Dead Front Window Heater

[Vince]

The front window heater doesn't work on my wife's car, it's the element built into the screen type.

 

Does anyone have info on the location of the relays and fuses for this?

 

I know the power connection points are either side of the screen and behind the sunroof panel.

 

It's a 2.8 Ghia X 1999 (T Plate) with the newer style fusebox (minature fuses and no relays showing). I guess the relay is going to be on a lower 'level' of the fusebox, but fuse location and relay location would make this a simpler job.

 

Anyone else seen the screen heater fail for any other reason (other than fuses or relay? Switch I suppose!).

I am thinking about buying a relay before I take the dash out!

 

Vince.

[Vince]

Is this not a common problem then folks?

 

Vince.

[NikpV]

only post I can recall was a connection problem at the screen - does either half work or are they both dead?

[Vince]

only post I can recall was a connection problem at the screen - does either half work or are they both dead?

Both sides are dead, so I suspect a relay, would be nice to know which one so I can get one before stripping the damb fusebox.

 

Thanks,

Vince.

[MrT]

Just in case you are not aware, on many of the models, the windscreen heater will only work when the engine is running, that is actually turning over, not just the ignition turned on. If you were trying to trace wiring and did not know this, it could take a long time. Also some models would not let you have both front and rear on at the same time.

 

From what I have seen the earth at the top of the screen is only a plastic/copper ribbon cable and this is usually ripped out when the glass is changed damaging the earth block.

 

I believe the relay is about the third row deep in the fusebox.

[Vince]

Hello MrT,

 

I haven't started tracing this one yet, just noticed that during journeys the screen doesn't work. The light comes on on the switch, so suspect relay, power to screen or earth.

 

Thanks for the info, the one thing I would like is to have a relay ready to put in, so I was wondering if anyone knows which one it is, so I can order one.

 

Do you suspect fords might have an idea?

 

Vince.

[MrT]

I may be wrong on this, but I seem to remember that if the warning light came on the relay was working which is why I checked my contacts and not the relay. This was about 3 years ago so I cannot remember exactly. I remember it was discussed on this forum around that time, so you may be able to seach on this issue.

[Vince]

Thanks for that, in that case the sunroof console is on it's way out!

 

Vince.