Have difficulty turning off your low washer fluid light? No worries! Fortunately, it’s an easy and simple task you can do yourself without resorting to professional mechanics – I speak from experience!
Windshield washer fluid is one of your car’s most uncomplicated yet important systems. Driving safely can become challenging if you cannot see clearly, and we all know that debris, such as bugs or snowfall, can suddenly reduce visibility without warning.
Here’s a helpful guide on what low washer fluid light means for you, how to turn it off without hassle or delay, and whether you can drive your car with low washer fluid level.
What Does Low Washer Fluid Light Mean?
When your washer fluid levels begin to run low, this light illuminates; however, that’s the case if the light remains illuminated after starting up again.
At first start-up, your dashboard lights will conduct a brief bulb check to ensure everything is functioning. While these warning lights should be disregarded as necessary, those that remain illuminated after passing this test should be of particular concern.
Therefore, if your car indicates low washer fluid levels, that means the reservoir needs to be filled with fresh water and a few drops of household bleach to restore full levels. Additionally, issues could exist with its safety valve or filter; to further clear these possibilities, run a hose through both to clear any debris out.
If this doesn’t help, there is a higher chance of an issue in your system and parts that might need replacing immediately to keep everything functioning correctly. A low washer fluid level can only ensure visibility if you clean your windshield adequately.
How To Turn Off Low Washer Fluid Light?
Once your washer fluid indicator lights up, it is time to fill up your washer fluid. Doing this is easy – all it requires is visiting any auto parts store or gas station and purchasing a gallon of windshield washer fluid to start filling your reservoirs again.
Note: Curious to know why your cool reservoir keeps emptying. Find out here.
When you have your washer fluid in hand, open up your car’s hood and locate its reservoir – usually, a round plastic tank in white or yellow with blue liquid inside that features an image depicting what should appear as your dashboard indicator light for washer fluid levels.
Remove the cap, fill up to the fill line (if there’s no fill line, leave an inch or two of space), and reattach the cap. When starting your car again, the washer fluid indicator light should have been turned off.
If your washer fluid indicator is still illuminated, check to see if the cap is secured and ensure that you’ve properly closed it this time.
However, after following these steps, if the light doesn’t turn off, visit a mechanic to sort out the issue and see if you require a replacement of the washer fluid level switch or if your reservoir needs deep cleaning with distilled water.
Can I Drive With Low Washer Fluid?
If your washer fluid level drops below sufficient levels, driving may still be possible; however, it is wise to replenish as soon as possible. If your car can continue with low washer fluid levels without showing any damage or issue, then it’s no cause for concern.
But, for best results, you should get it checked once every two weeks in case any issues arise. I recommend not to stall the issue and fix the problem following this guide to avoid any mishap or damage.
How Can I Tell If Windshield Fluid Is Low?
One sign of low windshield fluid levels is when its effectiveness in washing away dirt is reduced significantly, making driving more hazardous, particularly at night.
Low windshield fluid levels cause its viscosity to decrease, slowing the flow through your system and potentially disrupting some windshield wipers from working correctly or leaving certain areas of glass surfaces uncleaned by wiper blades.
This may result in the windshields not cleaning as thoroughly, and/or cleaning will become less efficient as time progresses. Thus, it’s recommended to be aware of the low washer fluid level and to fix it before it’s an issue.
How To Reset Low Washer Fluid Light?
As mentioned, the most common reason is the transparent washer reservoir tank’s low fluid. However, if the light does not turn off after resolving that issue (i.e., filling up the reservoir tank) – here are some circumstances that could activate the low washer fluid light and how you can address them so the light turns off.
- Bring The Floater Up The Stream
Your washer tank’s tiny float mechanism may have become stuck. If this happens, grab something from your closet – such as a coat hanger or rod – and insert it down the filler of washer fluid. By doing this, you can return its floater mechanism to its proper place.
- Use The Gas Pedal
Once your ignition is running, press on your gas pedal all-the-way down and repeat this action five times within three seconds to reset your low washer fluid light. This has worked successfully for many drivers, including me; it could work for you, too.
- Replacement of Washer Fluid Sensor
If the light doesn’t turn off after filling up with washer fluid, the sensor for your washer fluid light has been compromised or is damaged; you will find this sensor behind the front bumper and adjacent to the passenger fender in your car’s glove box. Simply purchase a replacement fluid level sensor.
- Resolving Faulty Windshield Washer Fluid Level Switch
The washer fluid level switch alerts us when the windshield washer fluid level has dropped too low by sending out the red triangle warning signal. However, if this device becomes defective, it may continue to send false signals back to the car’s ECU, showing low washer fluid levels.
Conclusion – Low Washer Fluid Light Won’t Turn Off!
Low washer fluid messages on your dashboard aren’t just annoying; they indicate that it may soon be time to replenish the washer fluid reservoir in your car.
In this regard, a low fluid light serves more than simply as a warning; it is an important safety feature that protects from low visibility and potential accidents.
Hopefully, with this guide, you can easily solve the “low windshield washer fluid warning light won’t turn off” issue and continue your safe and sound driving experience!
