leaking windshield washer fluid
 

Ok, we're in bizarro world here. I have an on going washer fluid leak. It's not the pump grommets. I've gone so far as to remove the tank and fill it with water and checked. Water flowed out of the pumps until it got low enough that it stopped. Still no leaking at the grommets. Filled the system and the fluid leaks out even if I don't use the washers. What I have noted is that sometimes there is washer fluid pooling on top of the cabin air filter cover. Even when I don't use the washer pump. The washer fluid container gets drained to the bottom of the pump intakes. I can't figure out what is causing the fluid to be drawn out of the tank. Anyone have any ideas?

Perhaps someone used water and it froze and now the pumps themselves are cracked.

This is too easy to resolve. All it takes is a little pressure and a eye for finding leaks. Hoses get brittle, squirters fail/clog, and connectors break. Welcome to 15 years of heat, cold weather, temp swings, ozone attacks, and previous owners/hacks. It also takes two people who know something about water and hoses (simple). FLUID HAS TO GO TO AND LEAK SOMEWHERE-as it will does not evaporate quickly.

Is your vehicle equipped with FRONT washer, Rear washer, and Headlamp Washers?

With the hood open, arm the under hood person with a flash light, the other person goes in and fires the FRONT windshield squirters, rear window squiters, and the headlamp squirters in that order. More than likely, you will find a leak in the hoses/squirters somewhere between the reservoir bucket and the hose end squirters. Based on your notes, if you car is equipped with headlamp washers, the check valves have gone bad and it should be peeing all over the place under the front bumper.

In my vehicle two of the three pumps were leaking internally, the seals were missing, and one of the squirters was clogged. Took way too long to resolve, so now I recommend replacing everything at one time.

I've done that. That's not what it is, that's why it's so bizarre. It happens even if I don't use the washers for a long period of time. It's as if the fluid is being siphoned up the tubes and then very slowly leaking out of the nozzle so as to not be noticeable. The pumps aren't cracked either. I checked the tank with the pumps in place out of the car and no leaks. There is also no washer fluid present under the tank. It's only showing up on top of the cabin air filter cover. :dunno:

Got it. I missed the clue on the cabin filters fluid location.
Here are a few thoughts: a bad connection or a leaking hose on the hood hose lines that run to each nozzle. The fluid pump internal seal is gone and the fluid leaks from the pump housing regardless of on or off. This was one of my issues that was not resolved under the Previous Owners' warranty in spite of multiple dealer visits.
Tech tip; try disconnecting the electrical connections off the front pump overnight to see if the fluid stops appearing. Thought> pump short. Paper towels taped up under the hood across the lines will show where the leak comes from.

The fluid will run down the plastic panels and pool until the road pressures moves it out and away from the vehicle. Parked overnight/days it should leave a puddle somewhere. After all it is a gal of fluid....

Mine did the same thing. I replaced the rear pump and leak is gone. Never did see anything on the ground but, when I took it apart the backside of the pump was stained blue with washer fluid.

Thanks for the insight on your challenge. The paper towel test is the only one I know for sure will pinpoint where the leak(s) are coming from. Just stuff them every where. The ones that are blue, point the way!

Here's the thread

Replace the windshield nozzles. Part #61667110851

I'm trying not to throw parts at this. What would replacing the nozzles do?

I had the same leak resulting in fluid leaking to the same spot up there. The nozzles seem to have a check valve that keeps fluid from seeping out. Took me a long time to diagnose. Cabin air filter is just aft of them so as fluid comes out it runs back there while you're driving. Someone else drilled a hole in the reservoir lid to relieve pressure if you read the link and would rather do that.

I know I already responded but dude if you just read the thread I hotlinked you'd see why.

Sorry, didn't see the link. Makes sense. This afternoon pulled the cover open on the tank and it hissed like there was pressure in the tank. Expanding air pushes fluid out the nozzle? Makes sense. So, refilled tank and left lid ajar so expanding air could escape. So far, no leaking fluid. Sounds like the check valves at the nozzles are bad as suggested. Check valves at washer nozzles? Who knew? Could they make things any more complicated? Friggin' Germans.

I had what I though were leaky check valves at the nozzles but clearing the cap vent seems to have stopped the leaking...

I am not reposting that info again on the screen on the reseviour tank that allows the bucket to vent that every tech and homeowner throws away.
:rolleyes:

No need - not all configurations have that screen - mine never did. Just a pin hole in the main hinged cap (that became blocked with dried detergent particles). :D

*edit* See here - part #5 is missing (greyed out).

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

I recently ordered a replacement cap because I lost mine. No vent of any kind in the new one, nor any I remember in the old. I've left the cap loose for the last couple days and no fluid loss, so I think I'll drill a small hole in the cap. Problem solved. Maybe.

I think what StephenVA was saying was that there is the small screen inset missing, which allows the cap to vent properly. But a pin hole will do the same thing.

Lord (and BMW) only knows why some markets get a screen but no vent and others are the other way around.

Drilled a small hole in the cap. Problem solved!

This is the stuff you can't make up. Drill a hole - cost $0. Replace the screen/spacer $6.62 (ECS)

Washer Fluid Bottle Strainer 61661365848
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/61661365848/