Low wiper fluid - cracked reservoir

Yes, have seen this before:
Apparently a common issue when I talked it over with the dealer.
The fluid low light comes on, I refill it, don't use it, drive it, comes on. repeat
Reason: while driving the crack in the reservoir/bottle leaks the fluid.

Had to order new bottle, they replaced it.
Unfortunately it did not help. Gotta go back.


Collin

 

Is there a wet spot under your car when you drive out in the morning?

 

I had this happen on my new 14 Cali...I had the warning come on when I started after being garaged for a week and then it went off after a minute or so. I added washer fluid and it came on one other time after being garaged. There were no wet spots on the garage floor and I dont ever use the washer fluid.

It hasnt happend in over a few weeks now so I chalked it up to either a) Software on startup or b)the sensor that detects washer fluid was maybe dry from sitting for a week (I live in the desert). I am interested how your issue works out DuchinFL

 

When I took delivery of my '14 Cali, the dealer told me that this warning may appear, as it has been reported by a few other owners. He lead me to believe that it was an errant sensor, because the level is not low. It has happened to me twice in the past 3+ months. BTW, no leaks/wet spots.

 

Thanks Randy...that is good to know there is a known issue around that warning. When it happend to you, the error message go off on its own? Mine went off before the engine check completed and I got out of my driveway.

 

OK, here is a schematic of the California's wiper/washer system, courtesy of Ricambi America's website, where you can find and purchase parts for your car.

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Since some of you are reporting loss of fluid from the washer system or a "cracked reservoir" I think it helps to see what the parts look like and how the system is put together.

If the washer actually works for a bit after you refill the reservoir (before it leaks out completely) then the leak is probably at the very bottom of the reservoir. The culprit is most likely part #15, the gasket which seals the connection of the wiper pump (#14) to the bottom of the reservoir.

Otherwise, it could also be a crack at the very bottom of the reservoir. It the crack is fairly big, there should be a puddle under the left side of the car. If the crack (leak) is located anywhere else, the reservoir will not lose all its fluid.

 

The warning screen minimized to a small square on the left screen, then after a few minutes of driving that small square warning went away.

 

Similar issue and resolution before I took delivery with first annual inspection and 500 mile on my Cali 30 2013 when purchased.

 

This user got a new reservoir. But the error still pops up!

Maby it is an O-ring seal problem....

 

I have a 2013 Cal 30 and had the same issue within the first 6 months. I refilled it and it turned out to be a leak/crack in the washer reservoir -- it flowed straight through. The dealer replaced the reservoir under warranty and it has worked since without any error messages. The dealer suggested that it must have been a weak seam in the reservoir itself and not a faulty seal/gasket, at least in this instance.

 

I had this problem with a few italian cars in the early 90's.. why cant they just use a higher quality plastic on these bottles? I have NEVER seen a domestic car with this problem!

Well, perhaps the engineers (or guys doing the outsourcing for purchase parts) expect the washer fluid to rarely be used!

On that note, I always dilute the fluid a bit with water. Most washer fluid is pretty harsh stuff, I dont want that running over on the trim or paint, etc!

 

My washer warning comes on once in a great while, happened in my 2010 and now my 2012. No big deal, it goes away. HOWEVER, I actually use my washer fluid in both cars since I actually drive them every day, rain or shine or snow. Just had to say it

Rick

 

How many miles per year do you put on the cali ?

 

I just had this issue on my 2011 Ferrari California. It's been 10 years and it just started gushing after I refilled and had the light come on. I must have hit a bump that cracked the reservoir.

What's the lowest cost most efficient fix now that we're out of warranty?

 

I’m curious as well.

 

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Anyone figure out how long it takes to replace the windshield wiper reservoir? Instructions or pictures would be great.