The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car introduced in 1979. Whether you have a new or old one, routine maintenance is important. Learning to do simple auto maintenance is a big plus and can save you time and money. Filling the windshield washer reservoir and fixing or replacing the reservoir if it's leaking are easy tasks anyone can learn.
Tools Used: Windshield washer reservoir, Jack, Jack stands, Flat- head screwdriver, 10 mm socket wrench, Pliers, Seals, Washer fluid, Pan
Replace Windshield Washer Reservoir
Learn the part number of your windshield washer reservoir--which depends on the year of your Volkswagen Jetta. Getting to the reservoir in your car can be time consuming; therefore, it's best to have the new reservoir before you begin. Some dealerships have parts available for purchase and may have a replacement reservoir in stock, otherwise, ask them to order one for you. Alternatively, you can order the part from an online source or check the salvage yards.
Work on your Volkswagen Jetta in your driveway, if it's relatively flat. Back in, so you have easy access to the hood. Put your car in park, turn it off, remove the keys, put on the emergency brake and locate the hood release, which is on the left side of the steering wheel under the instrument panel.
Release the auxiliary latch located under the hood, in the center, to open your hood fully. Raise it and use the support rod to hold the hood securely while you work.
Look in the engine compartment and locate the windshield washer reservoir. The blue- capped reservoir in the Volkswagen Jetta is located near the bottom left corner. As in many models, there's an image of a waterspout on the cap.
Find the negative cable connected to the battery and disconnect it. Check if your Volkswagen Jetta has air bags. If it does, wait at least a minute and a half before doing any work.
Jack up your Jetta and take off the tire. Support the left front of your Jetta using jack stands. Remove the wheel well liner to have complete access to the windshield washer reservoir.
Unscrew the two 8mm screws located in the front of the wheel well. Then, take off the three rivets toward the back of the wheel well, using a flat-head screwdriver and pliers. Next, remove the 10mm plastic nuts located in the middle of the fender liner. Finally, working back to front, free the liner by releasing the lip.
Take out the reservoir by removing the three different nuts attached to the reservoir. Then, disconnect the hose and any other leads and unscrew the tank. You should then be able to lift the reservoir out of your Volkswagen Jetta. Throw away the seals--you'll need to replace these when you install the new reservoir.
Screw in the new windshield washer reservoir to install it. Reattach the hose and other leads including those attached to the electrical system and replace all the seals. Reinstall the wheel well liner by reversing the order in Step 6, put your tire back on and lower your Volkswagen Jetta to the ground.
Reconnect the negative cable to your battery and fill the new reservoir with windshield washer fluid. Test everything to be sure it's working properly.
Tips & Warnings
Check for a repairable crack in your Jetta's reservoir by pouring some fluid in to find the leak. You may be able to repair the reservoir rather than replace it if the crack is small enough.
Before you remove the reservoir, set a pan under your car to catch any fluid that may still be in it. Running the washer pump without fluid can damage it and replacing the pump can be harder than replacing the reservoir. Therefore, always keep your windshield washer reservoir filled.
Avoid frozen fluid in your windshield washer reservoir and your washer lines by using weather appropriate fluid in the wintertime that includes both cleaner and ice remover.
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