Windshield Washer Fluid - Terrible Smell

[rsimpson]

2004 4Runner V8 Limited -- 67k miles

The windshield washer fluid smells absolutely disgusting -- a rotten, sulfur smell. It started to smell bad after I took a trip up to the mountains in the snow. I popped the cap on the reservoir and the stench was really strong. I ran the pump until fluid stopped coming out to try and get as much out as possible, refilled with new fluid and the smell seemed to go away temporarily, but now it's back and worse than ever. Every time I spray my windshield, the smell comes through the vents into the cabin. Just nasty. It's almost like something died in it...

Anyone ever experience something similar? Weird that replacing the fluid didn't fix the problem...

 

[ALLEGRO]

Pump it all out again and re-fill with some distilled white vinegar. That should eliminate the smell and the vinegar will also clean your windshield. No real need to flush it out unless you fear freezing.

Good Luck

 

[rsimpson]

An update on this....

I ended up taking it to the dealer and they flushed it a number of times with no luck. They couldn't figure out what was making the smell. $120 later, I've got a new reservoir and the problem is solved.

Fast forward 6 months later and the smell is back. And there seems to be a pattern. The first time it happened, I was in the mountains, car was parked outside in cold, wet weather. This last time, I was camping in Big Sur, Ca -- cold, wet conditions again.

Any thoughts?? Is this a totally unique case?

 

[spyne]

An update on this....

I ended up taking it to the dealer and they flushed it a number of times with no luck. They couldn't figure out what was making the smell. $120 later, I've got a new reservoir and the problem is solved.

Fast forward 6 months later and the smell is back. And there seems to be a pattern. The first time it happened, I was in the mountains, car was parked outside in cold, wet weather. This last time, I was camping in Big Sur, Ca -- cold, wet conditions again.

Any thoughts?? Is this a totally unique case?

I've had my '03 since new and refilled the washer solution reservoir maybe 4 times. If there was ever a posibility of stagnant fluid causing a smell I'd have it. And I don't. I even used the washers a few minutes ago just to make sure.

Could it be the brand of washer fluid you are using? I'd try going with something from a different source/store and see if you still have the same problem.

 

[DC Dude]

An update on this....

I ended up taking it to the dealer and they flushed it a number of times with no luck. They couldn't figure out what was making the smell. $120 later, I've got a new reservoir and the problem is solved.

Fast forward 6 months later and the smell is back. And there seems to be a pattern. The first time it happened, I was in the mountains, car was parked outside in cold, wet weather. This last time, I was camping in Big Sur, Ca -- cold, wet conditions again.

Any thoughts?? Is this a totally unique case?

Do yourself a favor and keep the fresh air intake closed when cleaning your windows.

 

[MikesToy]

What brand of washer fluid do you use? I use Prestone De-Bugger during Spring & Summer, Prestone De-Icer during Fall & Winter.

 

[DC Dude]

What brand of washer fluid do you use? I use Prestone De-Bugger during Spring & Summer, Prestone De-Icer during Fall & Winter.

$.79 Walmart special...how much do you pay?

 

[rsimpson]

I've tried a number of different solutions from Pepboys and the dealer. None fixed the issue.

And yes, I do make sure the cabin air is re-circulating before I clean my windshield :boink: