3rd Gen Protege/MazdaSpeed/P5/MP3 General/Maintenance Discussion for 1999-2003.5 Models Only (BJ Chassis)

Q: Windshield Fluid Warning Light

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Old November-13th-2002 | 12:45 PM
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Q: Windshield Fluid Warning Light

Do 3rd gen cars have low windshield fluid warning light in the instrument cluster? If so, where is it situated?

In the owner's manual, it says it does, but I don't see it coming on with the other diagnostic lights when I turn the ignition key to ON position.

I've intentionally squirted the whole tank to see if it comes on, but it doesn't.

Does/Did anyone have the same problem?
Old November-13th-2002 | 01:26 PM
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I've had mine on. It is in the middle of your cluster at the bottom. Its a nice orange/yellow light.
Old November-13th-2002 | 03:05 PM
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Thanks for that info, I'll get mine checked out this weekend. Have Mr. Warranty fix it.
Old November-13th-2002 | 03:42 PM
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I see. Most excellent reply.
Much obliged!

BTW: That looks like an excerpt from the Workshop Manual. Gotta get one of those.
Old November-13th-2002 | 06:10 PM
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Which models were fitted with the 5.5 L vs. the 2.2 L? I filled my reservoir the other day and it almost took an entire 4L jug of fluid, but I can't say I've ever noticed a washer fluid light.

Last edited by Pro_fan; November-13th-2002 at 06:22 PM.
Old November-13th-2002 | 06:35 PM
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According to theMan, it seems the U.S. models are fitted with the smaller tank without the sensor, while the Canadian counterparts come equipped with larger tanks and a sensor (due to the colder climate?).

Try force squirting the tank empty to see if the light comes on. It's the only way to be sure at the cost of the 4L you put in.
Old November-14th-2002 | 12:31 AM
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Oops...I misinterpreted the man's post.

Anyway, I did stick in a 4 L jug so I'm guessing that I have the 5.1 L tank.

Guess I'll have to try draining the tank sometime to see if the light actually comes on or not!
Old November-14th-2002 | 12:59 AM
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Mine comes on all the time, and after that I usually continue using it for awhile. I was under the impression that only the P5 had the bigger tank due to the rear window washer drawing from the same tank. All P5's have the 5.1 L regardless of destination country, while the sedans may be equipped with either I'd assume. It's listed in the brochure as standard equipment on the P5.
Old November-14th-2002 | 01:07 AM
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Mine's a sedan. I never knew how much it held till I tried to fill it from empty. It took the whole 4l jug. I was impressed. i diddn't expect that. The only problem would be if that thing would ever crack and leak. How would you go about replacing it?
Old November-14th-2002 | 01:17 AM
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It won't crack. The fluid is not supposed to freeze until -30*C, and if it does it's a really soft plastic (like a milk jug) so it will bend and not crack.
Old November-14th-2002 | 01:25 AM
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Ya I know, but where I'm from it gets to be around -40 for a few weeks in Jan/Feb.
I was just wondering that if it ever got cracked. How hard would it be to replace? I wouldn't have to worry about it for a while I know, but it would be nice to know how to do it.
Old November-14th-2002 | 03:39 AM
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I believe that there are specially formulated fluids that can go to -40 or lower. Check it out in CanTire or Wal-mart.
Old November-14th-2002 | 10:43 AM
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FYI: From my experience, the plastic may crack, but only at the seams of the jug. I used to have the Isuzu Impulse (hand-me-down) and it started leaking after about 130,000 miles.
Old November-14th-2002 | 06:07 PM
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No matter how cold it may get, I seriously don't think it will crack. Just dn't worry about it...
Old November-14th-2002 | 06:10 PM
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Yeah, just don't worry 'bout it.
There are better things to worry 'bout the car, like which idiot is going to give you a ding in a parking lot, etc.



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