Heated Front Windscreen Problem

[h2g2]

The heated front screen on my 2007/mkIII/70k Galaxy has gradually been getting worse and worse... At first, a single strip failed, then this got wider and wider and other strips started failing so that there were many (>20) failing strips which varied in width between a single element and ~1 foot. Now there are only a few strips <2 inches wide that work at all.

 

Ford claim that this is due to chips in the windscreen. A fine theory, except that when a started noticing this, there were none. (There are a couple now, but it has done 70k miles). They say I need a new windscreen.

 

I don't see this. I'm not a mechanic, but I am an engineer. I have a general feeling for how things work and how they fail. The elements run vertically, but there must be something running horizontally that connects them. My guess is that it is that that is failing.

 

Does anyone know how the mkIII heated windscreen is wired up? (I know there are 2, separately fused sides). Is the horizontal connection part of the windscreen or part of the car?

 

Cheers,

 

Matthew

[insider]

Check the windscreen excess on your insurance. It'll probably be easier and cheaper to just have it replaced!

[Mirez]

There are two horizontal strips that run at the top and bottom of the windscreen from the outside edge to the center - its behind the frosting effect so you wont see them but its from there that the element wires are connected and run vertically. These are bonded into the screen when its made, it WILL be these elements though and not the connecting "bus" - think about how thin that wire actually is, and then the rapid heating from a negative temperature over and over again and its not that difficult to understand why they fail.

 

That said, I've had many in the Fords I've owned and they've all lasted longer then 2 years so I would suggest you either have a poorly laminated screen (allowing the elements movement as they heat), its had impacts during its life (anything big and heavy will contribute to them failing such as footballs and the like) or it was badly fitted from day one. You'll never prove why it failed though and since I've never heard of anyone managing to repair one, (plus given how the windscreen is made it would be virtually impossible to do so) get the screen replaced. Make sure you first check if your insurance company will replace it just for the elements failing (most wont!) and also ensure you use a good reputable company as I've seen so many refits done quickly/badly its untrue. The biggest problem with rushing is that they tend to use big knifes to get the old screen out - all fine if they stay in the glue but if it scores the paintwork you'll have a rusting front end in a few years time so ask to inspect the car just before they fit the new screen.

[clockworkfrog]

Hi,

 

My heated screen partially failed on my 2007 Mkiii at about 18k. The dealer I was using at the time replaced it under warranty.

 

Regards