Chevrolet Impala Oil in Washer Reservoir Fix

CHEVROLET IMPALA
Avatar
KNEAG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Ok, I know this may sound stupid; but my 16 year old daughter put used motor oil in the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Does anyone have any idea how to inexpensively clean something like this out? I'm afraid to use the system for fear that it may damage the pump or never be usable again.
Jan 8, 2006 at 2:06 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
PALCO
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
my 16 yo put antifreeze in the gas tank :evil: :evil: yours I would stick a hose in there and flush and flush some more. then pull off the little hose and/or pump attached to the bottom of the resivor drain put a little dawn dish soap and flush some more. dawn realy is a good oil cutter. put it back together and fill with 20/10 windshield fluid also a good grease cutting product. good luck.
Jan 8, 2006 at 2:45 AM
Avatar
JEREMIAH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 217 POSTS
the fender lining is held by a couple of clips that you can detach with a flat tip screwdriver and i think a 10mm bolt. bend the lining back,twist off the pump/motor at the bottom of the reservoir(you don't have to disconnect the wire) and just flush the reservoir from the top. if you have a high pressure hose,water should be just fine. if you have a rear washer motor,try not to mix 'em up when u put it back.
Jan 8, 2006 at 8:17 AM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
I would remove the washer bottle then remove washer pump and washer pump strainer then clean it out with brake clean and flush it with water before putting it back in.
Nov 11, 2010 at 6:11 PM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Access the washer reservoir as needed, remove the washer pump and strainer (do not mix up a rear pump if equipped), flush thoroughly with water, and use dish soap or brake cleaner to cut the oil. Reinstall the parts and refill with windshield washer fluid.

Conversation Summary

A parent said their teenage daughter poured used motor oil into the windshield washer reservoir and asked how to clean it inexpensively without damaging the pump. Replies recommended flushing the reservoir with water, using dish soap or brake cleaner to remove the oil, and removing the pump and strainer for cleaning before refilling with washer fluid.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle