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Windshield defroster overheats!

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by earl, Feb 18, 2019.

  1. Feb 18, 2019 at 5:22 AM
    #1
    earl

    earl [OP] Bocaue by Nite

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    Change tire and rim from 18" to 20". Use Cooper tire 275/55R20 AT3. On 20" original tundra platinum rim. VLED white headlights 5000 lumen VLED V3 Triton white/amber switch back on DRL. LED white foglights 6000 lumen
    Hi everyone,
    I started my truck remotely with the windshield defroster on (at fullblast) as the temp. was -23C with a bit of snow for 8 minutes. As I was driving maybe about 3k along I heard a low bang in front of me, sounds like the sound when you hear a windshield cracked, I inspected my windshield, I didn't see any cracked line or stone chips on the windshield but I immediately smell a burning scent. As I was driving for a another few meters I notice a smoke coming out below the driver windshield wiper, I immediately pull over and switch off my engine. When I looked out the wiper was smoking and melted I quickly lifted it and found a large cracked below the windshield close to where the defroster are located.. Looks like my defroster over heats.. This is the first time that this happens to me, I have my tundra for over 5 years now and always used the defroster every winter.
    Anybody experience what I have experience today?
     
  2. Feb 18, 2019 at 7:26 AM
    #2
    gladecreekwy

    gladecreekwy Wyoming

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    Wow. I wish mine worked at all.
     
  3. Feb 18, 2019 at 9:29 AM
    #3
    earl

    earl [OP] Bocaue by Nite

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    Change tire and rim from 18" to 20". Use Cooper tire 275/55R20 AT3. On 20" original tundra platinum rim. VLED white headlights 5000 lumen VLED V3 Triton white/amber switch back on DRL. LED white foglights 6000 lumen
    I think it a mixture extreme cold weather and a high defroster heat.. will be changing the windshield in the next few days..
     
  4. Feb 19, 2019 at 1:55 PM
    #4
    mambo143

    mambo143 New Member

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    It’s something new.... something changed. With that kind of temp melting the wiper out in the cold, I would worry about an electrical short that somehow is bypassing circuit protection (fuse).
     
    Pudge likes this.
  5. Jul 12, 2019 at 10:09 AM
    #5
    Zoomworms

    Zoomworms New Member

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    I know this is a old thread but this happened to my 2019 this morning, it's at Toyota now.

    20190712_061110.jpg
     
  6. Mar 6, 2021 at 1:55 PM
    #6
    Tyler0622

    Tyler0622 New Member

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    Hi, I have also had this problem with no luck finding a resolution. Has anybody found a solution to this?
     
  7. Jan 14, 2022 at 10:07 AM
    #7
    rbooth707

    rbooth707 New Member

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  8. Jan 14, 2022 at 10:07 AM
    #8
    rbooth707

    rbooth707 New Member

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  9. Jan 14, 2022 at 1:11 PM
    #9
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    Interesting....I had to recently replace my windshield, had some chips.....and a big long crack just like that at the bottom. That crack was probably a good 1-12 inches long. You may be on to something
     
  10. Jan 14, 2022 at 2:10 PM
    #10
    rbooth707

    rbooth707 New Member

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    I realize I have no idea how this thread works and I reposted what some else posted but basically same thing happened. Looked like a fire was about to start. I have an app with Toyota on Tuesday. Hope it’s not to much money to fix.
     
  11. Jan 14, 2022 at 3:35 PM
    #11
    2020 dc

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    This happened to my friend's 4 Runner. The extreme cold of ice on the windsheid and sudden heat from the defroster will cause this.
     
  12. Jan 14, 2022 at 3:59 PM
    #12
    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

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    Cracks with windshield wiper de icer are common. It happens along the heating elements right under the wipers.

    I'm not talking about heater defroster. I'm talking about The fancy option of electronic wiper de-icer with its own switch. The heating elements are inside the windshield running along the wiper lines.
    It happened to one of our new cars and after replacing the windshield, I disconnected the heating elements.
    The Windshield guy from Novus told me he sees a lot of cracks caused by the wiper heater which are embedded inside the windshield.
    My co-worker new BMW cracked also.

    If your switch controls and heats both mirrors and wipers , you have to unplug the wiper heater wires. If you have a separate switch for each (mirrors & wipers) like one of my other cars, just don't use it. I stopped using wiper de-icer.
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2022
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  13. Jan 14, 2022 at 4:00 PM
    #13
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    This is the cold weather package on your truck. You get a heated windshield where the wipers rest.
     
    NewImprovedRon and TTund16 like this.
  14. Jan 14, 2022 at 4:03 PM
    #14
    Cock-A-Doddle-Do

    Cock-A-Doddle-Do New Member

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    Impossible
     
  15. Jan 14, 2022 at 4:30 PM
    #15
    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

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    Funny thing is this feature was on my "must have" list. I've had a lot of frozen (to the windshield) wipers due to my travels over the passes.

    At the time, even F-150s didn't come with the wiper de icer. don't know if they do now? Pretty sure only Tundra trucks came with this option. F150s had other fancy options but no de icer.

    I was kind of (very very lightly) considering F150 (5L?) V8 and not their eco-boost. No de icer and it was definitely off my list. now I don't even use mine. lol

    Actually with my truck I didn't disconnect it but I turn it on for a minute and then turn it off and repeat as needed and no issues. I think there is a 10-15 min timer on the switch but I never let it go that far and manually pulse it.
     
    ColoradoTJ[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Jan 14, 2022 at 6:35 PM
    #16
    KFed

    KFed New Member

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    I have a 2018 trd sport, am I missing this option? Thought my sticker said about windshield wiper defroster, but no heater lines on the windshield...‍♂️
     
  17. Jan 14, 2022 at 9:35 PM
    #17
    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

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    Sometimes it's hard to see the lines especially with tinted windows. They are low where the wipers rest. Easier to see them on a sunny day.

    Mine has 2 LED switches. one for heated wipers and one for heated mirrors. The switches are on each side of the fan up/down control. I have a DC and think Crew Max may have a dial for one of the controls (instead of a switch). not sure, you need to check the owner's manual.
     
  18. Jan 15, 2022 at 7:34 AM
    #18
    normagene

    normagene New Member

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    If somebody still has their window sticker with the “Cold Weather” package it would be nice to post a picture of it here so everyone can see exactly what it is and how Toyota describes it. Thanks
     
  19. Jan 15, 2022 at 8:44 AM
    #19
    normagene

    normagene New Member

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    Ya mine says pretty much the same thing. Think it’s pretty much standard on all Tundras except maybe the very bottom tier. Pic of mine below

    The Cold Weather package has additional stuff. Probably a more powerful battery, alternator etc…

    Maybe somebody will post it

    CC7430D0-792A-45F1-B1D7-AA10806DE65F.jpg
     
  20. Feb 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM
    #20
    Dkenney99

    Dkenney99 New Member

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    Have a 2019 tundra- warmed it up in the morning and went outside and noticed a crack in the windshield (no impact). I had just had the windshield replaced so it was under warranty. I had it replaced free of charge but the windshield tech told me this is a common problem with the heated windshield. We disconnected the heater plug which can be found under the plastic rain guard under the drivers side wiper. This should keep it from breaking again. Hope Toyota will address the issue but this is a good fix for meantime
     
  21. Feb 16, 2023 at 9:54 PM
    #21
    Joe333x

    Joe333x Member

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    I have 2019 platinum and had no idea it had heated wipers. When does it turn on? If you hit the rest defrost button?
     
  22. Feb 16, 2023 at 10:17 PM
    #22
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    The 'de-icer' only comes on if turn on your heated mirrors on a DC or the rear window defogger on CMs.
    With that, it times out after 15 minutes.
    AND, it can't be turned on with a remote start of the vehicle.
    You have to physically push the button to turn it on..




    upload_2023-2-17_0-14-59.jpg
     
    Joe333x[QUOTED] likes this.
  23. Feb 16, 2023 at 10:19 PM
    #23
    Joe333x

    Joe333x Member

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    Good to know, I knew the heated mirrors came on with the rear defrost but had no idea about the wipers.
     
    1lowlife[QUOTED] likes this.
  24. Feb 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM
    #24
    Bergy24

    Bergy24 New Member

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    Where exactly is this plug and what's involved in getting to it? Any pictures would be helpful.
    Thanks
     
  25. Feb 27, 2023 at 5:15 PM
    #25
    Dkenney99

    Dkenney99 New Member

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    Under the drivers side windshield wiper. Take off the wiper and plastic molding and you’ll see the little power cord there. Just disconnect it.
     
  26. Feb 27, 2023 at 5:17 PM
    #26
    Dkenney99

    Dkenney99 New Member

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    I’ll post a couple pictures tomorrow
     
  27. Feb 27, 2023 at 5:35 PM
    #27
    Bergy24

    Bergy24 New Member

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    Thanks
     
  28. Feb 28, 2023 at 10:56 AM
    #28
    PermaFrostTRD

    PermaFrostTRD Tumescent Member

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    Are these standard across all models? Or do I need a special windshield? I dont think mine has it
     
  29. Feb 28, 2023 at 11:20 AM
    #29
    Dkenney99

    Dkenney99 New Member

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    The photo is taken just below the driver side wiper. The thin wire in the photo is the windshield heater. It’s been disconnected and kinda tucked inside so it’s not flapping around. Hope this helps. Didn’t want to take everything apart

    AF864039-7263-4510-AE72-56820C5C8DE6.jpg
    7776CCF9-D844-4221-BB58-D4848F18E72E.jpg
     

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