Washer fluid low warning on Cold Morning - Page 4 - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

rjc32000 · 01-25-2013, 07:48 PM

I've had no problems since BMW replaced my windshield reservoir, although it hasn't been super cold recently (18F today). Supposed to be closer to 0 over the weekend, so I'll make an updated report next week.

kcidymkcus321 · 01-28-2013, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcidymkcus321

I got the low fluid warning as well...had it over the last few days, although it was not caused by a cold snap, it was 60 degrees...I used the windshield wiper fluid MAYBE 3 times, so i know i did not run out, but i am hoping maybe the dealer did not fill it up all the way and only had a little left when i used it all up...

I dropped off the car at the dealership today due to the wind noise that some F30s are experiencing and I mentioned the low fluid warning as well, so we will see what the issue ends up being for that....

I am happy to report that my issue was the tech failed to fill the reservoir up during PDI...and in Tampa we dont really get down below 40 degrees during the winter and well its been dam near 90 the last week or two so this issue does not apply to me, just wanted to update y'all...

Good luck to everyone else...

EJIB · 02-09-2013, 07:49 AM

Looks indeed being an epidemic failure. I recently joined the club (surrounding temp around freezing point). Mine gives low level warning all the time now (though maximally filled with fluid protected until -20°C and correctly functioning). Clearly the low-level detection seems defect. Have to contact my local agent.

Sprocket · 02-10-2013, 04:56 AM

The sensor is most likely not faulty as such so replacing it with an identical part won't help, but it is susceptible to being tricked by a cleaning agent that is not conductive enough.

I had the exact same problem as everyone else in this thread, and the short-term solution is simply to change your cleaning fluid. Or mix your own using normal ("dirty") water and concentrated cleaning fluid.

When I did that my warnings disappeared and have been gone since (even during very cold weather).

The long-term solution is for BMW to replace the sensors, this is clearly a design fault. They need to design/source a new sensor.

CE750Jockey · 02-19-2013, 10:46 AM

My car's at the dealer now for this ongoing issue. The light was still on this morning even though the temp had risen to 41F. I'll report back what the dealer says. Anyone else with this issue had any luck?

StevenBTO · 02-19-2013, 12:35 PM

I took mine in for this issue. They referenced some PUMA case which basically says "Too much detergent in fluid, Use OEM approved fluid".. Thanks for nothing!

shivaswrath · 02-19-2013, 12:50 PM

so basically we have to replace with BMW specific fluid? That's got to violate some sort of antitrust law...

StevenBTO · 02-19-2013, 12:54 PM

That's basically what they told me. Obviously there is a sensor issue (my previous E90 didn't have any issues with the exact same fluid), but its easier for them to tell you to use another fluid then it is to replace the sensor. I guess I'll just live with the warning (I really like Rain-X!)

CE750Jockey · 02-19-2013, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenBTO

That's basically what they told me. Obviously there is a sensor issue (my previous E90 didn't have any issues with the exact same fluid), but its easier for them to tell you to use another fluid then it is to replace the sensor. I guess I'll just live with the warning (I really like Rain-X!)

Their explanation is bunk. It's a faulty sensor located in the reservoir. I took mine in today and they ordered the whole setup for replacement. The fluid is no more responsible for the faulty light than the temperature is. It's the sensor, not the fluid or temperature. If I were you I'd insist your Dealer do a little more than the bare minimum, otherwise I'd be on the phone with the Regional Service Manager.

CHCCubs · 02-19-2013, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CE750Jockey

Their explanation is bunk. It's a faulty sensor located in the reservoir. I took mine in today and they ordered the whole setup for replacement. The fluid is no more responsible for the faulty light than the temperature is. It's the sensor, not the fluid or temperature. If I were you I'd insist your Dealer do a little more than the bare minimum, otherwise I'd be on the phone with the Regional Service Manager.

Agreed, there has to be a faulty part, it can't be the type of washer fluid used. I've been running Rain-X washer fluid in my car since the factory fluid ran out and haven't had any issues in cold weather.

rjc32000 · 02-19-2013, 09:10 PM

My issue went away after service replaced the reservoir and sensor. No faulty warnings since, which leads me to believe it is a sensor fault. And we've had plenty of cold days since it was replaced.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CE750Jockey

My car's at the dealer now for this ongoing issue. The light was still on this morning even though the temp had risen to 41F. I'll report back what the dealer says. Anyone else with this issue had any luck?

02-10-2013, 04:56 AM	#70
Sprocket Private Drives: BMW F31 328i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 54 iTrader: (0)	The sensor is most likely not faulty as such so replacing it with an identical part won't help, but it is susceptible to being tricked by a cleaning agent that is not conductive enough. I had the exact same problem as everyone else in this thread, and the short-term solution is simply to change your cleaning fluid. Or mix your own using normal ("dirty") water and concentrated cleaning fluid. When I did that my warnings disappeared and have been gone since (even during very cold weather). The long-term solution is for BMW to replace the sensors, this is clearly a design fault. They need to design/source a new sensor. __________________ Melbourne Red F31 328 M sport

02-19-2013, 12:50 PM	#73
shivaswrath Colonel Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norwalk CT Posts: 2,040 iTrader: (2)	so basically we have to replace with BMW specific fluid? That's got to violate some sort of antitrust law... __________________ 2012 335i Mineral Gray M Performance Whore: PPK\|Exhaust\|Brakes\|Performance Suspension Struts & Springs\|Black Kidney Grilles\|CF Spoiler and Mirror Caps\|M Sport 400M\|BMWF30.com 335i brakes FS!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

01-25-2013, 07:48 PM	#67
rjc32000 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2013 M Sport X Drive Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alaska Posts: 274 iTrader: (0)	I've had no problems since BMW replaced my windshield reservoir, although it hasn't been super cold recently (18F today). Supposed to be closer to 0 over the weekend, so I'll make an updated report next week.

02-09-2013, 07:49 AM	#69
EJIB Private Drives: F30 Luxury 18D 143 BHP 320NM Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Europe Posts: 87 iTrader: (0)	Looks indeed being an epidemic failure. I recently joined the club (surrounding temp around freezing point). Mine gives low level warning all the time now (though maximally filled with fluid protected until -20°C and correctly functioning). Clearly the low-level detection seems defect. Have to contact my local agent.

02-19-2013, 10:46 AM	#71
CE750Jockey Private First Class Drives: '13 328xi Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Midwest Posts: 189 iTrader: (0)	My car's at the dealer now for this ongoing issue. The light was still on this morning even though the temp had risen to 41F. I'll report back what the dealer says. Anyone else with this issue had any luck?

02-19-2013, 12:35 PM	#72
StevenBTO Private Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	I took mine in for this issue. They referenced some PUMA case which basically says "Too much detergent in fluid, Use OEM approved fluid".. Thanks for nothing!

02-19-2013, 12:54 PM	#74
StevenBTO Private Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	That's basically what they told me. Obviously there is a sensor issue (my previous E90 didn't have any issues with the exact same fluid), but its easier for them to tell you to use another fluid then it is to replace the sensor. I guess I'll just live with the warning (I really like Rain-X!)