[Random]

Windshield Washer Reservoir Capacity -> 176 fl oz (1Gal + 48 oz)

2017 Gen 2 Volt (Red)

To estimate the Windshield Washer Reservoir Capacity I first siphoned out as much fluid as I could (little over 1/2 gallon of the blue stuff, fortunately not the orange or yellow used for brutal upstate deep of winter).

Next, I ran the windshield washer and wipers to empty (nice clean windows). It took five or so cycles (~10 second cycle max where it turns off by itself) to go to minimum flow, and I quit there. There are about three full 10 second cycles remaining (~30 seconds total of spray) after the low windshield washer fluid low warning message in the driver information console (DIC).

Then, I poured in 1 Gallon of tap water (128 oz). After that, it took another 3 full 2 cup (16 oz measuring cup) portions (16 oz each) to reach the very top part where the first taper is (just below the cap).

So, (bells and whistles here), I estimate the capacity to be about 128 + 48 oz, or about 176 fluid ounces!

Some water may have flowed into the system (below the bottle), however I did not prime or run the system with water in it. So the estimate might (?) include a little system capacity beyond the bottle.

 

[jbakerjonathan]

Impressive. ...and you did this why?

 

[Random]

The ww bottle capacity is not in the manual, and some were asking. Probably wanted to know if when near empty, can you just buy a new 1 Gal. bottle, fill the reservoir, and toss the bottle (yes).

 

[obermd]

Thanks. I'm one of those who wanted to know.

 

[hellsop]

Impressive. ...and you did this why?

FOR SCIENCE!

 

[Upper5Percent]

If you have multiple vehicles you can always pour what's left of the gallon into the next vehicle...

 

[BAZINGA]

This is why we are humans. We question everything.

 

[ChevyEMF]

My BMW has the capacity molded into the plastic cap.

 

[Random]

Windshield Washer Fluid per 1 second Spritz ~ 1 oz ; 110 spritzes / Gal ; 154 sp full

Realized I should have measured how much fluid per spritz (probably about 1 second for a typical spritz)

So, took a more accurate measure of the time-out (10.5 seconds), and how much water to bring back up to the marker (12 oz) after a fully timed-out cycle.

That means a typical 1 second spritz uses about 1 ounce of ww fluid (actually a bit more at about 1.14 oz)

So, a one gallon bottle should provide about 110 1 second spritzes.

And, if I was close on the total system capacity, from a full tank to the top inner marker, one should get about 154 1 second spritzes. Also, there should be more than 20 1 second spritzes remaining after the low indicator warning comes on in the DIC (and plenty of room for a full gallon).

At about $3.50 per bottle including tax, that's about 3 cents a spritz!

 

[ZamboniMan]

The ww bottle capacity is not in the manual, and some were asking. Probably wanted to know if when near empty, can you just buy a new 1 Gal. bottle, fill the reservoir, and toss the bottle (yes).

I hope you're tossing that bottle into the RECYCLE bin... ;-)

 

[volt spain]

THE PROBLEM is in GEN 1, not only we do not have water level monitor(except 2011/some 2012), but we cannot see the water reservoir at all...totally hidden from the operator!!!. Perhaps using a mirror ?. Hard to believe such poor engineering design something of such common use as windshield washer fluid.

 

[jbakerjonathan]

THE PROBLEM is in GEN 1, not only we do not have water level monitor(except 2011/some 2012), but we cannot see the water reservoir at all...totally hidden from the operator!!!. Perhaps using a mirror ?. Hard to believe such poor engineering design something of such common use as windshield washer fluid.

One of my cars - might have been the 2010 Prius - had a flexible plastic tongue about 8 inches long with graduations molded along its length that was attached to the inside of the cap. Unsnap the cap and pull up until you saw the wetted section, thus understanding how much fluid was left. With my Volt I just fill to the neck every four to six months - or just before departing for a road trip. It doesn't have to be a problem, if you don't want it to be. 8^)

 

[hellsop]

THE PROBLEM is in GEN 1, not only we do not have water level monitor(except 2011/some 2012), but we cannot see the water reservoir at all...totally hidden from the operator!!!. Perhaps using a mirror ?. Hard to believe such poor engineering design something of such common use as windshield washer fluid.

Just top it up when you're doing your monthly fluid level checks.

You are checking at least the coolant levels monthly, aren't you?

 

[Random]

Summary - Quick Reference Gen 2 Windshield Washer Numbers

Quick Reference Gen 2 Windshield Washer System

Capacity ~176 oz

Low windshield washer fluid warning - ~ 20 - 40 oz remaining (should take a full gallon (128 oz) refill)

Fluid used / 1 second spritz ~1 oz

 

[Dutch]

FOR SCIENCE!

 

[GreensboroAutoGlass]

I don't know about you I pour until there is no room left But I love to spray my windshield washers all the time .

 

[Cord]

at least the gen 1 has a low windshield fluid level light on the dash

 

[JuneBug]

at least the gen 1 has a low windshield fluid level light on the dash

I don't think my 2015 has that.

 

[wordptom]

Don’t know about a low windshield fluid level warning light on the dash, but we 2011/2012 Volt owners do get a message on the driver’s display. Apparently, this Vehicle Care message appeared only in the 2011 and 2012 Volt owner manuals and not in the manuals for the later models:

Adding Washer Fluid
The WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message will appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the fluid level is low.