Ranger #6
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Rob
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2019
- Threads
- 3
- Messages
- 115
- Reaction score
- 196
- Location
- Marietta, GA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Ranger Lariat 4x2, 2012 MINI Cooper S, 2012 Toyota RAV4
- Occupation
- Aircraft Stress Engineer
- Vehicle Showcase
- 1
- Thread starter
- #1
I just flushed the factory windshield fluid in order to replace it with a supposedly paint-friendly solution. According to the service manual (Section 501-16), accessing the drain plug requires removal of the RF wheel and fender splash shield. In lieu of that craziness, I opted for the obvious brute-force method (details below).
Note:
- The best time to perform a windshield washer flush is while it is raining; this will help rinse washer fluid over-spray from the truck.
- The washer will time out after 10 seconds; cycling the washer for 5 seconds at a time (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) is recommended to avoid overheating of the pump.
Flush Procedure:
1. Start truck and turn the radio off.
2. Activate the windshield washer and listen for the pitch of the pump to increase (high pitch indicates an empty, or nearly empty, tank). IMMEDIATELY after noticing the pitch increase, release the windshield washer control. Caution: Prolonged activation of the windshield washer after the tank is empty will damage the pump.
3. Fill tank with clear water. Be sure to lower the hood; otherwise, washer fluid will not fully cover the windshield, possibly causing damage to the wipers or windshield.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the washers spray clear water.
5. Fill tank with desired solution.
I replaced the factory fill (likely contains methanol) with "303 Instant Windshield Washer". A 25-tablet tube ($9.99) is available online from various sources. One tablet makes an entire gallon; tank capacity is 1 gal. Simply dropping the tablet into the windshield washer tank is not recommended. It's best to first dissolve the tablet in a 1-gallon jug and let it dissolve fully prior to adding the washer solution to the tank. Tap water down here in Marietta is extremely hard; water spotting is a major concern. Distilled water is recommended (about $1/gal.) for areas that have hard water.
Caution: The "303" washer tablets get generally good reviews on Amazon (currently a 90% 4- or 5-star rating). However, the less-than-4-star reviews complained of a residue left on windshield outside the wiper zone. Others complained about clogged jets, but I think they probably didn't mix the solution well enough prior to filling the tank. Assuming a properly mixed solution, I can see how prolonged non-use might cause clogged jets, so I plan on using the washer every few days. I'll also monitor for any ill effects (oh, I hope not) on the paint. I'll update this post with any findings (good or bad).
Note:
- The best time to perform a windshield washer flush is while it is raining; this will help rinse washer fluid over-spray from the truck.
- The washer will time out after 10 seconds; cycling the washer for 5 seconds at a time (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) is recommended to avoid overheating of the pump.
Flush Procedure:
1. Start truck and turn the radio off.
2. Activate the windshield washer and listen for the pitch of the pump to increase (high pitch indicates an empty, or nearly empty, tank). IMMEDIATELY after noticing the pitch increase, release the windshield washer control. Caution: Prolonged activation of the windshield washer after the tank is empty will damage the pump.
3. Fill tank with clear water. Be sure to lower the hood; otherwise, washer fluid will not fully cover the windshield, possibly causing damage to the wipers or windshield.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the washers spray clear water.
5. Fill tank with desired solution.
I replaced the factory fill (likely contains methanol) with "303 Instant Windshield Washer". A 25-tablet tube ($9.99) is available online from various sources. One tablet makes an entire gallon; tank capacity is 1 gal. Simply dropping the tablet into the windshield washer tank is not recommended. It's best to first dissolve the tablet in a 1-gallon jug and let it dissolve fully prior to adding the washer solution to the tank. Tap water down here in Marietta is extremely hard; water spotting is a major concern. Distilled water is recommended (about $1/gal.) for areas that have hard water.
Caution: The "303" washer tablets get generally good reviews on Amazon (currently a 90% 4- or 5-star rating). However, the less-than-4-star reviews complained of a residue left on windshield outside the wiper zone. Others complained about clogged jets, but I think they probably didn't mix the solution well enough prior to filling the tank. Assuming a properly mixed solution, I can see how prolonged non-use might cause clogged jets, so I plan on using the washer every few days. I'll also monitor for any ill effects (oh, I hope not) on the paint. I'll update this post with any findings (good or bad).
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