There is a rancid or barf-like smell in the windshield washer fluid. What is it?

 

I know what your talking about When i took the windshield washer thing out it was leaking all over the place. and my garage smelt like i was at the sea. Who knows what it is, but its probley some sort of fungi.

 

I think it just gets like that if you dont use your fluid a lot. Its just like leaving a glass of water out for a month, it starts to stink really bad. You may just want to flush the whole washer fluid resivor and refill it.
Good luck

 

Do you use water or washer fluid? Since washer fluid contains alcohol, you wouldn't think anything would grow in it. Try pouring some diluted bleach in it. Pull the hose off, and spray it away from the car (in case bleach eats paint).