Low Washer Fluid
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From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
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Low Washer Fluid
Ever since I removed my battery to install an acid absorptive mat I am getting the "low washer fluid" message every time I use the car. This 2002 Z06 was never run in the rain by my previous owner or myself but I topped off the fluid anyway. The message goes away when I hit the reset but doesn't go out on it's own. Anyone else have this happen? I suppose now I have to run a bottle of Techron through the washer's system (joking)? 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: South of Indy
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Any chance you pulled a connector apart while working on the battery mat? You may want to take the battery back out and do a close inspection of any wiring nearby. Good luck!
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I'll have a close look in that area but I need to get emission tested soon and don't want to disconnect the battery again loosing my "learn codes". The car is in semi-storage and I don't get chance to drive her much in our winter weather. I just wondered if this was a common washer fluid level sensor issue? Thanks 04cad!
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Could be the sensor that detects the washer fluid level is acting up too.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
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I had that a few times just before the battery died. Never had the problem since. How's your battery? Any chance it needs replacing?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
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From: Memphis Tennessee
The only issue I have had with me 03 AE is that stupid washer level switch. Mine just quit working and you could reset the message with the reset button but it would come back.
The switch is dealer-only and is amost $80. Corvette tax by definition.
Good luck
The switch is dealer-only and is amost $80. Corvette tax by definition.
Good luck
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The battery is only a few months old and holding a charge fine. I purchased a wet cell when my OE died because that was all I could find on a Sunday in a small town. With the problems people have had with leaking batteries I thought it best to install the mat, just in case.
After removing the battery to install the mat I hooked the terminals back up and realized I forgot to install the insulating cover I picked up from Corvette Central. I had to disconnect the terminals again to put the cover on. I didn't think this cover would insulate from the cold but saw it as one more way to notice a leak. I will buy a glass mat battery come spring.
I always try to remember what I did before something happens and the low fluid message came after the battery disconnect. I just went out and don't have any leaking from the reservoir and the sensor terminal is snug, I gave it a jiggle so we will see what happens. This pretty minor (understatement) compared to some problems I've seen here, it's just that it's my first glitch and that always stings a bit more.
After removing the battery to install the mat I hooked the terminals back up and realized I forgot to install the insulating cover I picked up from Corvette Central. I had to disconnect the terminals again to put the cover on. I didn't think this cover would insulate from the cold but saw it as one more way to notice a leak. I will buy a glass mat battery come spring.
I always try to remember what I did before something happens and the low fluid message came after the battery disconnect. I just went out and don't have any leaking from the reservoir and the sensor terminal is snug, I gave it a jiggle so we will see what happens. This pretty minor (understatement) compared to some problems I've seen here, it's just that it's my first glitch and that always stings a bit more.
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 315
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From: Eureka Ca
The guy I bought my c5 from said this was a common gremlin, especially if you park on a down hill slope. Said he tried to fix it numerous times but it never worked out. Something about a poorly designed sensor.
However, Since I've had the car it has never come up. Im still crossing my fingers that it does'nt.
However, Since I've had the car it has never come up. Im still crossing my fingers that it does'nt.
Jacks996
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: eagle mountain lake tx
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I might have a used one.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 77
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From: Chandler AZ
So does anyone know what value resistor can be used to bypas the crapy sensor?
I guess I might just measure the signal from my sensor, add slightly and see if I can't just bypass that sucka... if I figure it out I'll post results..
I guess I might just measure the signal from my sensor, add slightly and see if I can't just bypass that sucka... if I figure it out I'll post results..
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 333
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From: Laughlin NV.
try a used one
I got a used one from him and it works great. Thanks flasunshine1, A whole lot cheaper then a new one. Just make sure it is not upside down, mine was for a while. It goes opposite of what you would think. I finely compared mine with a couple of friends to find that out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
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From: Hills of Anaheim CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
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From: Hills of Anaheim CA
I had just taped up the sensor so that it would always be at the full level and the light keeps coming on anyway, so it's probably a bad sensor now. $80 to be able to monitor the washer fluid is somewhat ridiculous.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Laughlin NV.
I wondered if that would work or not. I figured that it would just trigger the light all the time. Guess I will check it out today. Thanks!
I had just taped up the sensor so that it would always be at the full level and the light keeps coming on anyway, so it's probably a bad sensor now. $80 to be able to monitor the washer fluid is somewhat ridiculous.
I had just taped up the sensor so that it would always be at the full level and the light keeps coming on anyway, so it's probably a bad sensor now. $80 to be able to monitor the washer fluid is somewhat ridiculous.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 261
Likes: 4
From: NC
My low washer fluid had been coming on for about two weeks. I topped up the water and it still came on. A week ago I got a chance to look at it. The censor is encased in a rubber grommet in the side of the reservoir. I carefully wiggled it out (about 3 inches long) and cleaned all parts, including the tip that is hinged. I reinserted and it has been working fine for the last week.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
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From: Hills of Anaheim CA
