Windshield Washer Nozzles Freezing
01-07-2017, 07:00 PM
#131
Senior Member
The check valve is not the problem, but removal does help. For those of you that have not drilled out your check valve, you will notice that if you try to blow through it when it is warm in your house, you can not blow through it. It takes pressure cold or warm to overtake the valve.
What does happen when you remove or drill out the valve, the fluid does retract a bit from the nozzle. And that is where the problem is. The opening is too fine, cold or wind while you drive evaporates the alcohol in the washer fluid, freezing the water left behind.
You will find, while driving down the road with the check valve drilled or removed, when it is cold, below freezing your spray pattern will get smaller as the nozzle starts to freeze.
And yes, it does take longer for the fluid to come out, depending on conditions, you may or may not notice it. From what I have witnessed so far, it can vary from a split second to maybe 2 seconds. You will more likely notice the pump rev higher during this time that actually missing the spray.
It is NOT a fluid problem, I use -45*C deicer fluid in my truck. I also manage a fleet of 100 vehicles using only -30*C fluid, and do not see the problem in these vehicle.
What does happen when you remove or drill out the valve, the fluid does retract a bit from the nozzle. And that is where the problem is. The opening is too fine, cold or wind while you drive evaporates the alcohol in the washer fluid, freezing the water left behind.
You will find, while driving down the road with the check valve drilled or removed, when it is cold, below freezing your spray pattern will get smaller as the nozzle starts to freeze.
And yes, it does take longer for the fluid to come out, depending on conditions, you may or may not notice it. From what I have witnessed so far, it can vary from a split second to maybe 2 seconds. You will more likely notice the pump rev higher during this time that actually missing the spray.
It is NOT a fluid problem, I use -45*C deicer fluid in my truck. I also manage a fleet of 100 vehicles using only -30*C fluid, and do not see the problem in these vehicle.
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Toddman38 (01-07-2017)
01-07-2017, 07:41 PM
#132
Senior Member
Well, my suggestion from last January didn't work. We had some wintry mix today and it stopped my washers. We did have a bit of freezing rain, and my truck had a thin coating of ice, but it worked at first. After I drive a few miles, I could see a little trickle coming out, then nothing. I got out and made sure there was no ice on the actual nozzles. Now it could be empty because THERE IS NO EFFING LOW LEVEL INDICATOR. But I doubt it. I'll check it in the am and respond. I live in coastal North Carolina. I can't imagine what y'all are dealing with where you have real winters. Moving to Iowa is a possibility in my future. I don't see how this truck would survive there. They have months where it's colder than what I had today. Not to mention doors being frozen stuck. Pretty frustrating...
01-08-2017, 09:49 AM
#133
Senior Member
I just wanted to give everyone my feedback on this issue. I didn't have an issue last winter but about a month ago my washers froze for the first time. They froze when the temp dropped below 15 deg F and then would work when it warmed up during the day. Then freeze again the next night, I have only ever used the regular winter grade blue washer fluid. Since I wanted the washers to work I opened the cowl and removed the check valve. I replaced it with a vacuum connector. Washers worked but there was a noticeable delay after pushing the button till you got fluid and it would only reach about halfway up the windshield.
I bought the TSB part number HL3Z-17A605-B and installed it myself two weeks ago. The last few days is been in the single digits every morning. It was 8 deg F this morning and they worked just fine. It also sprays right away and reaches to the top of the windshield.
So far the TSB modified check valve has been working.
I bought the TSB part number HL3Z-17A605-B and installed it myself two weeks ago. The last few days is been in the single digits every morning. It was 8 deg F this morning and they worked just fine. It also sprays right away and reaches to the top of the windshield.
So far the TSB modified check valve has been working.
The following 2 users liked this post by Derff96963:
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Ottawavalleylad (01-11-2017)
01-08-2017, 06:51 PM
#134
Senior Member
I said I would post back, so here I am. Checked that I had fluid, I did, but it was frozen. The temp was around 20 and that was the lowest it got all night. I'm guessing the dealer topped it off with the summer blend, or water. Anyways, I poured about half a gallon of orange stuff in it and as soon as I get a chance I'll spray it all out and refill with the orange then go from there.
01-10-2017, 05:58 PM
#135
totally normal tube defects,ford recommends you bring some hot water with you,get out and pour some on the tubes ,good for 10 more minutes.what kind of crap do these dealers tell people,told this to a guy when I first heard about the problem,what does ford think people are all stupid.
01-11-2017, 10:02 PM
#137
For those who are thinking about using a straight through t fitting. I did this to get the windshield washer fluid out last winter and noticed a couple things:
1- It uses ALOT more fluid. Double what I would put in in before for a week or so of driving.
2- Spray doesn't reach as high.
Best to use the TSB part number if its available. I will be doing this soon.
1- It uses ALOT more fluid. Double what I would put in in before for a week or so of driving.
2- Spray doesn't reach as high.
Best to use the TSB part number if its available. I will be doing this soon.
01-11-2017, 11:38 PM
#138
Senior Member
For those who are thinking about using a straight through t fitting. I did this to get the windshield washer fluid out last winter and noticed a couple things:
1- It uses ALOT more fluid. Double what I would put in in before for a week or so of driving.
2- Spray doesn't reach as high.
Best to use the TSB part number if its available. I will be doing this soon.
1- It uses ALOT more fluid. Double what I would put in in before for a week or so of driving.
2- Spray doesn't reach as high.
Best to use the TSB part number if its available. I will be doing this soon.
02-02-2017, 10:29 AM
#139
Senior Member
I had my truck at the dealer for an oil change and state inspection. I told them about my washer fluid freezing they said they would take care of it. When I picked it up they said they found water in the resivour, it was prestone washer fluid that is yellow and supposed to be good to - 27 but I wasn't in the mood to argue with them . I even wrote down the tsb # when I dropped it off but I guess they knew better. Long story short, I drilled the hole this morning. It took 5 minutes, it was much easier than arguing with the service manager.
02-02-2017, 01:21 PM
#140
Senior Member
Amazed at how many people think the washer fluid is right at the tip of the nozzle 100% of the time. Water infiltration is common. Best way to fight it.... just before you shut it off when you park, spray a little bit to keep the line as full as possible.
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Fx4gary (02-02-2019)