Hi Folks.

I realize that this must be a ridiculous question, but-where/how do I fill the rear window washer reservoir on my '04 R53?? Or does it share the one with the front?

Thanks!-AJ

 

There are no stupid questions....
Only stupid answer...lol...
Yes...you car does use the front tank (some cars have 2 if xenon lights are installed).
Common issue is if the rear washer is not used...gunk plugs the sprayer... If left, it corrodes the sprayer, blocking forever...requiring a replacement....

 

It's in your OM. If your MINI was purchased second hand and didn't have one, here it is in PDF file....

Owners Manual 1st Gen

"give a man a fish he eats for a day"....blah blah blah, you know the rest.... Washer info on Page 108.

 

Love it! Almost said RTFM, but was afraid it might come across the wrong way.....
If full...and it does not spray...try a pin to unplug the sprayer...
Also one tip...
This time of year, when folks ask this question...I kinda wonder if the lines are frozen...common if non-freeze resistant fluid is used...leftover from Summer use....
I would drain the tank(s) by running the srayer(s) on a warm day....then refill with winter solution.
A frozen solid tank can rupture...costing $$ to fix.

 

The front washers work OK?

There's only one tank and one pump - but then some relays controlling a valve. When you activate the washer, do you hear the pump run? Do you find a puddle behind the front pass' wheel? That's where the pump is, behind the wheel well liner on the pass side, behind the wheel . . . one screw for the tank is accessed by removing the side marker light . . .

Also oft reported is the hose to the rear comes off.

If the tank is full and the pump runs and there is no puddle then either the relay/valve is sticking or there is a clogged line. (which depending on where you live could be ice as mentioned ... not a problem for me!)

{Haynes - chapter 12 part 18}



(the headlight washers when fitted are a sep system entirely . . behind the driver side wheel . . .)

 

Mine was clogged when I bought it. I removed the nozzle and cleared it out with a pin, but that didn't resolve it. I took the interior panel off to investigate the assembly. It turned out the steel pipe that runs through to the motor was filled with rust. It took a few minutes jamming and twisting some various wires and rods through it to clear it out, but I was able to get it to open back up. If I remember correctly it took about 8 inches of about 1/8" rod to really get in there. A nice long drill bit of the appropriate size would of course be the best solution, but I used what I had lying around.

 

Thanks for the tips! Front washers do work. Hoping it is just clogged-will try to unclog.