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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Navigation, iDrive, Audio, Video, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics > Low Washer Fluid Light When <38F
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      01-14-2014, 01:11 PM   #1
14328dxD
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Low Washer Fluid Light When <38F

When outside temp drops below 38F, the Low Washer Fluid indicator lights up. It goes away when outside temp goes above 37F. Washer fluid is full to the rim. The windshield & headlamp washers spray fine when activated.

It has 8500miles and since the Engine Service soon showing less than 500 miles, I scheduled a service with the dealer in addition to the Washer Fluid Low MIL. Of course since it was above 40F, they could not recreate the problem.

Anybody experienced similar problem?
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      01-14-2014, 01:39 PM   #2
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What brand washer fluid do you use? Some have issues with the RainX brand I have read. They have a chemical that messes with the sensor.
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      01-14-2014, 03:47 PM   #3
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Doh! I use RainX washer fluid.

Thanks for the response.
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      01-14-2014, 03:50 PM   #4
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I experienced that last time when I was mix rainx and deice, the temperature was around -20C,restart the engine and it gone.
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      01-14-2014, 04:23 PM   #5
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I was using RainX exclusively (just a habit), and even after putting in most of a jug, I'd get the low washer fluid light. I switched to the generic blue washer fluid, and no problems at all even at low temperatures.
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      01-16-2014, 12:20 PM   #6
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Same problem on my F20. The dealer told me to add just a tiny bit of table salt. Apparently the sensors are having trouble measuring the resistance with some types of fluid. I was surprised, but it did the trick
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      01-16-2014, 02:20 PM   #7
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No problems here. In -30C or -30F
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      01-19-2014, 07:43 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 14328dxD View Post
When outside temp drops below 38F, the Low Washer Fluid indicator lights up. It goes away when outside temp goes above 37F. Washer fluid is full to the rim. The windshield & headlamp washers spray fine when activated.

It has 8500miles and since the Engine Service soon showing less than 500 miles, I scheduled a service with the dealer in addition to the Washer Fluid Low MIL. Of course since it was above 40F, they could not recreate the problem.

Anybody experienced similar problem?
I use RainX and have had the same experience
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      01-22-2014, 04:14 PM   #9
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washer fluid level fault story

Hi,

I'm new at this forum and this is my first post so hello to everyone!

I got same "washer fluid level sensor fault" just a few weeks ago. I have f31 so there is rear washer non operational when "low washer fluid" message appears on the dash.

I got the car checked by local dealer. What they've found was "module gathering all other modules information" faulty ? It took half a day to investigate. They have ordered a new module and during next visit they had it replaced. Then they have to connect to Munich server to program all of the modules. It took the whole day. the result was... washer level fluid sensor still faulty and .....rear sprinkler non operational
I was said they have to order a new fluid canister as sensor can't be exchanged. So they did and finally I had the canister replaced. Surprisingly fault was gone and everything worked well
Unfortunately I got "washer fluid low" message again 2 days ago ( canister full of course). I have contacted dealer again and waiting for their ideas..

In the meantime I went through this forum looking for users with a similar problem. What I found was an information that it could be a problem with conductivity of some washer fluids causing a sensor to bump a faulty message. I just added a few tea spoons of salt to washer reservoir and ....problem is gone! Thank you!

I can confirm fluid sensor has a design bug - I was using good BP fluid for many years in other cars with no problem.

So now I'm carrying a bag of salt ( the best - himalayan pink ) with me.
Should you see other guys faces observing me putting salt into washer fluid container - priceless.
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      01-23-2014, 03:14 PM   #10
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I'm no chemist, but isnt salt corrosive? I agree that it is a faulty design because I have used RainX in various vehicles but only my F30 had a bad reaction to it.
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