Windshield replacement

[Welker]

This will be the second windshield replacement and the insurance company asked me if it was heated. I don't remember from the last time, the installer said he thought all TBird windshields were heated, really just for the wipers and the manual doesn't say anything about it...anybody know?

[SixPac]

Re: Windshield replacement

I'm probably wrong, but I think the '02 was the only retro Bird with a heated windshield.

[Gobird]

Re: Windshield replacement

Ned, from what I remember it was only on the 02's. Mine was replaced three times with an original and it's an 02. If you don't have a switch on the dash then I would say you don't have it.

[Welker]

Re: Windshield replacement

Thanks for the info. I sort of remember now about reading that there was a problem with the heated feature. I just called Safelite and told them to order the unheated one. I do remember that I was told that I would probably get an after market windshield but, in fact, the first replacement did have the TBird logo on it so I guess we'll see what I get. Living in Arizona which has the highest number of windshield replacements(actual, not percentage) in the US, trying to keep the windshields stock isn't worthwhile.

[00mustng]

Re: Windshield replacement

....there are no aftermarket windsheilds, Ned....only PPG makes them....with and without the logo....mine is without and was cheaper in price....

[EpTxGuy]

Re: Windshield replacement

Ned, from what I remember it was only on the 02's. Mine was replaced three times with an original and it's an 02. If you don't have a switch on the dash then I would say you don't have it.

I have an '02 and I had no idea that I had a heated windshield (of course I live in West Texas, and heated anything is pretty much a waste of time 90% of the year) Where is the switch? I can hardly wait to get home and find it.

[5bird7]

Re: Windshield replacement

It automatically comes on when the temp is below 38 degrees. Light and switch is on the dash board.

btw, Gobird. This was discussed at length this past winter. the 03s also have the feature, just no switch to indicate that it's on since the center dash unit was changed. The only way to know for sure if it's on or not on the 04 is after the windshield is removed.

[Welker]

Re: Windshield replacement

Dot, are you saying that all TBirds have the feature, regardless of year? That's what my windshield installer thought but the insurance company says there are two, heated and unheated.....maybe a simple choice on the part of the car owner who may not care. What do you think?

[jerrym3]

Re: Windshield replacement

It automatically comes on when the temp is below 38 degrees. Light and switch is on the dash board.

btw, Gobird. This was discussed at length this past winter. the 03s also have the feature, just no switch to indicate that it's on since the center dash unit was changed. The only way to know for sure if it's on or not on the 04 is after the windshield is removed.

Never knew my 03 had this feature, but, even in NJ, I've never had the car out in ice/snow.

[00mustng]

Re: Windshield replacement

....because of the low volume, I would think all the windshields are manufactured the same, pre-wired.....I'm guessing you will take it back to where it was done last time.....replacement experience is always good!....you might want to gently remind them that the windshield trim is no longer available....

[Leroy]

Re: Windshield replacement

The heated wiper docking feature on the Tbird windshield brings the price up, so if you don't have it now or don't want it, don't order it. When I was shopping for a Tbird I found one with a scratched windshield from a bad wiper and when I priced a new windshield I found out there were two kinds. I don't think I have the feature on my 04. Leroy

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[007Cruiser]

Re: Windshield replacement

Living in Arizona which has the highest number of windshield replacements(actual, not percentage) in the US

What is the cause of that?

BTW, sorry that you're having yet another problem with your car.

[5bird7]

Re: Windshield replacement

I recall someone with an 04 saying theirs had the heated wiper docking. The 04/05 manuals make no mention of a heated wiper dock. Only by removing the windshield and seeing if there is a hook-up/wires on the cowl itself for the heated wiper park would you know if yours had it or not.... or just let your car sit outside during a snowstorm, running. Kind of hard for most to do at this time of the year. If it's there, you'll be seeing the bottom part of the windshield melting the snow - below the wipers. Pictures on another thread.

Here's one thread to read for starters. Read post #37 by Ron McCloud. He says his 04 has heated wiper parks.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...dshield+wipers

Also PaulD makes a post on that thread about how to look elsewhere in your car to see if yours has them or not.

and here's the thread with a picture of one operating:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ted+wiper+park message #45

btw, I tested our 05 at the same time that pic was taken and it did not seem to have the heated wiper park, nor is it in the 05 electrical manual.

[CoastieN70]

Re: Windshield replacement

Check a few "Original Window Stickers". A feature like Heated Windshield would certainly be mentioned there...

[Welker]

Re: Windshield replacement

I'll bet the feature is not there and it really isn't important. We get snow in the winter but the car is usually not out then so the loss of the feature, if it was ever there, is no big deal. I did check the window sticker and there is no mention of it.

Gene,thanks for the the sympathetic words but the car is fine now....just having the 70k mile transmission fluid changed, the one missed by the geniuses at the dealership and being done by my new best friends at Autoworks. The reason for the high number of windshield replacements in Arizona has to do with the cheapness of the various governments which love chip seal road surfaces... and the frequency of application. The roads in some parts of Arizona, because they are so often chip seal, melt in the summer and the maintenance people dump the chip mixture into the soggy mess, rather like sand in mud, and the result is a bunch of really bad roads and severely pitted windshields and road rash on the car hoods.