SL/R230: Washer fluid level
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Latrobe, PA
2022 GLE 450, 2003 SL500
Washer fluid level
Just bought an `03 SL 500. When filling the washer fluid reservoir, I topped it off as car is never in cold weather and not worried about expansion. I noted a lot of the fluid dripped slowly out while the car sat idle in the garage. Is this typical or do I need a new fluid level sensor?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 474
Likes: 120
From: North West England
SL500
Is it leaking from the reservoir, or somewhere else, like headlight washers?
The are 'O'-rings where the two pumps fit into the reservoir, but main leak point is where the neck of the filler tube enters the tank.
To find out where the leak is (if it is in the reservoir) just top it up, and leave it to drain. Where the level ends up is the level where the leak is.
Mine was actually leaking from one of the headlamp washers.
The are 'O'-rings where the two pumps fit into the reservoir, but main leak point is where the neck of the filler tube enters the tank.
To find out where the leak is (if it is in the reservoir) just top it up, and leave it to drain. Where the level ends up is the level where the leak is.
Mine was actually leaking from one of the headlamp washers.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Latrobe, PA
2022 GLE 450, 2003 SL500
Leak is not around the front of the car by the headlights. Does that confine it to the reservoir? Or could the headlight washers still be part of the problem even though the dripping seems to be coming from middle of the chassis by looking on the floor.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 474
Likes: 120
From: North West England
SL500
Washer bottle is to rear of front wheel on right hand (driver side in UK) behind the plastic inner arch protector. So likely, from your observation, that it is that that is leaking.
Cant remember how level sensor is fixed, but a possibility.
Only way to find out is to remove inner arch liner and take a look.
A said, wait untill the level settles (leak stops) then you know the location of the leak by the water level.
Cant remember how level sensor is fixed, but a possibility.
Only way to find out is to remove inner arch liner and take a look.
A said, wait untill the level settles (leak stops) then you know the location of the leak by the water level.
