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Topic: Washer fluid/Service Light (Read 1157 times) previous topic - next topic

Washer fluid/Service Light

I recently tried using my washer fluid and it was low.  No big deal.  I parked my car and on the next start, the Service light on the digital dash, next to where the Speed indicator is, came on.

Is this likely because of the washer fluid being low?  I will try new washer fluid this afternoon, I just never heard of a service light coming on for this reason. 

Gonna flush my coolant too.  It's about time!

:burnout:

Washer fluid/Service Light

Reply #1
That I believe is a reminder to change you oil, if I recall it comes on around every 5k miles. It will shut off after the first mile or so of driving, but come back on every time you start out until it is reset.

 It can be reset easily, but I would have to get back to you on that, I can't recall which buttons to hold in when I am not in my car.
1985 T'Bird 5.0
1987 Cougar 3.8
1992 T'bird Sport 5.0 HO

Washer fluid/Service Light

Reply #2
I reset it myself (Press Trip and Reset and Viola) and it hasn't come back on since.

It's probably been 5K since it was last reset.  Ironically, I looked at the mileage I purchased the car at and indeed, it's been 5K miles.

During that time, I've done two oil changes, just to be safe.  One was just a 45 mile drive with Marvel Mystery Oil to clean any junk out.  Then I fully drained the pan from both drain plugs and put new oil and a filter in, letting about 1/2 a quart come out of the pan just to make sure no more crud was in there.

I also refilled the washer fluid today.  Thanks for the help.

Washer fluid/Service Light

Reply #3
Yep, those are the two to push. I usually do my oil every 3k just to be sure, we do a lot of driving and in some "not so nice to cars" areas and weather.
1985 T'Bird 5.0
1987 Cougar 3.8
1992 T'bird Sport 5.0 HO

Washer fluid/Service Light

Reply #4
Quote from: TheEskimo;316889
Yep, those are the two to push. I usually do my oil every 3k just to be sure, we do a lot of driving and in some "not so nice to cars" areas and weather.


Yeah, I change mine every 3-4K.  I go with a synthetic so I can usually get away with a little bit longer.  I always check my oil and coolant levels every couple of weeks to make sure they're OK, anyways. 

I have owned 8 cars in my life and this T-Bird is my favorite.  It's never left me in a bad position and is quite nice for a 22 year old vehicle with 110K miles

Washer fluid/Service Light

Reply #5
I haven't used synthetics, just never thought of it. We have had this '85 for around 8 years or so, got it with just over 220K and have put at least another 150K or more on it. Don't know the exact mileage as the original gauges were broken, but we put close to 20k a year or more on it. Gone through a few drivers seats, and had to do the head gasket and heater core, but this is the most reliable and comfortable vehicle I have ever had.

Actually, it has been towed 3 times. The fuel pump going out last year, someone loosened my lugs and we didn't notice it until the tire came off as we were on a rough road and thought it was the road. And someone putting the wrong grease or something in the wheel bearing and it giving out while my wife was driving. But it always comes home and I can work on it, and it's fairly easy to work on even with my little knowledge of mechanic skills.

And the memories with it, just can't replace those. We literally take it everywhere.
1985 T'Bird 5.0
1987 Cougar 3.8
1992 T'bird Sport 5.0 HO