2004 Windshield Defrost problem

[nick11]

Since the day I bought my 2004 V8 4Runner Sport I have had a problem with the windshield defrost. I live in Denver and frequent the mountains so this is a very annoying problem throughout the winter. The lower right corner of the windshield always ices up. Even when I start with a totally clean, warm windshield it ices up in a short amount of time. This ice trashes wiper blades and causes the passenger side of the windshield to be very difficult to see through. Four days ago I put on Bosch Icon wiper blades hoping they would fit the contour of the windshield better to eliminate this problem. They worked for the first 10 miles driving in a snow storm and now can barely clean the passenger side. The only way I can keep the ice off this spot on the windshield is to crank the heat all the way up and keep the fan on high. I can deal with this for short drives but for my long commute it is very annoying because of the noise and it dries my eyes out.

I asked my local Toyota service department if this was a common problem and he said it wasn't. It will only cost me $110 for them start looking into it and who knows where that bill will stop.

Has anyone else had this issue? Are there any known solutions? The dealer said that a hose might have come loose on the right side and is causing less air to come out than there should be.

Thanks for any ideas!

 

[boston_kevin]

I see the same problem with mine. Lower right corner of the windshield, typically in freezing rain or sub-freezing conditions. I'm not sure if there is a good solution.

 

[SeaKayak]

Sorry, Nick, can't say that I have seen that happen. I had my '04 Runner through a few Cincinnati winters and the defroster never left just a part of the windshield icy.

I did have my AC blower crap out on me when the temperature dipped below 10

 

[Uneek]

I had the problem happen on the driver's side this weekend in sub freezing temps. I think it was also on the right side as well. I say it's due to the vent not reach all way to the ends of the windsheild, but every vehicle I've owned was like this. The vent at best went about four or so inches away from the edge. The worst designs were the Chrysler Sirus (my buddy's) and my pop's Chevy Astro. It just had one big opening the size of the skid plate access hole for the oil drain plug.