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Windshield washer reservoir

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by lenjack, Feb 16, 2014.

  1. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Added fluid last week. Next day, wouldn't work. Temps below 20F. Checked bottle which said "Summer Mix". Didn't even know there was such a thing. It's working now after thaw and refill, but not sure if reservoir is cracked. Part appears to go for $75. What's invovled in a diy replacement.?
     
    #1 lenjack, Feb 16, 2014
  2. GrGramps

    GrGramps Active Member

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    Wouldn't worry as long as the winter solution doesn't leak. You'll know in a day or two.
     
    #2 GrGramps, Feb 16, 2014
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    If you need to replace it, I believe it involves undoing about 3 bolts and a clamp. Pretty easy.
     
    #3 xliderider, Feb 16, 2014
  4. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    I think it is OK, just lokking in advance if not. Thanks. "Summer Mix"??? Howda thunk it?
     
    #4 lenjack, Feb 16, 2014
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I just use the freeze-protected stuff year 'round, since it'll sit in there for six months or more.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Feb 16, 2014
  6. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    They also make different below zero temp. washer fluid. 0 or above, -15 below, -25 below. all kinds to try.
    I use -25 below in the winter here in Wisconsin.
     
    #6 retired4999, Feb 16, 2014
  7. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    Agreed...it's the obvious solution (unintentionable pun). Summer mix should be outlawed!!!
     
    #7 lenjack, Feb 16, 2014
  8. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I agree I don't ever recall seeing summer mix (no alcohol?). What I did for driving thru the PA mountains during the polar vortex, I added a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. They said on radio you could do this to boost anti-freeze level. I guess they said this would help stop freezing of the fluid on the windshield.
     
    #8 wjtracy, Feb 16, 2014
  9. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Yep! I always add about 2 cap fulls per gallon and in the winter months that is added to the winter -25 below washer fluid.
     
    #9 retired4999, Feb 16, 2014
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would sue them for even having summer mix on the shelf this time of year.:cool:
     
    #10 bisco, Feb 16, 2014
  11. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    If he's anything like me, the washer fluid was purchased a long time ago, then sat in the garage till needed. :p

    SCH-I535
     
    #11 xliderider, Feb 16, 2014
    retired4999 likes this.
  12. lenjack

    lenjack Active Member

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    right, that's what happenned.
     
    #12 lenjack, Feb 17, 2014
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