RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

windshield washer pump

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Old 03-04-17, 05:25 PM
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kinders2bs
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Cool windshield washer pump

I was traveling in the mountains w slushy roads at 8,000 feet and temp at 17. went to use my windshield spray and nothing, but heard pump working. had -20 washer fluid in it. 1/2 hour later, it was working off and on. Next morning, 10 degrees in Steamboat Springs, and they worked. IDK? It sucked stopping to put snow on windshied. Its an 2012 RX350.
Old 03-05-17, 03:36 AM
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SteveCraig
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We use fluid for -45 locally. You had ice in the system.
Old 03-05-17, 08:41 AM
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Droid13
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In Canada, -20 fluid is what we use only in summer just in case of a cool morning.
Old 03-06-17, 06:29 AM
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Clutchless
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The altitude was a major factor in how the stuff reacted to the temperature.

As the atmospheric pressure decreases, the boiling point of a liquid decreases since it takes less pressure for the molecules to leave the liquid. So the result is that at high altitude, the boiling point is lower than at sea level. Decreasing pressure also increases the freezing point, only not by very much.
Old 03-07-17, 04:54 PM
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ColAngus
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Originally Posted by Clutchless
The altitude was a major factor in how the stuff reacted to the temperature.

As the atmospheric pressure decreases, the boiling point of a liquid decreases since it takes less pressure for the molecules to leave the liquid. So the result is that at high altitude, the boiling point is lower than at sea level. Decreasing pressure also increases the freezing point, only not by very much.
Or... The fluid was old as and most of the alcohol evaporated out of it.
Old 03-08-17, 06:10 AM
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Clutchless
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And maybe it was more diluted than expected. You never know exactly how much remains when adding fluid.
Old 03-08-17, 09:23 AM
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kitlz
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The washer reservoir holds over a gallon, It takes a while to empty it. A light comes on the dash when that happens. But keep going because there's more in there. I know because I've done a 'spray' and fill a few times when the weather changes. Now there's all season washer fluid good to -25. So far so good.
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