The windshield washer fluid is used by the windshield wiper to spray and clean your car’s windshield. And the low washer fluid light illuminates if the washer fluid level is low. This is simply to let you know that you need to top off the fluid.
However, it can be pretty bothersome and we understand why you want to know how to reset low washer fluid light. Sadly, there is no hack to reset or clear this message.
The right way to reset or get rid of the low washer fluid light is by adding washer fluid in the reservoir. It’s important to use a washer fluid that is suitable for the climate in your area, as some fluids can freeze at lower temperatures or may not be as effective at cleaning in certain weather conditions. If it is leaking out, repair the leak, else, if it isn’t leaking but the light is on, you might have a faulty washer fluid level sensor.
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How To Reset Low Washer Fluid Light: 6 Methods
There is no way to reset the low washer fluid light. The low washer fluid light indicates that your windshield fluid reservoir level is low and it needs more fluid to be able to clean the windshield properly.
Before you begin troubleshooting, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific information regarding the washer fluid sensor and related system components to guide your approach.
The low washer fluid light is a “red-triangle” warning light that can block the screen you had set for display.
You can temporarily clear it by clicking the DISP button, however, it bounces back after a few seconds. It pops up every now and then and that can be pretty annoying to deal with.
Remember that while the DISP button clears the warning temporarily, this is not a solution to the underlying issue and should only be used as a temporary measure until you can refill the fluid.
Given below are all the different situations that can turn on the low washer fluid light along with the right ways to fix them so that the washer fluid light turns off:
Method 1. Fill Up The Washer Fluid Tank
The translucent washer fluid reservoir tank allows you to see through and check if there is enough fluid or not. Fill up the reservoir and if you don’t have extra washer fluid at hand, fill it with water. Be mindful that using water instead of washer fluid can lead to bacterial growth in the tank and may not perform well in removing oil or grime from the windshield. In fact, keep a water container at hand if you know the washer fluid might get depleted several times in the day. By the way, you can easily buy some washer fluid from any gas station.
Additionally, if your vehicle has a sensor designed to detect the quality of washer fluid, filling the tank with water could trigger the sensor and cause the low washer fluid light to remain on.
Filling Washer Fluid Tank
Once the reservoir is full, the washer fluid light should turn off on its own. If the light remains on after you have filled the tank, you may need to turn the ignition on and off a few times to allow the washer fluid system to reset. If it doesn’t do so, the sensor of the washer fluid tank is faulty. This sensor is typically a float switch that can become stuck or covered with grime, so cleaning around the sensor can sometimes resolve the issue. Don’t worry the sensor for low washer fluid light can be easily replaced.
If you choose to replace the sensor yourself, ensure you have the correct part number and follow the safety procedures to avoid any electrical issues.
Method 2. Bring The Floater To The Top
The tiny float mechanism in the washer tank and washer fluid pump may be stuck somehow. Sometimes, additives in the washer fluid can cause buildup, which may prevent the float from rising properly. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the reservoir can help avoid this problem. What you can do here is grab a coat hanger from your closet or get a rod or something similar and stick it down the filler of the fluid. This way you can try to bring the floater mechanism back at the top.
Method 3. Using The Gas Pedal.
This method is not endorsed by most car manufacturers and could lead to other unintended issues with the vehicle’s electronic systems. Always consult with a professional before attempting such methods.
Method 4. Replacing the Washer Fluid Sensor
Perhaps the sensor for the washer fluid light is broken. If you fill-up the reservoir of the fluid but the washer fluid light doesn’t go off, it means it is faulty or damaged. You will find this sensor in the washer fluid bottle located behind the front bumper and beside the passenger’s fender. Just get a new fluid level sensor and replace the old one with it.
Here’s a video tutorial to help you replace the washer fluid sensor:
Method 5. Repairing The Washer Fluid Reservoir
If the windscreen washer reservoir has a crack or is damaged, then the fluid can start leaking out. You can find the washer fluid reservoir at the back of the engine bay close to the windscreen base. The reservoir can crack or get damaged due to high heat from the nearby exhaust systems. This can cause the fluid to leak from the tank and the low washer fluid light will be on and won’t go off.
Method 6. Fixing Faulty Windshield Washer Fluid Level Switch
The washer fluid level switch is what informs us by sending the red triangle warning signal that the windshield washer fluid level is running low. However, if the device is broken or not running properly, it will fail and might always send a signal to the car’s ECU indicating that you have low washer fluid. Replacing a washer fluid level switch is easy and you can do it on your own.
FAQs
Why is the washer fluid light on when it’s full?
If your washer fluid light is on even when the washer level is full, it could mean that the washer fluid level switch is stuck or broken. Occasionally, sludge or debris in the tank can interfere with the switch’s operation, which may require cleaning the tank to resolve the issue.
How do I turn off my washer fluid light?
The washer fluid light turns on to indicate that you have a low washer fluid level. In this case, you just need to refill the washer fluid reservoir with washer fluid or water if you don’t have washer fluid at hand.
Can you drive with low washer fluid?
Yes, you can drive with low washer fluid. You will be shown the low washer fluid warning light and message and the windshields might not be wiped properly. Other than that, everything else will be fine.
How do I know if my windshield fluid is low?
You will know if your windshield fluid is low whenever the low washer fluid light illuminates. A red triangle signal will show up on the screen with the message saying that you have low washer fluid.
Check out our article on windshield wipers are not touching glass.
Final Words
If you’ve tried all the methods and the windshield washer fluid light remains on, it may be best to consult with a dealership or automotive electrician as the issue could be with the car’s electrical system and not just the washer fluid sensor.
We know how annoying the low washer fluid light can be. It doesn’t go on its own until you fill-up the washer fluid reservoir and can reappear every time the fluid level goes down. Unfortunately, there is no way to reset it electronically and you will have to keep filling up the washer fluid reservoir to turn it off. However, if the reservoir level is full and the low windshield wiper fluid light is still on, that might indicate some problem needed to be inspected like a broken washer fluid sensor or something else.
