Reset "Check Washer Fluid" Warning?
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Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 94
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S550, SRX, ML550
Reset "Check Washer Fluid" Warning?
I ran low on washer fluid the other day (it's amazing how much one uses when driving in slushy winter conditions), and got the "Check Washer Fluid" warning message on the center display. So when I got home I refilled the reservoir with RainX low temp washer fluid - this is now the third bottle of this particular product that I've used on this car now, the reservoir in the ML is huge - it takes a whole bottle to refill it!
My problem is that the warning message never seems to go away, clicking "OK" on the steering wheel resets it for the trip, but when I restart the car the warning comes right back. I checked and the reservoir is still full (no leaks)...
Do I have a trip to the dealer in my near future?
My problem is that the warning message never seems to go away, clicking "OK" on the steering wheel resets it for the trip, but when I restart the car the warning comes right back. I checked and the reservoir is still full (no leaks)...
Do I have a trip to the dealer in my near future?
Last edited by Thimee; Mar 5, 2013 at 12:09 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
I had the same issue with Rain-X washer fluid. Apparently the viscosity is different from normal fluid and it can't be detected by the sensor. If you switch back to normal (non-Rain-X) fluid, all will be well.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2012
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S550, SRX, ML550
Is there any de-icing washer fluid brand that you can recommend? I saw someone in another thread recommending a German brand, I wonder if it's any good?
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 186
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From: Gresham, OR
2020 GLE 450
If your dealer isn't too far away, have you asked if they will refill it as a courtesy? You never know. Besides they might be able to recommend a product other than what they sell for your washer.
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S550, SRX, ML550
The dealers also only have the MB "summerwash" stuff, which freezes at low temperatures, having frozen washer nozzles is a major safety issue if you cannot see through a slush covered windscreen. The ones I spoke to said that they leave it up to the customer to find a winter solution - uugh... the dealers in Colorado are extremely unhelpful and mostly useless.
Hence the question for those who live in colder climates - any recommendations other than the cheap "blue" stuff you find at gas stations?
Last edited by Thimee; Mar 6, 2013 at 03:32 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 32
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From: Mississauga, ON
2012 ML350 BlueTEC; 2003 4Runner V6 Limited
I filled up mine with Rain-X before the start of winter and it streaks and the wiper blade squeaks so I changed to Einszett Anti-Frost Washer fluid. It's a bit on the expensive side but very happy with it during this winter.
http://www.1z-usa.com/einszett_Anti-...her_Fluid.html
http://www.1z-usa.com/einszett_Anti-...her_Fluid.html
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 60
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From: Alexandria, VA USA
2013 ML 350 BlueTEC
I use the same stuff and it works very well. Amazon carries both summer and winter versions.
I filled up mine with Rain-X before the start of winter and it streaks and the wiper blade squeaks so I changed to Einszett Anti-Frost Washer fluid. It's a bit on the expensive side but very happy with it during this winter.
http://www.1z-usa.com/einszett_Anti-...her_Fluid.html
http://www.1z-usa.com/einszett_Anti-...her_Fluid.html
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Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
2010 E550 / 2012 ML 550
low washer fluid light
I have had the same problem with the last 6 MB vehicles i have had...sedans and SUV's, but here is the interesting part....
Once the sensor was replaced under warranty, i continued using Rain X, and never had the problem again.....
I dont know if the replacement part, is different to the factory installed part, and neither Rain X (i contacted them), nor MB could explain why the problem went away permanently, once the factory installed sensor was replaced....
Have your dealer replace the sensor, then you will be fine using Rain X again......
Once the sensor was replaced under warranty, i continued using Rain X, and never had the problem again.....
I dont know if the replacement part, is different to the factory installed part, and neither Rain X (i contacted them), nor MB could explain why the problem went away permanently, once the factory installed sensor was replaced....
Have your dealer replace the sensor, then you will be fine using Rain X again......
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
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From: Boston, Massachusetts
2011 E350
Leave the key in on position, do not start the engine then press OK button on the steering wheel.
I use the X-rain.
Sorry. It comes back up next day as my wife said.
Today, after I filled up gas, I reset:
Ometer and also the "From Start" . Now I was in and out few times to pick up my sons in different trips it is no longer shown the "Check washer fluid." Someone tries it to see if it works. Or it may be the floater inside the washer reservoir stuck and co-incident it floats again to trigger the fluid signal. I can only confirm next time when i refill the washer reservoir. Good lucks.
I dont think there is any such stupid design that uses the resistance reading for sensor. What if we use the distill or DI water? All the cars different makes that i have driven, they use the floater not the sensor.
As it today, the sensor keeps on and off. It s not fixed yet.
I use the X-rain.
Sorry. It comes back up next day as my wife said.
Today, after I filled up gas, I reset:
Ometer and also the "From Start" . Now I was in and out few times to pick up my sons in different trips it is no longer shown the "Check washer fluid." Someone tries it to see if it works. Or it may be the floater inside the washer reservoir stuck and co-incident it floats again to trigger the fluid signal. I can only confirm next time when i refill the washer reservoir. Good lucks.
I dont think there is any such stupid design that uses the resistance reading for sensor. What if we use the distill or DI water? All the cars different makes that i have driven, they use the floater not the sensor.
As it today, the sensor keeps on and off. It s not fixed yet.
Last edited by peterdpham; Mar 27, 2014 at 09:27 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1
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2012 CLS550
I was told by my mechanic that the washer fluid is measure by a float, not a sensor. And some time it gets stuck on the bottom.
It happens often on MB... Just gotta shake the container a bit..
But... Can anyone post a diagram of the washer fluid container so i can see how im gonna fix it or where is that float located??
It happens often on MB... Just gotta shake the container a bit..
But... Can anyone post a diagram of the washer fluid container so i can see how im gonna fix it or where is that float located??
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Mercedes Benz ML350BT 2014
I have the same problem with rain-x on my 2014 ML350BT. The sensor seems hard to reach. The reservoir is located behind the front bumper on the left side. Any one has some insight on how to reach it?
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
CLS550
Hi...I had the same issue with my CLS550, I ran my summer fluid dry, replaced with Armour All De-Icer, and immediately got the “Check Washer Fluid” warning. I came across this site so I drained Armour All fluid, replaced with no name winter washer fluid and the issue went away! So we now know two types of winter washer fluid will trigger a warning.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 48
From: Queens,NYC
2014 E63s 1993 mazda rx7 on Boost
My Fix was warm water..Ok Hot water
I use water all the time in all my cars until my overnight temperatures are into the 40s then I switch over to washer fluids.
I have used rainX but I am not sure when i started seeing the warning. Try some hot water.... Run it dry first hot water site for a few and then spray it...add water and check if warning is gone.
I have used rainX but I am not sure when i started seeing the warning. Try some hot water.... Run it dry first hot water site for a few and then spray it...add water and check if warning is gone.
