Bad smell from windshield washer fluid

[Jeff Clark]

Whenever I use the windshield washer with the AC on I get a bad smell, sort of like garlic. I've opened the resevoir and stuck my nose in it and it doesn't smell bad, so I'm thinking it is in the line from the resevoir to the nozzle. Anybody else's truck have this problem? I've thought about draining the system and refilling it, but I haven't gotten around to it. I also wondered if there was something I could put in there that wouldn't harm the paint. Any suggestions.

 

[Scrappy]

smell

Mine is doing this also and I have no idea either. it seems to do it anytime it is warm out and I use it whether the A/C is on or off. (heat related IMHO) the washer fluid tube runs right across the top of the Radiator.

 

[Jeff Clark]

I'll study it a little this weekend. Maybe the line needs to be re-routed.

 

[loghauler]

bad smell from ww fluid

Had same problem from day one. Took delivery late Nov '03 and smell was there right away. Wouldn't say it was like garlic, had more of an oily smell. Has seemed to get better with time - truck now has 13,300 on it and smell, while still there, is not as noticeable. A/C on or off doesn't seem to make a difference. Haven't complained to the dealer yet but will.



'04 2500 QC, Bright Silver, Line-X bedliner, Westin Platinum nerf bars, Undercover brand hard tonneau, MoPar splash guards

 

[Scooby]

OK... . this is just a wierd post. A garlic smell from windshield washing fluid? I had to laugh.



I guess it'll keep the vampires away.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Originally posted by Scooby

OK... . this is just a wierd post. A garlic smell from windshield washing fluid? I had to laugh.



I guess it'll keep the vampires away.

It's a wierd smell to describe. Imagine moldy garlic. It's very pungent but goes away fairly quickly.

 

[_Hyde]

Good thing you have leather so that smell doesn't get trapped in the seat. You should roll your window down when you do that.

 

[Yo Hoot]

I think it's a biohazard... .



Very strong chemical smell. I haven't figured out how to upload a sample yet.

 

[kshimizu]

If you guys are just looking to get rid of the smell, here is an easy solution. Walmart sells a liquid air freshener that you put in with your wiper fluid. My fiance found it in the auto part section. I thought it was kinda silly when she showed it to me and finally bought some and put it in..... works great. It comes in a flat foil type package with a concentrated fluid (sorta looks like those quick energy boost that you have to drink with water). Just rip the top open and pour it in with your washer fluid. I ran my washer fluid dry on a trip the other week, added some water when I had a chance and it still has that air freshener smell. Beats having the weird smell that you guys are talking about.

 

[Pawpaw]

In my case, it was the factory-fill washer fluid. I couldn't use that smelly stuff up fast enough.



After I finally ran it all out, I filled the bottle with Rain-X washer fluid and haven't had the stink since.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Oh that RainX stuff is like a drug. Window gets smeary and you have to keep using it.

 

[Truckie]

Don't know it it will work but just a thought and an idea. Drain out all the washer fluid and fill with vinegar. Run it through the system and that should take care of the smell. If you don't want to get this on you paint then just up plug the washer hose from the nozzle and let it run out on the ground.

The other idea is try hot water and baking soda. do the same as above.

Just an idea if you want to give it a shot. let me know if it works.

MIKE

 

[curatchko]

The smell is just the DC fluid... . After you replace it with stuff from the auto store or gas station, the smell is gone.

 

[Pawpaw]

Originally posted by Yo Hoot

Oh that RainX stuff is like a drug. Window gets smeary and you have to keep using it.

Been using it for 16,000 miles now with no problems for me. When I first run the wipers there's a little smear, but it goes away quickly.



The best part is running down the highway in the rain and not needing the wipers. Only works when there are no vehicles kicking up road spray in front of you, though.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Originally posted by BobHall

Been using it for 16,000 miles now with no problems for me. When I first run the wipers there's a little smear, but it goes away quickly.



The best part is running down the highway in the rain and not needing the wipers. Only works when there are no vehicles kicking up road spray in front of you, though.

If you stop using it you get the smearing.

 

[PJ]

Welcome to my world! My truck stinks too. Im gonna try the other fluid with hopes it will change too! Thanks for the input.

 

[Jeff Clark]

When I was washing my truck yesterday I opened the lid on the resevoir and let the hose run in there for awhile. It diluted the factory fluid so much that it doesn't smell anymore.

 

[lschultz]

This one has the smell too my 03 did not. I have not looked at what could be causing it yet. Don't really bother me cause it finally goes away. I like the stink smell. Wife thinks I farted.