How to Remove and Clean Windshield Washer Container?

I used a set of pliers to remove mine. It was super tight. Used a set of standard pliers to grip the connector and press the tab at the same time then pull. Came right off.

 

Right after I quit yesterday, I thought of a flat head screwdriver. Tried it this morning and it worked.

 

We'll, as an Electrical Engineer I can speak (but obviously not author legibly) as to how the development process works (from my field, and a bit of mechanical experience).

First, my disclaimer: Most Engineers will tell you we focused more on the science component of our educations, and less so on the Grammatical function. Not an excuse, rather a fact.

As to design. If a product is being developed from the ground up, unless we are given size constraints, most development starts off at a larger scale than that which will go into production; chips and circuit boards are a great example. If a project is well managed and defined early, and it is kept safe from scope creep, the parameters and requirements will be well laid out ahead of time. E.g. We need a board to perform X function, and it has to fit into a 2"x2"x2" box. We design the board larger because it is more cost effective, and we shrink it as much as our function of the budget allows. If it then fits into the box and works, our portion is done. If it does not fit into the box, we will inform the project manager of what it will take to accomplish the task, or that the goal cannot be achieved with existing technologies.

For engine designers (almost always a team of disparate functionaries), old methods were to design the engine to the specifications either previously defined, or that would accommodate the space available, and around whatever government stumbling blocks exist. So let us say for example, I design an engine: I design for function, efficiency, and durability. I place the oil filter in the location that best contributes to flow, filterability (yeah I know), and with any luck I can place the filter on a zero horizon plane (x-axis), so that it can be removed and replaced exactly on the vertical plane (y-axis). Then the frame, steering, suspension, electrical, pumps, alternator, battery, washer reservoir, air filter and other parts are place in available spaces by other teams, seldom giving any consideration to or for other designs that preceded them. I had a 2020 Ram Bighorn 1500 Crewcab that had a steering stabilizer directly below the oil pan drain plug - there was no way to change the oil without making a mess. I'm using the oil drain and oil filter as a perfect example of how often conflicts and contention arises between design teams. These problems are thinning out as most designs have moved to CAD models, and teams are more closely integrated. As designs progress, other teams can raise concerns about the locations and their impact on serviceability of the vehicle.

I have met and worked with my fair share of I D 10T's in a multiple of engineering jobs, but the lone wolf "I could care less" folks have, and continue to be put to pasture. I retired in 2014 so I no longer hold an interest in the bag of rabid cats, but as an end user I certainly call out poor designs when I see them, or have to work with them.

 

Spray a little water on the rubber area where it connects to the tank and slowly work it clockwise and counter clockwise, adding more water as you go. You then should be able to rotate the plug 90 degrees until you see the tab that releases the electrical socket. Press inwards and it will slide off. It worked for me on my 2006 Tacoma.