Rain X fluid and Low Washer Fluid Sensor

[NachoRuby]

I didn't believe anyone on this, until it happened to me. I've always used rain-x fluid in everything, for as long as I've been driving. Nary an issue, until about a month ago, when I started getting false low fluid warnings and beeps every time I started my jeep. So I just disabled the low fluid sensor in jscan. Now I know it's low when it stops working. I top it off all the time anyway. I'm going to keep using rain-x, because I love that stuff. So there's no point for me in getting the sensor fixed, just to break it again in a year.

But for anyone who really cares about maintaining that low washer fluid warning, just a warning: Rain-X may eventually foul it up.

You can still use the kind that you spread on the windshield by hand, of course. But I use both.

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[ryanlsmith]

If nothing else, it makes you appreciate the engineering that goes into sensors

 

[20blue]

I just filled mine up today for the first time...im with you love rain-x. run it in all my vehicles

 

[kevman65]

Try putting a little vinegar in the reservoir. Might clean up the problem.

 

[NachoRuby]

Try putting a little vinegar in the reservoir. Might clean up the problem.

Could certainly be worth a shot. I was thinking of maybe some extra methanol or something like that. Vinegar is worth a go. I just turned the sensor off, because the beep and message every time I left for work in the morning was annoying. And that symbol was staying on the gauge cluster all the time. I kept thinking it was a CEL out of the corner of my eye.

 

[Rusty PW]

Rain-X fouled the sensors in my Power Wagon and Grand Cherokee. Local dealer said that they have replaced dozens of sensors. It leaves a coating on the probes on the sensor. The sensor is basically a conductivity probe.

 

[NachoRuby]

Rain-X fouled the sensors in my Power Wagon and Grand Cherokee. Local dealer said that they have replaced dozens of sensors. It leaves a coating on the probes on the sensor. The sensor is basically a conductivity probe.

I wonder why it never fouled my STIs or VWs? Maybe they use a float instead? Not sure. I'd seen the warnings before on this forum, I think even from you.

 

[dcmdon]

Is there any rains fluid that is worst.

I swear by that stuff. In the summer, I run the bug and tree sap version, in the winter I use a deep freeze version.

I've never had a problem with it, but my Jeep is only 6 months old and it took me a month to run the factory stuff out.

 

[Willys2Gladiator]

Going on 2 years with all season Rainx in and no issues so far.

 

[Hootbro]

I didn't believe anyone on this, until it happened to me.

That is a common sentiment when the subject comes up about Rain-X. There is no rhyme or reason why some people claim to never have an issue and those that say they do have an issue must be doing something wrong.

I have had the stuff slime up a level sensor, clog a pump and even clog a nozzle on separate vehicles.

I avoid it now.

 

[Mr._Bill]

I use the cheap blue stuff mixed with distilled water. Three years, so far, with no issues.

 

[azmojave]

Maybe this is what happened to my 370z. The light has been stuck on for months but I haven’t done anything about it yet. Vinegar? Will the spray mess with the paint?

 

[KidBobot]

I can't really prove it, but I feel like Rain-X shortens the lifespan of my wiper-blades, making them very stiff/non-pliable sooner than they should.
I never put that stuff in my reservoir. Rather, I just apply it occasionally directly to my windshield with a spray-bottle and towel.

On a related note, one of the few silver linings of COVID for me was discovering a product call Clarifii that a friend of mine recommended to keep my glasses from fogging up. I soon found out that you could apply it to the inside of your windshield to limit fogging, as well as your side-mirrors and back-up camera to avoid droplets. Stuff actually works great. I imagine it might work on the outside of the windshield but I haven't tried applying it.

 

[JTDay]

I used the orange stuff on a white vehicle and it left orange residue everywhere and against my better judgement I tried the green in my JT and same thing. I used a fluid handpump to get it out. The good ol -20 blue has never done me wrong.

 

[Marlinvx]

Just aquapel your windshield once a year, and don't worry about fancy fluids (other than winter mix) ever again. Aquapel is like rain-x, a hydrophobic coating, but it lasts for several months to a year. You will know it's time to do it again when the wipers start skipping...similar to rain-x.

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