Screenwash turns to gel

[Bristol_Crosstar]

I've had a problem with screen wash solidifying to a gel on the windscreen so thought I'd ask for it to be flushed through as part of the car's second service today. It turns out in order to clean it they have to take the front bumper off which could take a couple of hours so I'm having to re-book in and they'll do it when I bring it in for the camera recall issue.

They said the solution they put in ('official' Honda stuff) must have reacted to some cheap fluid put in by myself, except that I've never topped up with anything but water. I've looked in the manual and it just says only use 'commercially available' fluids rather than making some hone-grown stuff and putting that in, so doesn't really give much guidance on what you should be using. I've said I'm assuming it will be done under warranty since it's only had the fluid they've put in at servicing, they're going to get back to me on that one.

Has anyone else had an issue like this with the Jazz, looking online it has happened on several different makes.

[Kremmen]

I don't think I've ever used my washers as I tend to only go out in nice weather.

They'll get tested tomorrow ...... first service. Crown Honda, Bushey Heath

[5thcivic]

The mix is usually methanol or ethanol to prevent freezing, topping with water should just dilute so it freezes earlier, difficult to see how water can create a gel, maybe some kind of detergent added?

[ColinB]

Has anyone else had an issue like this with the Jazz, looking online it has happened on several different makes.

Have a look through this thread:
https://clubjazz.org/forum/index.php?topic=12818.msg94497#msg94497
If there's genuinely a problem with mixing brands of screenwash (noting that you say you've not done that) then it can happen to any marque or model.

[Kenneve]

I've always used Halfords ready mixed screenwash and never had a problem with any of my cars.

[richardfrost]

Are you sure its the screen wash and not something on your windscreen it is reacting with? Personally, I'd be tempted to just run the engine and squirt all the screen wash until it is out of the system. Draining it seems a very drastic solution to me.

[Bristol_Crosstar]

Are you sure its the screen wash and not something on your windscreen it is reacting with? Personally, I'd be tempted to just run the engine and squirt all the screen wash until it is out of the system. Draining it seems a very drastic solution to me.

I did try squirting most out and refilling with plain water but it didn't make any difference, think there is a build up at the bottom of the container and also not very good for the paintwork etc although I washed it off straight away.

Looking at other cars that have had the problem it's been put down to mixing different incompatible products, not using it very often and/or hot weather. The gel is a bacterial material so the container needs a complete clean. I haven't had the car from new, it was previously a demonstrator at the dealership so I don't know what was put in it for the first six months or so but as far as I'm concerned the dealership should take responsibility. I admit I hardly ever use it as I'm retired and only take the car out in bad weather if there's no other option.

[Bristol_Crosstar]

I've always used Halfords ready mixed screenwash and never had a problem with any of my cars.

I've only ever used cheap supermarket screenwash on my previous cars and never had  anything like this happen, if they fix it I'm not sure I want them to put their mixture in again.

[E27006]

I think the screenwash solution can be attacked by bacteria which digest  the alcohol,  siphon the screenwash reservoir until dry, fill and flush reservoir with a mild disinfectant such as  baby feed bottle sterilising fluid which you buy in supermarkets,  siphon out the sterilising fliud and refill with good quality screenwash 

[fashionphotography]

i have come across this before on customers cars before. only as a result of them using washing up liquid in there screenwash bottles. only result is it turns to gel often blocking up the system

[Karoq]

I would agree. 'Gloop' in the washer bottle is invariably caused by washing up liquid.
Either stick your garden hose into the filler and run it until all 'gloop' removed or put a 'Milton Tablet in there, Fill up with fresh plain water. Leave it for a day and then give it a squirt.
If the jets won't unclog the only answer is to get an airline on the hose at the pump end.
Good luck.

[Rory]

I think the screenwash solution can be attacked by bacteria which digest  the alcohol,  siphon the screenwash reservoir until dry, fill and flush reservoir with a mild disinfectant such as  baby feed bottle sterilising fluid which you buy in supermarkets,  siphon out the sterilising fliud and refill with good quality screenwash 

Yes, Milton is what people use.  You hear of this happening a lot on BMWs for some reason.

[Bristol_Crosstar]

I've used the baby sterilisation fluid as suggested and that seems to have resolved the issue so no need to have the bumper removed! Thanks for your help on here

[Wilmo]

I use Prestone screenwash, never had an issue but I tend to give the screen a wash virtually every trip which keeps it flowing.

[Neil Ives]

i have come across this before on customers cars before. only as a result of them using washing up liquid in there screenwash bottles. only result is it turns to gel often blocking up the system

Agreed. When I was  a motor mechanic I sometimes had to clean out the windscreen washer system after washing up liquid had been used and the solution had turned to a gel.