2017 Tacoma washer fluid pump doesn't work at 15 deg. Or below

Where I live everyone uses -30 degree windshield fluid. Some use -40. Don't use windshield " cleaner" as it is often not fluid containing anti-freeze. Don't mix or dilute in the summer. -30 or -40 for 365 days a year. If any less in your system pump out what's in the system when it's working and replace with the good stuff. It comes in different colors not just blue. And ya don't use ww fluid to defrost your windshield. That's what the heater and defrost settings are for.

 

You mean it’s not a fluid issue, right? It most definitely is a temperature issue.

Have you tried freezing the fluid? Just because a label reads -20°F doesn’t mean the stuff inside the jug has to be. Could be bad original quality (too low antifreeze, which is usually an alcohol), dilution at some point, or contamination in your system.

Take out some of the fluid in your reservoir and put the jar on the ground next to your new fluid. Reassure yourself with experimental results that it’s something beyond the fluid itself, as you suspect.

Toyota use a nice weather-sealed connector on the wiring to the washer pump. If you can get to it in your temperatures check that the contacts are clean, dry, and have bright metal.

 

Thank you. I think the wire connection is the issue. It probably needs to be cleaned.

 

^On cold mornings where the washer pump doesn't work, do your wipers move when you try to spray washer fluid? This info helps with fault isolation.

 

I'm in the same boat with the exact same symptoms, did you ever found out what's wrong with it?

 

Good way to destroy anything that boiling water would touch due to the rapid temperature change. Windshield would totally shatter. Complete dumb idea.

 

Maybe keep a bottle of this around until your washer pump thaws.

https://www.autozone.com/deicer-and...3757&gStoreCode=3757&gQT=1&new_store_set=true

 

I just use a plastic window scraper and the "defrost" setting on my vehicles. That's what they're for. No impact on environment and done this way for decades by Canadians.

 

Been using that product for years, however it doesn't fix the issue with salt and dirt while driving!

 

Same problem. Had the orange stuff rated to -25 I believe and it froze up in the lines and bottom of tank where pump is. After warming up I replaced the fluid with a new jug of the blue rated at -20 and it froze up also. Bought a new jug a month later for my work truck and it froze up for the first time too in single digit above zero temps. I think a couple of these companies are screwing us.

 

This blue stuff works good up here. -40 rated . Never "freezes".

 

It was sarcasm. You are correct, it's a horrible idea. Was just another bad idea like expecting windshield washer fluid to melt your windshield ice instead of just scraping it.

 

If the pump isn't humming when problem happens test for power right at the connector w/ a DMM or test light and see if the pump is being commanded to run.

If 12volts is present then look into the fluid freeze point or or maybe it needs a pump. They're just cheap little plastic things after all..

If 12 volts isn't present then look at the control side like washer switch, relay(s) and wiring.

Anything else is just guessing

 

I used hot water to clear ice from the front porch once also, worked great until the ice wreaked revenge and came back in full force on all the water I sprayed on the porch!