360 faulty washer fluid low level caution light.

A month or so ago I had the front bumper off my 360, year model 2000, to install some air horns. I noticed a disconnected electrical connector. It appeared to be for the windscreen washer fluid low level warning. Fool that I am, I simply reconnected it figuring that someone overlooked it in the past.

No problems after numerous outings until yesterday when a warning light flashed on the multi-function display. It looked like it might be an “engine exploding” warning light, but temperatures and pressures were normal and I didn’t see any huge fire ball or white smoke in the mirrors. A little more study revealed that it was the windscreen washer fluid low level caution light.

It wasn’t obvious why it should be on since I didn’t recall using any washer fluid, but when I got home I refilled it anyway. It required less than two table spoons. Only then did the disconnected wire make sense. Apparently this problem existed for the previous owner and the “cure” was to disconnect the sensor.

Unfortunately, the details about the washer fluid system on my copy of the workshop manual I have on CD says “to be developed”. So, the question is, What Now?

Is there an easy fix for the washer fluid level sensor; perhaps something like cleaning some contacts or repairing a waterlogged float? Frankly I have no idea what it looks like or how it functions or even if the sensor is inside the tank or if it’s one of those external sensor systems. Perhaps there a simple way to disable the caution light without removing the bumper; i.e. unplugging another connector or perhaps removing a fuse? I’m sure I can live without the low level caution system, but I hate to pull the bumper again if I don’t have to, just to disable the caution light. Of course, if there is a chance of repairing it, I would be happy to remove the bumper and have a go.

Suggestions, experiences, or comments?

 

I just didn't feel like pulling the bumper just to disconnect the low washer fluid level sensor. But I did have enough energy to fashion a hook on the end of a long piece of soft wire and stuff it into the washer fluid tank. The idea was to snag the float mechanism which I imagined was stuck at the bottom of the tank. After fishing around three or four times, the hook snagged something and I gently pulled up until the hook on the end of the soft wire straightened out, just as I had hoped. A check showed the caution light was extinguished.

Of course, that is NOT the same as success. Will the low level caution light re-appear? Is the float system damaged? Does the low level caution system work now or not? Who knows? Time will tell.

If, as you say, the system sticks then I'll be relatively happy if it sticks while not at the bottom of the tank so that the light doesn't illuminate. Frankly, the low level caution light is VERY low on my list of things that I must have even if it means I won't get the Best Ferrari award at Pebble Beach.

All I know is that the light is not on anymore and I didn't have to pull the bumper. I have my fingers crossed

 

At the moment the light is out, but I haven't done much driving since my "repair". Phase 2, if the light returns after I hit some bumps, is to rig a wire just as you suggest to hold the float up until I can come up with a good excuse to remove the front bumper again.

 

As I exited my garage, the washer fluid low level light illuminated.......... drat, it looks like I'll have to pull the bumper.

But then, as I got ready to exit my driveway I turned on the headlights. The low level light went out the instant the headlights came on and it stayed out.

I'm not sure if that's good news or bad news. I hate odd and mysterious behavior from either my cars or my friends. But at least the light is out.

 

I only used the wire hook to raise the float to see if I could make the light go out. It did not remain in the tank.

The fact that it came on again after I moved the car a short distance is not really a surprise. I imagine the float is sticking a little bit but it's also most likely waterlogged with a tendency to sink to the bottom even thought the tank is full. That's what I'm guessing anyhow.

The odd part is that the light went out and stayed out precisely when I turned on the headlights. It remained out during a lengthy drive.

I have no intention of buying a new float system and I'm just too lazy to pull the bumper during the hot weather just to disconnect the wire. Perhaps in October I'll put it on my to do list.