WannaBe TT!

The sensor in the windshield wiper fluid reservoir fell out and the windshield washer fluid came out of the tank. So I plugged the sensor back into the tank and went to drive to the auto parts store to get washer fluid and it throws up "low washer fluid" on the little on-dash display. So i buy washer fluid and fill the tank up, and on the drive home it throws up "low washer fluid" again. It has been doing this for a week now and the windshield washer fluid reservoir is completely filled. Is it possible i put the sensor back in the tank incorrectly? I'm not really sure why i'm having this problem. I appreciate any help. Thanks.

mapman

Did you clear the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)? The links below may help in clearing codes using the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) The IPC is supposed to clear a DTC automatically if the malfunction has not occurred within 50 ignition cycles.

http://www.stengel.net/diccodes.htm http://www.c5forum.com/ayc/2000dtc.php http://www.c5-corvette.com/IPC_Display.htm

The Batman

I really don't know any better, but a "low washer fluid" warning seems more akin to "low fuel" or "door ajar" or "trunk ajar" warning, that is, something that's not worth saving as a DTC. I mean, if I was designing these warnings, I wouldn't expect the majority of owners to know anything about clearing a DTC for "low washer fluid" - Average Joe C5 owner (doesn't know about corvetteforum, doesn't wave) sees warning, fills up washer fluid resevoir, doesn't see warning anymore. Voila. At least that's the way it should work.

How did the sensor pop out in the first place? Maybe it was damaged when that happened or damaged upon re-installation?

I one had a persistent problem with a car and a "low-coolant" warning. It wasn't fixed until I replaced the low-coolant sensor. It was a common enough problem that I could easily find information about it online. Seems like something with no moving parts shouldn't be too prone to failure, but I guess heat and vibration can be enough to destroy or at least significantly diminish the life-cycle of some liquid sensors.

SeaFive

Probably needs a new sensor :yesnod: C5s are notorious for washer fluid tank sensor failures :cheers:

Timmy's C5

Wannabee TT doesn't say what year his C5 is. Early C5's were prone to this error. It drove me crazy with my '98. Disconnect the sensor from the tank. Take a paper clip and cut off one of the 180 degrees ends. Sweeze the ends together, and insert it into the sensor so one end goes into each portion of the socket. This will complete the circuit and fool the sensor into thinking the tank is always full.

CAPN17

Why not clear the codes, get a new sensor, put it in and be done with the problem.

rbocky2k

Just unplug the wires at the sensor, it won't set a code.

CCrane65

My 00 coupe did the same thing. Had the sensor replaced and no more code.

geekracer

:iagree:

Miaugi

Before getting a new sensor here is a tip for you. I flushed out my washer tank and took the sensor out while doing the job. It is a simple float arm with a magnet imbedded into it, the magnet activates a switch similar to alarm sensors on doors in homes and businesses. The thing that I noticed was the float pivot point was stiff and did not move freely. I took out the pin and shaved off a little material on the float arm (a quick pass on a file or sandpaper will do it). Put it back together and the arm was completely free moving. I think this stiff pivot might get stuck and therefore cause false readings. An easy DIY'er job. :thumbs:

SAXN8R

I bet you put the sensor in upside down. Turn the sensor around 180 degrees. That should cure your problem.

WannaBe TT!

Thank you all for your replies and a special thanks to saxn8r. I had put the sensor in upside down. I looked at the sensor for a directional orientation and couldn't find any. I remember thinking of that earlier and i rotated it around a little, but i guess it wasn't enough (or was in the wrong direction). Anyways, it's working now. Thanks again!

wilkinru

Thank you. Solved that stupid thing.

How annoying.

Zip tied it next to the sensor, it can shutup