Windshield Washer Smell

[2011TDIowner]

Whenever I use the windshield washer there is a strong chemical smell in the cabin for a short time after the washer spray has been applied. Anyone else experiencing this? Am wondering if there is a leak somewhere.

2011TDIowner

 

[chilehead19]

probably no leak. but the washer fluid from the factory has a very strong smell. use it up and replace with something else to solve the problem.

 

[Joe_Meehan]

Likely it is just from the spray on the window, some of which will drip down into the grill just in front of the windscreen. As chile noted, some brands smell stronger than others. I is very unlikely to be a malfunction.

 

[sydneycb]

Whenever I use the windshield washer there is a strong chemical smell in the cabin for a short time after the washer spray has been applied. Anyone else experiencing this? Am wondering if there is a leak somewhere.

2011TDIowner

I have the same car as yours and the same problem. I have been meaning to post something on this for awhile. I have replaced the factory fluid with a commercial grade but the strong ordor continues. I have never experienced this on any other car I have driven and I see it as a problem. Next time in to the dealer I am going to have them check it out. Not sure when that will be so if you hear anything first, please let me know.
Anybody else notice this and see it as a problem?
Thanks

 

[VeeDubTDI]

The factory washer fluid has an incredible stink but it works very well. It may take a little while to flush it all out of the system once you use it up and replace it with something else.

Solution: press the recirculate button on the HVAC for a couple of minutes after you use the washer fluid.

 

[MyAvocation]

Is perfectly normal of factory fluid.

 

[MayorDJQ]

There is no problem. All you're smelling is the alcohol in the VW brand washer solution. Once it runs out, refill with the usual blue stuff and you will no longer smell it. After a few fills with regular stuff, buy a bottle of the VW stuff and the smell will come back.

Drive more, worry less.

 

[Jack Frost]

When my 2009 car was new, using the windshield fluid created an odour in the cabin as well. I thought it smelled like mouth wash. The odour went away as the fluid got replaced by the ordinary stuff.

 

[BarrieCommuter]

you can go to walmart and pick up some cherry scented washer fluid. it's a supertech product on sale for $2.98.

so if you don't like the smell of VW branded washer fluid, head on over to wally world.

 

[palmseed]

Be careful that you don't spray the washer fluid if you are being pulled over by a cop.....it could be interesting.

I went down a twisty waterslide backwards a few times with my son in the summer. I don't do any twisty type rides very well, let alone backwards. Anyway, when we drove home that night, it was almost a huge mistake when I decided to spray the washer fluid. I usually like the smell, but I almost had to pull over to hurl that time!

 

[tcp_ip_dude]

Normal. Select the air recirculation setting a moment before you activate the washer/wiper switch if it bothers you. Cabin/vent air enters at the base of the windshield and picks up the odor as it enters, same for most cars since it's a high pressure area at highway speed. Same thing occurred on my Mercedes E420 and BMW 328IS.

 

[TDI Hoo]

My wife likes the smell. To her it is a citrus, lime scent. My .:R32 came with it, too. I add an ounce Einszett Kristall Klar to 2 jugs of VW rain repellant washer fluid, which is always $2.50 at my dealer (one time they give me 2 free jugs). The smell is pleasant, citrusy, and won't turn your hood orange like the Rain-X washer fluid (which I also like.) I add Einszett to it, too. Some people like the smell, and others, well, do not.

From www.autogeek.net