Aftermarket Washer Fluid Reservoir

2003 ExtraCab 3.4L 4WD M/T.

Common problem, mine is cracking at the neck and the duct tape is fine for now, looking to replace it. Mine is the wheel well version.

Has anyone had success with aftermarket versions?
Is there a difference in fitment and capacity?

This is one of those non-critical parts I wouldn't mind using aftermarket if it works, the difference is $23 - $40 (with cap and washer pump!) vs $108 - $160 OEM, pretty sure that's without pump. I see one guy who used on in this thread but it was a while ago. I see aftermarket ones on RockAuto, eBay etc. for as little as $23 but they look different. It could be the same and maybe the illustration/ photo angles are different but doesn't look the same to me. The OEM one looks like this



Most of the aftermarket ones are different and look like smaller capacity



This one appears to be the "with sensor hole" version, there is another with something attached to the lower hole and is the "without sensor hole" version. I haven't taken mine out yet which will probably confirm fitment of the cheap ones.

 

Well, the pics shown above are the same item . . . they are just being viewed from two different angles (DOH.) I could not find any info in purchasing them about capacity. There is a 2.4L and 4.5L, but no one is saying which is which.

For anyone interested, pulled mine today, here is what it looks like, as you can see it requires the huge hole in the bottom for the fluid level sensor. It is stamped "Valeo Made in Canada" and the numbers printed on it mean nothing (probably mfg #'s)

I watched a video last night of a guy who got this one and didn't need it. He plugged it with a bathtub plug, JB Weld, and duct tape. I can't imagine buying that truck and finding that solution when it starts leaking . . . .





The one I'm getting, you can see the included pump on the bottom, the connector for the fluid level sensor, and it says "with sensor hole," $23.89. The only real difference is that plug on the upper corner, not sure what it's for but I'll feel a lot better about plugging a hole on the top than on the bottom. :-D

 

If money is no object: https://www.srqfabrications.com/sto...-Washer-Fluid-Relocation-Reservoir-p454396864

 

I paid $170 from the dealership parts dept for OEM. (With the puka for the fluid level sensor) Toyota part #

$134 85315-04050 Toyota W/Washer Reservoir - 85315-04050

85315-04050

Now I’m dealing with the squirters being sluggish & can barely reach the lower windshield. This isn’t due to the installation of a new reservoir, just 20+ yr old parts wearing out.

 

Well, staring down replacing lower CA's and impending retirement to keep an old truck alive, it kind of is LOL. I can live with this one for $25 even if it wears out a decade sooner. Going OEM on the CA's. That pump looks hinky though, might swap out the one I have.

 

In my swaps I used a few different kind sourced from different vehicles.

I used a after market pump

 

I replaced mine with the one from Rockauto last summer and its held up very well.

 

Same here, you can't balk at $23.95 with pump and cap. Guessing the pump works OK?

 

yupp! everything works great!

 

The upper grommet is a plug, probably for some other application. This one came with a cap and pump but no sensor, fill screen or connection fittings, used those from the original along with the heat/mud shield. The neck does come separate from the tank, seen here. Otherwise good fit.



The sensor gasket is a bit skinny (right) compared to the original (left.) I used it anyway and wet-tested before installing. I also ran some Goop around both the sensor hole and the neck joint. Saving this gasket, for a 20 year old truck the rubber seems really pliable.



Pump appears fine. On testing I noticed one of the nozzle sprays wasn't working, hadn't noticed before. I have some piano wire about the thickness of a G string (on a guitar) and ran it through the nozzle a few times, took ten minutes. Five of that was horsing around figuring out how to pop the nozzle off the hood lol

 

I ordered a generic one off Amazon for the Tacoma and just used my stock motor and plugs. Works fine and no leaks.

 

I installed an aftermarket cheap one on my daughter’s truck over a year ago. The plug on the bottom fit a little loose but hasn’t leaked yet.

 

https://youtu.be/WM-nU0TuHWk

 

I noticed that, the fluid sensor seemed a little loose at the top when I put it in with the new gasket but when I pushed it in all the way it seemed to snug up, like it is slightly flared. If it doesn't leak in a week it probably never will until the plastic gets brittle again.

 

Thanks, not doing any tire mods so no need to move it BUT . . . at 2:08 I see a bracket holding the filler neck . . . ugh now I have to go shopping, mine doesn't have one LOL

 

I purchased one from Amazon and it clearly states "Without cold weather package." Since my 'new' 2002 Tacoma has lived it's entire 4x2 life in Florida in a garage, I ASSumed it did not have the cold weather package. Turns out the cold weather package is an extra hole on the bottom that accommodates some form of fluid sensor/heater combo? I'm going to install the new tank, terminate the wires that now go to the bottom of my old tank, and I'll know when my fluid is low/empty when it stops spraying.

Don't bust my chops for getting ripped off. I bought it before I landed here on the "everything Tacoma" page. When the stupid tax comes due, sometimes I'm at the front of the line.

$56 Marketplace Auto Parts Windshield Washer Reservoir Tank Bottle With Cap - Compatible With 1998-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4Wd 2Wd (Fits Models Without Cold Weather Package Only)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088J5YX5Q?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

How can you tell if it has the cold weather package or not?

 

Could someone post a pic of the sensor hole?

 

Also does anyone know if that $56 Amazon one will fit my 1996?

 

literally post #2 in this thread.