Buy Honda Accord Windshield Washer Fluid Tank / Reservoir

Below is a detailed, plain-language guide to the Honda Accord windshield-washer fluid tank (also called the washer reservoir, washer bottle, or wiper-fluid container).

Overview

The washer reservoir is a small plastic tank that stores the blue cleaning liquid you spray on your glass. On most Accords it sits behind the driver-side headlight and feeds the washer pump through a short rubber hose. Keeping the tank full and leak-free matters because a clear windshield keeps you safe in rain, bugs, and dusty roads. Honda warns owners to check the level every month, or every fuel stop in bad weather. (Honda Tech Info)

Location & Fit

• Placement: Behind the left (driver) head-lamp assembly; the filler neck and black cap are visible from above.
• Generations covered: Every U.S. Accord from model-year 1990 to 2024 uses a dedicated washer tank of similar shape, but mounting points and sensor ports vary-always match the exact year and body style.
• Sensor note: 2018-up Accords illuminate a dash warning when fluid runs low. (Honda Tech Info)

Capacity & Specs

• A 1991 Accord owner's guide lists 2.6 U.S. quarts (≈2.5 L) of fluid. (ManualsLib)
• Later models hold roughly 3 quarts; the neck float should sit at the top when full. (Honda Tech Info)
• Tank plastic is usually white polypropylene (PP) because PP resists road-salt corrosion and low-temperature cracking. (eBay)

How It Works

1. You pull the wiper stalk.
2. An electric pump pushes fluid from the washer bottle through hoses.
3. Spray nozzles aim the fluid onto glass; wipers wipe it away.
   A clogged check-valve or bent nozzle can make the spray weak or crooked. (Popular Mechanics, Popular Mechanics)

Common Symptoms

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DIY Replacement

A full step-by-step video for 2013-17 Accords shows removal of the front bumper clips, two reservoir bolts, and pump transfer. Watch it here.
Key tips:

• Drain remaining fluid into a jug for reuse.
• Label the electrical connector so it is not confused with the horn plug.
• Torque mounting bolts gently-plastic cracks if over-tightened.

Maintenance Checks

• Monthly: lift the cap and confirm the float is near the neck lip. (Honda Tech Info)
• Cold months: top off with winter-blend fluid that stays liquid to -20 °F. (AAA Exchange, AAA Oregon/Idaho)
• Every oil change: wipe wiper-blade edges with clean washer fluid to prevent streaks. (Honda Tech Info)

Choosing Washer Fluid

Most store brands mix water, detergent, and up to 50 % methanol, a toxic but effective antifreeze. (hero.epa.gov, CDC)
"Bug-remover" blends add stronger detergents for summer, while "de-icer" blends add more alcohol for winter. (Popular Mechanics)
Never pour engine antifreeze or a vinegar mix into the reservoir; both can damage paint or the pump. (Honda Tech Info)

Winter Advice

AAA's winter checklist says to confirm a freeze-proof formula and to swap in winter wiper blades that resist ice buildup. (AAA Exchange, AAA Club Alliance)
Popular Mechanics also recommends aiming the nozzles high enough to reach the windshield at highway speed. (Popular Mechanics, Popular Mechanics)

Cost & Value

Mobile-mechanic data show the average Accord washer-reservoir replacement at about $140 total (≈$45 parts, $95 labor), though labor rises on older models that require bumper removal. (YourMechanic)
Doing it yourself typically costs just the price of the tank and a quart of fluid.

Safety & Environment

• Methanol is flammable (flash point 52 °F) and poisonous if swallowed-keep fluids capped and out of reach of kids. (CDC)
• Unused washer fluid counts as household hazardous waste; many counties accept it at HHW drop-off days rather than down the drain. (US EPA)
• Always recycle the cracked plastic bottle if your local rules allow #5 PP.

Related Parts

When the reservoir is off, inspect:

• Washer pump O-ring (often reused)
• Rubber hoses for brittleness
• Spray nozzles-clean with a pin if clogged. (Popular Mechanics, Popular Mechanics)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the reservoir cap?
A: It is the black flip-cap tucked just behind the left headlight; look for the windshield-spray icon. (Honda Tech Info)

Q: How much fluid does it hold?
A: About 2.5-3 quarts, depending on model year. (ManualsLib)

Q: What fluid should I use in winter?
A: A labeled "winter" or "-20 °F" washer fluid so it will not freeze in the lines. (AAA Exchange)

Q: My fluid leaks out overnight-what now?
A: The tank or a hose is cracked. Replace the reservoir; patches rarely last. (Reddit)

Q: Can I drive without washer fluid?
A: Legally yes, but a dirty windshield can block your view-refill before any trip. (YourMechanic)

Q: Is methanol dangerous?
A: Yes; swallow a few teaspoons and you risk blindness. Handle washer fluid like any household chemical. (CDC)

Q: How do I aim clogged nozzles?
A: Insert a pin tip, gently swivel to center, and clear debris. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: How do I dispose of old washer fluid?
A: Take it to your local household hazardous-waste site; never pour it on the ground. (US EPA)