wiper fluid indicator

[1974 FJ40]

My add fluid light came on in my truck and it was low... and it was... I filled it up like I have many times before but the dang light will not go off... I have disc. the battery two time and let it sit for over an hour, and light still on....

anyone have any ideas....

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I have run out of wiper fluid a bunch of times... I haven't seen any indicator lamp....

why doesn't mine work?

 

[1974 FJ40]

mine is a 98 limited... book even says that is what the light does

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I don't even think mine has a light and I've run mine out.

I do know the rear will quit working first meaning it's getting low.

 

[techno]

Let me guess.... you are located in Canada, right?

I just looked through my FSM and it says that the washer fluid level indicator is only available on Canadian models. Here's how to check the switch.

 

[1974 FJ40]

nope I am in MN however... thank youf or the info

 

[Kmvreter]

... Here's how to check the switch.

Is there any way to physically check if your float is stuck?

 

[1974 FJ40]

I can see the float in there and can push it down and it floats back up

 

[1974 FJ40]

wonder if I can just unplug the switch and make the light on the dash go off.... I really dont care to spend real money on a new switch....

 

[Kmvreter]

I can see the float in there and can push it down and it floats back up

Then check for continuity on the switch at the connector like in Techno's attachment.

 

[1974 FJ40]

yup... I will tonight... wonder how difficult it is to get to that... the air box is in the way I am thinking

 

[Kmvreter]

Looking at that diagram, it's a simple switch. I'm thinking the light should go off when you disconnect it if the switch is the reason.

 

[1974 FJ40]

thanks again guys... I will update what I find out tonight

 

[1974 FJ40]

just letting you all know that the switch was bad, I just disconnected it and said who cares about it, light is off on dash and that is all I really care about.

thanks for your help!!

 

[techno]

I would have done the same. New level sensors are $42! The 'old fashioned' way of knowing the fluid has run out by seeing that nothing sprays onto the windshield works just fine I think.

 

[Kmvreter]

1974 FJ40,
Thanks for the info.

I would have done the same... fluid has run out by seeing that nothing sprays onto the windshield works just fine I think.

I agree. KISS. Sometimes simpler is better.

 

[StreetCreeper]

It's like the 4Runner version of a vestigial tail!

 

[wemslie97]

It's like the 4Runner version of a vestigial tail!

like a male nipple...no plumbing. Ha!

 

[3bears]

Mine does not have a light, I don't think, but Ive never run dry. I always pop the hood every fill up and check fluids, or at least once a week.
with the red plastic float indicator its easy to see if fluid is low in the washer

 

[phattyduck]

The ultimate necro-post. 7 years dead thread. Thought someone might want to know.

Low-washer fluid graphics are present on the US model bezel. Is backlit with flashlight for the pic.

US model cluster has no circuit tracks on the blue flex PCB going to wiper fluid low bulb socket.

Oddly enough, my (US) '99 cluster doesn't have the graphics in it. I had the cluster out a couple weeks back and checked the two 'missing' spots - no hidden graphics. The 2WD truck did have the wiring and tracks for the 4WD (SR5 style) lights though, luckily!

-Charlie