I'm currently refilling my washer fluid reservoir, does anyone happen to know the total volume that the reservoir can hold? I've not been able to find the exact amount in the owner's manual. I want to know how much washer fluid to mix up, so that I don't have a ton of excess. I may just make 500mLs at a time, and go from there.
Washer Fluid Reservoir Volume?
Verdebrae
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I'm currently refilling my washer fluid reservoir, does anyone happen to know the total volume that the reservoir can hold? I've not been able to find the exact amount in the owner's manual. I want to know how much washer fluid to mix up, so that I don't have a ton of excess. I may just make 500mLs at a time, and go from there.
I live in a climate where it doesn't get cold enough to need a washer fluid with a low freezing point and that has a lot of strict environmental regulations. Thus none of the hardware or auto part stores tend to sell a washer fluid with a low enough freezing point. However, I'll be traveling through some colder climates and need a methanol/ammonia-based washer fluid, so I got my hands on some concentrate that I'll just need to dilute down.You know, they do sell it premixed in gallon jugs.
I just did! I didn't get the most scientific of measurements, but after being completely emptied, the reservoir took about 0.7 gallons worth of washer fluid to refill.
Thanks all!
1998 Rav4, manual transmission, 2WD, 5-door, JDM engine installed in 2013
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1,214 Posts
Today I was re-filling the washer bottle when I saw washer fluid dripping under my 1998 Rav4 (not cold weather spec). I took out the front passenger side headlamp. I saw seepage. At the location of the seepage, I pressed gently on the plastic. The plastic shattered instantly, causing a large gaping hole as shown below, circled in red:
![Image]()
![Image]()
YouTuber JKB Studios found a leak (and gaping hole) at the exact same location. See
at about 27:30.
The washer bottle is unique to the Rav4.1; no other Toyota models carry it. Part numbers:
JAR ASSY, WINDSHIELD WASHER
85315-42011
85315-42021 COLD SPEC
Online Toyota parts sites want around $60 for the new part.
Rockauto has aftermarket for $29 to $39 + s/h.
Ebay has aftermarket starting at about $48. It comes with the pump(s) and more.
My salvage yard wants about $12 for a used washer bottle. However I think a used washer bottle likely has seen the same heat or stress fatigue as my Rav4's original washer bottle. I would not expect a salvage yard washer bottle to last long.
I am also considering an epoxy repair.
Note from the owner's manual: "If you have added washer fluid until it is close to the top of the opening for adding fluid, do not pull out the dipstick. Otherwise, the fluid will overflow."
YouTuber JKB Studios found a leak (and gaping hole) at the exact same location. See
The washer bottle is unique to the Rav4.1; no other Toyota models carry it. Part numbers:
JAR ASSY, WINDSHIELD WASHER
85315-42011
85315-42021 COLD SPEC
Online Toyota parts sites want around $60 for the new part.
Rockauto has aftermarket for $29 to $39 + s/h.
Ebay has aftermarket starting at about $48. It comes with the pump(s) and more.
My salvage yard wants about $12 for a used washer bottle. However I think a used washer bottle likely has seen the same heat or stress fatigue as my Rav4's original washer bottle. I would not expect a salvage yard washer bottle to last long.
I am also considering an epoxy repair.
Note from the owner's manual: "If you have added washer fluid until it is close to the top of the opening for adding fluid, do not pull out the dipstick. Otherwise, the fluid will overflow."
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691 Posts
I’d agree; getting a new aftermarket vs a used OEM is a better choice in this case, for the reasons you mentioned.
The reservoir on my ‘92 Camry failed in a similar fashion, except it was the top of the tank where sunlight came through the gap between the fender and hood. Just that little bit of sunlight crazed the plastic badly to the point of falling apart.
The reservoir on my ‘92 Camry failed in a similar fashion, except it was the top of the tank where sunlight came through the gap between the fender and hood. Just that little bit of sunlight crazed the plastic badly to the point of falling apart.
1998 Rav4, manual transmission, 2WD, 5-door, JDM engine installed in 2013
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1,214 Posts
Several youtube videos describe the use of epoxy to repair damaged windshield washer bottles. Yesterday I used Gorilla Epoxy (five minute, two syringe, about $6 at Walmart and Home Depot), fiberglass mesh drywall tape and medical gauze to patch my Rav4's bottle. I let the epoxy cure over 24 hours. I re-installed and re-filled the washer bottle. So far so good. Photos:
![Image]()
![Image]()
I posted details of what I did at Elle's 1996-00 Toyota Rav4 Site, in the guide titled "Windshield Washer Bottle R & R."
Roughing up the surface with sandpaper is important. Else the bottle appears to be made of polypropylene or polyethylene. When the epoxy is cured, and with a smooth poly-yada surface, the epoxy will just peel off.
A number of Youtubers swear by the epoxy for washer bottle repairs. For me, it is an experiment. If the patch fails, then I will buy an aftermarket washer bottle.
From completely empty, the washer bottle and filler neck hold about 1.25 gallons.
I think the little pumps (for front windshield and rear cargo door glass) may not work well below about 0.25 gallons? Once the pumps do not work well, operators may find they cannot add a full gallon jug of washer fluid.
I posted details of what I did at Elle's 1996-00 Toyota Rav4 Site, in the guide titled "Windshield Washer Bottle R & R."
Roughing up the surface with sandpaper is important. Else the bottle appears to be made of polypropylene or polyethylene. When the epoxy is cured, and with a smooth poly-yada surface, the epoxy will just peel off.
A number of Youtubers swear by the epoxy for washer bottle repairs. For me, it is an experiment. If the patch fails, then I will buy an aftermarket washer bottle.
From completely empty, the washer bottle and filler neck hold about 1.25 gallons.
I think the little pumps (for front windshield and rear cargo door glass) may not work well below about 0.25 gallons? Once the pumps do not work well, operators may find they cannot add a full gallon jug of washer fluid.
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3,781 Posts
I just replaced with the cold wx version
That was back a few years when the little white whale got harpooned in the front 😂
It was a rock bottle
Nice new soft plastic
Like thick milk jug
lol that might be what they are made of?
Easy to cook one over time
And get brittle
The volume is just over a gallon when total dry.
I like the purple -32f stuff year round
For washer fluid
That was back a few years when the little white whale got harpooned in the front 😂
It was a rock bottle
Nice new soft plastic
Like thick milk jug
lol that might be what they are made of?
Easy to cook one over time
And get brittle
The volume is just over a gallon when total dry.
I like the purple -32f stuff year round
For washer fluid
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