Lately I have been getting the Low Washer Fluid warning on the DIC when I start the car, even though my tank is full. I pulled the sensor out of the side of the tank and looked at it. Other than being slightly green from the color of the washer fluid, it moves easily, the foam float does not seem brittle, and I even turned it over to try and get the message to stop coming on. I have to try to disconnect the wiring plug from the sensor to see if the message quits, otherwise maybe there is another problem. Other than replacing this sensor is there any way to clean or repair it, or should I just bite the bullet and get another one?
(2000 coupe, 78,000mi).

 

A new one will set you back ~$20. See here: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,8828

You could try cleaning it. You could also try checking the resistance and voltage when the switch is open and closed...look for the reading to change. You could also check the wiring harness for continuity with a test light. Check both the signal and the ground.

Hope this helps...

 

You can also find them on Amazon for ~$16 including shipping.
FYI- if you disconnect the wiring plug, the Low Washer Fluid message does not display on the DIC - that disables the whole thing, totally disconnects it form everything.
I cleaned off the connection there by simply wiping both ends with a rag when I plugged it back in, and now I no longer get the low water message warning. Why that is, I don't know. It's possible it could have been wet inside because when I milked out my udders, I knocked that plug and loosened the sensor and a little washer fluid leaked out until I pushed it back into the tank. That connector plug looks like it is rubber grommet sealed from moisture, so that shouldn't happen. But who knows? That's called the "perversity of the inanimate", and can be aggravating at times. One of these days, either when I run low on washer fluid (that may be a long time) or when I find a plug to put into the hole in the tank, or can get my SO to plug the hole with her finger, I will pull the sensor out again and measure the resistance or continuity with the float up and down, to see if the thing works. You have to remember that it goes in to allow the float to drop down, not float upwards, to sense the level. Don't put it in upside down. What I don't understand is why I would get that message with the float upside down, that should have shut off the alarm, by trying to indicate a full tank.
So, when you say "clean it". other than any grime on the float or hinge area, what else is there? The unit seems sealed when I quickly looked at it, can you get inside and clean off a contact?
The only reason I am spending any time at all on this, is because when I read through the forum and see all the problems everyone else has with sometimes really annoying and possible major problems, I have to make the most of mine, even though I, so far, have had nothing major go wrong with my car that I haven't been able to fix with advice from this community.
So thanks to you all.
Like they say - any advice at all is appreciated. What an annoyance it is to get the message "Low Washer Fluid".

Wishful thinking - the message reappeared today, but it takes 30-45 sec of driving to come on. I guess I'll just get another sensor and be done with the problem.