Every time I use the windshield washers, I get a VERY strong chemical washer fluid type smell in the cabin. It comes right in through the vents I guess. I just got this car too! Has anyone had a similar problem or know if the problem is easily fixable? Thanks.

You can either drain the washer reservoir, or just wait until you've used it all and fill the reservoir with a fluid containing no alcohol.

Keith

another trick I do is turn off the climate control (or put in recirc mode)while I spray my windshield. Kinda of annoying but it sure beats having a chemical smell in the cabin.

HTH

Ed
99.5 1.8TQMS

Is the OEM really isopropyl? Most of the washer fluid refills I've seen contain methanol (warning label says "Poison contains methanol"). I've heard that you can't put just any old alcohol in your fluid reservoir because it can "damage seals" (don't know about the validity of this statement). Is there anyone (chemists?) out there who actually knows for sure the type and concentration (% v/v or wt/v) of alcohol in washer fluid? I'm curious, because usually you can buy isopropanol and methanol in bulk fairly cheaply (compared to washer fluid).

I just assumed isopropyl since it is commonly used in glass cleaning solutions. But it certainly could be methanol.

Keith

<ul><li><a href="http://www.a4.org/bbs/archive/971007/messages/320.html">An analysis of the OEM winshield washer fluid components</a></li></ul>

Its isopropyl. I've been told that my nose is almost as sensitive as a Perkin-Elmer GC-MS ;+) Its much less toxic than MeOH as it doesn't attack the optic nerves and cause blindness. Its there as a solvent and antifreeze plus its higher vapor pressure as compared to MeOH makes it a better choice for under-hood use.