Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

[RONDAL]

So i've got canadian tire -45 green stuff in the washer tank.
I know the fluid itself isnt freezing, cause i've left the jug of it on my deck to check. it's fine.

The S4 is supposed to have heated wahser nozzles as part of the winter package its got, but if i leave the car outside for 20min i cant use my washers on the front or back.
I've never had an issue like this before, not even with my old mk2 jetta.

WTF is going on?

I've run the pump for 30 seconds or so to push fluid through the entire system front and back when warm to ensure its working, there is good pressure and everything is fine.

Almost wound up in seriouss trouble because of it Saturday night passing a truck on the highway, got its spray on the windshield and couldn't see. Couldn't clean the windshield and had to drive with my head out the winter to pull over. NOT cool.

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

Used to have this problem with our Durango. The problem is the the washer lines are so thin that they tend to freeze between the reservoir and the nozzles. Try putting some 100% rubbing alcohol in the washer tank, maybe a cup or so and run pump for a few seconds. Or a small bottle of gasline antifreeze.

[BaggedGLI]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

Go to the paint department at home depot, get some methyl hydrate and add a little of that.

[The Brice]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

Pump might be on its way out. Try cleaning the contacts to the pump, they could be dirty and with the increased resistance due to the cold weather it doesn't have enough juice to function.

[RONDAL]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

im gonna try the meth route and see what that does. i know graeme can always use the rest of it haha

[Geobmx4life]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

I use the Rain-X ice melt stuff, its def worth the extra 2$...but the meth should work too.

[luunta]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

the nozzles themselves are actually heating as well though? I wonder if, because of the age of the vehicle and the fact that things degrade over time, if the heating nozzles can't keep up with the cold in Calgary?

[RONDAL]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

my cars a US car so its never dealt with the calgary winters until now.

[luunta]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

that's what i'm wondering, if the parts are just nearing the end of their lifespan and can't handle the extreme cold.

you'd know better, it's your car. i'm just asking.

CONTRIBUTING TO A THREAD. ****. this **** is hard.

[RONDAL]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

could be both? i dunno.
when i pull the engine in the coming days i'll have a look and see. right now its not the end of the world, i know what causes it and how to avoid it.

on semi-related news UPS showed up with my first 50lb box....other one arrives tomorrow

[R_Ethug]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

clutchy clutch!

andrew i've never heard of that issue unless the the fluid itself is wrong.. perhaps your lines or pump are going to shiz..
after the car warms up does it start working or not?

[RONDAL]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

works fine. im gonna flush the lines right now

[Tuna]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

Don't spill methyl hydrate on your hands when it's really cold out. That's all I can contribute.

[RONDAL]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

purged the system with -45, took out, it froze within 10 minutes.

what. the. F@ck.

so annoyed

[luunta]

Re: Washer Fluid keeps freezing? wtf

maybe the -45 you bought is faulty. more likely, some kid refilled it with green koolaid.

try a different bottle?