report
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver
Mazda 5, GLK350
it could be possible that the rainx's composition has some things that blocks the sensor because rainx is a derivative of glass coatings and the sensor prob had a build up, maybe.
Im happily using my 1z Krystal Klarr + 1z Antifrost Washer fluids
Im happily using my 1z Krystal Klarr + 1z Antifrost Washer fluids
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
