We have ~250 miles on a 2006 MINI Cooper Convertible, and somehow the washer fluid system (or tank) cracked (this was determined after washer fluid started pouring out and we brought to the dealer).

The only answer was that it was "due to variation in temperature" after pre-delivery inspection was performed. Not really a logical answer (otherwise cars wouldn't be recommended for operation in winter).

 

Mine leaked on day one, but the problem was a leaky pump not a bad tank.

 

It cracked in July??? How close to the Artic circle do you live?

 

my washer fluid system has been having some issues lately as well. I cant tell if its been leaking from the tank but it has been leaking out of the nozzle on the hood causing some unsightly streaks across my bonnet stripes (permanent I might add ). I don't know if high temps are causing the fluid or tank to expand and expel fluid or what the deal is.

 

Could just me one that failed. Just be glad it wasn't any other bottle under the bonnet

 

Do a search and I think someone posted how to get those streaks off of your bonnet stripes.

 

or check the detailing thread.

Art

 

Does anybody else have the problem of the blue cap popping off allowing fluid to splash up and out?

Seems like no matter how often I snap it down, it pops back off!

 

No problems with the cap popping off, but...

Filled up the resevoirs in my new 2006 MCS for the first time, and the next day noticed that when I tried to clean the windows, nothing came out. Bought some more fluid, proceeded to fill it up, and 30 sec later all started leaking out behind the front wheel (only for the window fluid, not the headlights). Looks like I'm calling the dealer soon...

BTW, I've had the car for about 3 months now with no problems... only when I added the new fluid did the issue appear. Strange...

 

blammo,

Were you using gasoline to wash your windows? I could see the gas eating through the tank. I guess that is better than spraying the windows and the headlights and BLAMMO!!!

Sorry. I couldn't resist!

 

To blammo: Our dealer trip (Atlanta - Global Imports) resulting in them ordering a new tank, then finding out it wasn't the tank, just a "loose hose" (or similar). So after the second trip it was repaired and tank was re-filled.

AND THEN - the problem just came back today. Ambient temperature is only ~80 degrees and car is garaged pretty much all the time, so no idea what's going on.

Apparently neither does the dealer, and we'll be sharing that with them tomorrow.

EDITED by Dave: Site Guidelines regarding personal attacks

 

Hi lindros2,
I took mine in yesterday, and the SA called back and said that the tank wasn't the problem, but that the pumps for the wiper fluid were too strong! They had busted the hose (similar to your problem); the SA said that he could always just replace the hose, but it would have the same problem again soon...
Anyway, they had to order the pump parts (not in stock), so I'll be bringing it back in next Saturday. Anyway, an FYI as your problem sounds very similar, and maybe you should have the dealer check the pump...?

 

I got my car on September 18th (I believe) and have about 550 miles on it already. I just came back from a trip to San Francisco yesterday and today the wiper fluid light is flashing. I don't think I've used it to clean the windows TOO often, so it's kind of strange that it would require a fill-up already. I wonder if I cracked it, and it's been leaking? I'm going to try to fill it tomorrow.

For what it's worth, the car I had before the Mini was a 2000 Beetle and I never once had to refill the wiper fluid.

 

My 2006 had the same problem....since I don't like anyone touching my cars unless absolutely necessary (required oil change for warrantee) I pulled the inner fender liner off. Right where the hose hooks to the pump it popped off...since it was full when I picked up the car when new...it must have been too much pressure. I popped it back on and fine so far.....but I'm thinking it will again pop off. Sure after little while the pump will lose some of its pressure and be fine. Be willing to bet all you folks with 2006 have same problem.

 

This is a known issue with '05 and '06. The hose can come loose, the motor can do something funky or the tank can crack.

It's a very quick fix (the part and 30 minutes of labor) to replace the tank.

I set up a 'service station' in Dallas during MTTS... we had some 60-70 MINIs come through and I discovered 2 loose hoses/cracked tanks in those cars. I noticed that the washer fluid light was flashing on my car a few weeks ago when I started the car..."Funny..." I thought. "I haven't used any washer fluid lately!". When I went to top it up, it all spilled out onto my garage floor.