Got the dreaded "Washer Fluid Level LOW" message

[mwr]

Just kidding, but that message did start appearing this evening (at 9300 miles).

The 2015 FFH manual says to use Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate With Bitterant, Ford part number / Ford specification ZC-32-B2 (U.S.) / WSB-M8B16-A2.

The parts department of my Ford dealer is closed until Monday so I searched a bit on the internet. I found ZC-32-B (no "2") concentrate, 32 ounce size, about $11. I also found on various "Ford parts" sites ZC-32-B2 (with the "2") for $2-$3 with no description of size etc.

The cost of either is so low it's not a factor; I'm just curious what the low-priced ZC-32-B2 actually is. Is a one-shot size? Is it a concentrate or already mixed? Etc...

[md13ffhguy]

They actually have a part number for that blue water???

[Hybrider]

I went to the parts department at my dealership to buy some of the Ford brand windshield washer fluid, but the parts guy there told me that I would be just as well off with the windshield washer fluid from Walmart, so that is what I did.

Edited May 31, 2015 by Hybrider

[jeffo65]

We have also used the washer fluid from Auto Zone. It works.

 

Here is what I have found about the ZC-32-B

Genuine Ford Fluid ZC-32-B Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate

• Concentrated formula; the product label displays a handy dilution chart providing the mix ratios of water and windshield washer fluid

 

The same question was asked on the Ford Escape forums.

 

http://www.fordescape.org/forum/2013-escape-general-discussion-forum/41554-what-windshield-washer-you-using.html

Edited May 31, 2015 by jeffo65

[mwr]

 

We have also used the washer fluid from Auto Zone. It works.

 

Here is what I have found about the ZC-32-B

Genuine Ford Fluid ZC-32-B Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate

• Concentrated formula; the product label displays a handy dilution chart providing the mix ratios of water and windshield washer fluid

 

Yes, that's what also found (as well as the 32 oz size). What I've not found is how the very low priced ZC-32-B2 differs from that.

[thavil]

Rain-X washer fluid for me. Cleans well and makes the rain bead right off.

[mwr]

Rain-X washer fluid for me. Cleans well and makes the rain bead right off.

I tried Rain-X a year ago on my prior car and didn't like it. Can't really remember why but stopped using it after a short time.

[GrySql]

In good 'ol nanny California we have to have a CARB certified windshield solution.

Check this out:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regact/awwf/awwf.htm

[hybridbear]

Washer fluid is washer fluid. Buy the cheapest stuff and move on...

 

The bigger question is: the 2014 has a light on the dash which tells you that your washer fluid is low? The 2013 doesn't, it just lets you run out of fluid. Our Focus Electric tells us when the fluid level is low.

[thavil]

I tried Rain-X a year ago on my prior car and didn't like it. Can't really remember why but stopped using it after a short time.

 

Just a guess but it may have been causing streaking? When I used the Rain-X washer fluid in my CTS, I had streaks for some reason. No streaking that I've noticed on this car.

 

Washer fluid is washer fluid. Buy the cheapest stuff and move on...

 

The bigger question is: the 2014 has a light on the dash which tells you that your washer fluid is low? The 2013 doesn't, it just lets you run out of fluid. Our Focus Electric tells us when the fluid level is low.

Same question I was going to ask, I've run out 3 times and no light on my 2013 FFH SE.

[lolder]

Wouldn't adding a dash a cheap vodka for antifreeze be cheaper?

[Iwejun]

Water,1/2 teaspoon of Dawn,teaspoon of dishwasher rinse aid and 1/2 cup of ammonia. Of course that's my summer blend all into one gallon.

[hybridbear]

Water,1/2 teaspoon of Dawn,teaspoon of dishwasher rinse aid and 1/2 cup of ammonia. Of course that's my summer blend all into one gallon.

Does the Dawn leave any streaks? I'll sometimes just use tap water in the summer.

[garymkrieg]

I would be careful using Dawn. If it gets on your paint it will remove the wax.

 

Gary

[expresspotato]

Whoa... Had a 2013 for 2.5 years and it never said washer fluid low, ran out several times. Was a sensor added in later years?

[hybridbear]

I would be careful using Dawn. If it gets on your paint it will remove the wax.

 

Gary

Good point. This is not an issue if you use Zaino though. Zaino even suggests washing the car with Dawn before applying Zaino to strip wax and other potential contaminants off the paint.

[Barsoom]

Whoa... Had a 2013 for 2.5 years and it never said washer fluid low, ran out several times. Was a sensor added in later years?

I second this. I never got a message.