[Lenny Nichols]

I'm trying to find out the low temperature rating of the windshield washer fluid that ships with the 2014 EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee. The only thing I can get from the owner's manual or from the dealer is to add fluid that is "appropriate" to my area. I haven't needed to add any yet. I'm just trying to find out what's in it, so I know if I'm ok to travel to Colorado over Christmas. I live in central Texas and it's very difficult to find windshield washer fluid here that's good below 32 degrees F. I was in Colorado a few years ago over Christmas in my old XJ Cherokee and all the washer lines froze. What a pain that was. I called the Jeep Customer Service Line. I've called my Dealer parts department and service department. I can't get an answer.

Anyone know the rating of the factory windshield washer fluid?

Thanks, Leni

 

[6289]

Suggestion: Just use a lot of fluid on your way through Texas and when you get to CO stop in the auto parts store and buy some winter fluid with deice or just plain winter fluid and top off your reservoir...if you put a half gallon or more and then clean your windshield (pumps the mixture through the lines) you won't have any issues (don't forget the rear windshield). I know you want to know what the factory stuff is made of but it shouldn't make a difference, it's cheap and if you mix in at least half with the winter blend you are golden. What you should be concerned about is putting some anti-gel in your diesel fuel if you are expecting it to be well below freezing (10-15 degrees) during your trip...How to Prevent Diesel Fuel Gelling I use Power System Diesel Fuel Winterizer/anti-gel. Gelling is an expensive fix!

 

[CaseyGV]

Yes, I also recommend making sure you have anti-gel in your tank. I use the same brand - Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement. If you've never used it, you'll want to put 8 oz in per full tank of diesel fuel (the bottle has a sight mark on the side so it's easy). Add the anti-gel stuff first, then fill the tank and you should be fine. Walmart carries it, but you can find it at any auto parts store I think. It's a white bottle. I've used this in previous diesel vehicles I've had that have sat outside in -15 F weather and never had an issue with fuel gelling.

If you pick this stuff up, don't confuse it with the red bottle labeled Diesel 911. That stuff is for ungelling fuel that is already gelled. Useful if you get to that point, but it isn't an easy procedure if you have to do that. Just avoid the whole thing and get the white bottle.