How to Replace the Windshield Washer Reservoir in a Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a Japanese car that's been on the market since 1966 and keeping your Corolla looking new is easier when you have a clean windshield. Using your windshield washer fluid helps you do this. When you run out of fluid, you need to refill the reservoir. However, if you've done this and still don't have any fluid, check for a leak, and fix or replace it.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Windshield washer reservoir
• Seals
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Screwdriver
• Wrench

1. • 1

     Find the part number for your windshield washer reservoir, which depends on the year of your Toyota Corolla. For example, the part number you need for a 1998-2002 Corolla is T370504. See Resources section below for places to buy a replacement reservoir; you can also get the part by ordering directly from a dealer or save money by looking at salvage yards.

   • 2

     Put the car in park and turn your Corolla off. Don't forget to remove the keys. While still in the driver seat, reach under the instrument panel--on your left side--and pull the hood release.

   • 3

     Go to the front of your Toyota Corolla and locate the auxiliary release, which is in the center of the hood. Pull it or twist it to open the hood fully. Locate the prop rod--usually on the engine compartment edge--and use it to securely prop the hood open before you begin working on your Corolla.

   • 4

     Locate the windshield washer reservoir. In the Toyota Corolla, it's on the left side of the engine compartment under the power steering fluid reservoir.

   • 5

     Jack up the car and take off the right front tire. Support the right front of your Corolla using jack stands. Then, remove the inner fender liner by undoing the screws and fasteners using a screwdriver. This will give you complete access to the windshield washer reservoir.

   • 6

     Disconnect the negative cable on the battery and the electrical connector. Undo all the leads to the reservoir, including the hose and mounting bolt. After that, simply list out the windshield washer reservoir. Throw away the seals--you'll need to replace these when you install the new reservoir.

   • 7

     Reassemble your Toyota Corolla. Put the new windshield washer reservoir in your car by screwing it into place, replacing the mounting bolt and attaching the hose and any other leads. After that, reconnect the battery and electrical connector.

   • 8

     Put the inner fender liner back together, replace your tire and lower your Corolla to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• If the crack in your Corolla's windshield washer reservoir is small, try patching it rather than replacing the whole reservoir. To increase your chances of finding the leak, pour some washer fluid into the tank.

• If there's any windshield washer fluid left in the tank, drain it before removing the reservoir.

• Make sure you put the bolts and hoses back exactly as you found them in your Toyota Corolla.

• Never run your windshield washer pump when it's out of fluid. This causes the pump to go bad and require replacement, which can be a more difficult task than replacing the reservoir.

• If your car comes with air bags, you need to wait at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the negative battery cable before starting.