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Low Washer Fluid Light

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Tideland Prius, Feb 1, 2009.

  1. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Did anyone notice (or ask) whether there's a low washer fluid light?
     
    #1 Tideland Prius, Feb 1, 2009
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    guess not?
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Feb 2, 2009
  3. toxicity

    toxicity A/C Hog

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    I've had the reservoir run bone dry and never got a light. :eek:
     
    #3 toxicity, Feb 3, 2009
  4. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    I never let it get low. Sorry I don't know.
     
    #4 patsparks, Feb 3, 2009
  5. Mike Dimmick

    Mike Dimmick Active Member

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    Unlike the petrol tank, you can see what the level is in the washer fluid. You only have to open the bonnet/hood. This should be a weekly checkup like tyre pressures, and when you're embarking on a long journey.

    (That said, I don't normally do either - I'm just saying what I should do.)

    My problem isn't running out - it's the concentration required to stop the stuff freezing (at the moment). Right now, there is not enough space in the reservoir to add more antifreeze after the dealer seems to have topped it up with a summer concentration in December!
     
    #5 Mike Dimmick, Feb 3, 2009
  6. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    For "summer concentration" read "straight water."
     
    #6 patsparks, Feb 3, 2009
  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The OP was asking about the 2010 Prius, which none of us have. This is an upcoming specifications question.

    Tom
     
    #7 qbee42, Feb 3, 2009
  8. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Thanks Tom, I missed the thread it was in.
     
    #8 patsparks, Feb 3, 2009
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I do that frequently.

    Tom
     
    #9 qbee42, Feb 3, 2009
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    There isn't one in the current Prius, that's why I'm asking if there's one in the new one

    You are correct. I do check all the regular things (tyre pressure, washer fluid, lights etc) before going on a road trip but for other days, I won't have time and esp. living up north where you spray the windshield every few mins because of all the crud (read light spray but laden with sand, dirt etc). Wiping without washer fluid will result in a streaked windshield and no better visibility.
     
    #10 Tideland Prius, Feb 3, 2009
  11. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    I'll ask on Thursday in the NYC event.
     
    #11 usbseawolf2000, Feb 3, 2009
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Sounds good, thanks!
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Feb 4, 2009
  13. p626808

    p626808 New Member

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    I will try to ask as well in Thursday in NYC..


     
    #13 p626808, Feb 4, 2009
  14. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    The answer is no. 2010 model will have a dip stick though.

     
    #14 usbseawolf2000, Feb 5, 2009
  15. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Thanks for that, interesting.
     
    #15 patsparks, Feb 5, 2009
  16. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Thanks a lot usb!

    hmm, dipstick... I wonder how that'll tell the level? The only thing I can think of is if the dipstick is white and the fluid is pink, then you'd check it like you check the oil dipstick.

    It is one way to reduce the cost (instead of a light bulb, transmitter, receiver and computer chip).

    Also, good point on the solar panels. How useful would that be to those of us in the north? Granted, there's a disable button but given that there is no light that I can see on the button itself, how do you know if it's engaged/disengaged and do you have to do it every time you park in the winter?
     
    #16 Tideland Prius, Feb 5, 2009
  17. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    The dipstick has tiny Horizontal slots in it which hold the washer fluid. You will see fluid at the level in the reservoir, above the level will have dry slots.
     
    #17 patsparks, Feb 6, 2009
  18. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I still think we don't know about traction control. She confirmed that traction control limits wheel spin, but that is almost the definition of traction control. We still don't know if it is less aggressive, provides differential braking, or simply the same as before.

    If Erica reads this, perhaps she can check for us.

    Tom
     
    #18 qbee42, Feb 6, 2009
  19. p626808

    p626808 New Member

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    and.. it is yellow.. (see my 2010 NYC experience post)

    and that is Natae in the video..
     
    #19 p626808, Feb 6, 2009
  20. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Ahh ok, thanks for clarifying Pat and Scott.
     
    #20 Tideland Prius, Feb 6, 2009
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