Heated Windshield Issue

[JayG]

Does it come for the TE and Limited only ?

When I bought my truck I went on a fishing trip way out in the north on gravel road and just before we arrived at destination I got a big rock right dab in the middle of the windshield from a passing truck.

I took it to my Toyota dealer and they told me my TE doesn't have the wiper heater for my model, does it make sense since I have that wiper button on my truck ?

My 2012 SR5 has it.

 

[adam2562]

I would be surprised if they will cover this if the currently installed windshield is not a Toyota windshield. The previous owner probably had it replaced and their insurance sent them to a third party to get the replacement. I would check the paper work on your warranty looking for excluded items.

i talked to the sales manager today.. they are not trying to pay for this.. stating that the truck isnt listed to have a heated windshield.. i said.. well then why do i have a button for it (he tried to say well for example SAT buttons are there but u need a subscription.. i said yea thats something owners can add and remove by making a call.. nobody is adding a $1500 windshield cause there is a button there..

AND, he admitted that THEY (toyota) replaced the windshield while certifying it. i said.. well it sounds like someone went the cheap route or made a mistake. and he wouldn't own up to it.. so i said well i guess if i can't get anywhere i'm going to need to GM's name and get in touch with him..

I went by Toyota yesterday and they confirmed that i should have it even tho TISC or whatever the site is that shows options on Toyota vehicles doesn't list it.

sounds like i've got a battle ahead of me (sounds like this was a new option out in 2010 and toyota didnt have it as an option yet on their database of options) does anyone out there have it but its not listed on their window sticker?

ps.. i will call customer relations and corporate and BBB if this doesn't get resolved.

Thanks Guys!!!

 

[Ukie]

AND, he admitted that THEY (toyota) replaced the windshield while certifying it. i said.. well it sounds like someone went the cheap route or made a mistake.

So did you get original toyota windshield (unheated one) as a replacement? If you don't know, just post windshield stamps.
Also what does Toyota Certification Policy says about parts used for repairs...is it strictly OEM? Have you look it up?

 

[Intruder]

(sounds like this was a new option out in 2010 and toyota didnt have it as an option yet on their database of options)

There's an older thread on the heated windshield where a bunch of people were confused about who had it and who didn't. I seem to recall the feature being a mid-year addition in 2010 or something along those lines.

Edit: Here's the thread, but it looks like it was a mid-year 2011 change on some models.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/83129-windshield-wiper-de-icer.html

 

[bofa]

Hmm.. learn something new every day... and I did RTFM. :lie:

 

[Jivewalker]

If this is certified pre-owned, why not just go to the service department and tell them the windshield heater doesnt work? Let them figure out they need to replace the winshield to make it work.

 

[nw_4Runner]

i talked to the sales manager today.. they are not trying to pay for this.. stating that the truck isnt listed to have a heated windshield.. i said.. well then why do i have a button for it (he tried to say well for example SAT buttons are there but u need a subscription.. i said yea thats something owners can add and remove by making a call.. nobody is adding a $1500 windshield cause there is a button there..

AND, he admitted that THEY (toyota) replaced the windshield while certifying it. i said.. well it sounds like someone went the cheap route or made a mistake. and he wouldn't own up to it.. so i said well i guess if i can't get anywhere i'm going to need to GM's name and get in touch with him..

I went by Toyota yesterday and they confirmed that i should have it even tho TISC or whatever the site is that shows options on Toyota vehicles doesn't list it.

sounds like i've got a battle ahead of me (sounds like this was a new option out in 2010 and toyota didnt have it as an option yet on their database of options) does anyone out there have it but its not listed on their window sticker?

ps.. i will call customer relations and corporate and BBB if this doesn't get resolved.

Thanks Guys!!!

What a tool, esp. since they call it certified. I'd start by pointing the GM to Toyota's own website when you're talking with them (because it's standard across the board on 4Runners!). Then tell him he can either rectify it, or you'll take him to small claim's court where you'll let a judge decide if they should have put in an OEM part. If they say no, truck on down and file the paperwork, send out via certified mail and am 90% sure once they get the notice they'll pony up.

Best of luck!

 

[calcrc]

I checked my windshield this morning before work and it has the heater on the wipers like the previous thread with the picture. Made in Japan means original Toyota parts so I am happy, as for you I know the folks there must think you are difficult but its a 40K truck I mean its not a Yarris or a civic you paid for it so even if they hate you for making them change it too bad for them just go to another Toyota dealer if there is one close to do your maintenance or explain to them it comes as STANDARD ! Page 312 in the manual book.

 

[Ukie]

There's an older thread on the heated windshield where a bunch of people were confused about who had it and who didn't. I seem to recall the feature being a mid-year addition in 2010 or something along those lines.

Yes, you are absolutely correct. Some of us (2010-2011 t4r owners) don't have heated windshield because it was added to the production at the end of 2010 production year.
If you have a button to turn heated windshield it means your windshield should support this feature.

 

[Ukie]

It's going to be an interesting case. I think your best bet is going through toyota certified warranty due to "defect in materials or workmanship"
Used Toyota Warranty | Extended Warranty for Used Toyotas

or find some kind of a failure in 160 points inspection
160 Point Inspection | Certified Used Toyota (click 'View All').

Also you might try to cut a deal and get some $$$ and keep your existing windshield. I personally do not have heated windshield and I survive western pa winters just fine, however my t4r is garage kept. Just figure out what you want ($$$ or new windshield) and go for it.

 

[adam2562]

So did you get original toyota windshield (unheated one) as a replacement? If you don't know, just post windshield stamps.
Also what does Toyota Certification Policy says about parts used for repairs...is it strictly OEM? Have you look it up?

yea they replaced it with an aftermarket one, so when they come around any pony up, i'll make sure it's done right..

So today when i talked to the guy.. he said that the database doesn't show that i have the heated windshield option.. and that got me worried.. so i went to Toyota today (i still have my new car sticker, which doesn't have it listed) and looked at all the 4runner on the lot.. all of them had heated windows and none of them had it listed on the window sticker.. *I SMELL A WIN*

so i'm up at Toyota today talking to my friend (i use to work there) and he says he juts got off the phone with their parts manager who is running my VIN thru different databases and confirming that they looked and saw that i had the button and wiring for it.. he finds that YES i should have the heated windshield.. and he says to my friend (my service writer) "ok, that's all i needed to know" .. so it sounds like it's coming my way.. i'll just have to press for an oem windshield being that the vehicle is Certified for a reason.. and right now i'm sure they're shitting bricks and realizing that they're gonna have to pay for this. so i'm awaiting a call back.. but before i knew that.. i was to call the GM tomorrow.. so we'll see if they call me or i still need to call.. but anyways.. Fingers Crossed!!

 

[adam2562]

It's going to be an interesting case. I think your best bet is going through toyota certified warranty due to "defect in materials or workmanship"
Used Toyota Warranty | Extended Warranty for Used Toyotas

or find some kind of a failure in 160 points inspection
160 Point Inspection | Certified Used Toyota (click 'View All').

Also you might try to cut a deal and get some $$$ and keep your existing windshield. I personally do not have heated windshield and I survive western pa winters just fine, however my t4r is garage kept. Just figure out what you want ($$$ or new windshield) and go for it.

well as of now it's basically the dealer that will be paying for it.. because its a certified part.. the heat in the windshield .. the windshield itself isn't certifiable but the heat strips part of a standard option will be. so if they don't then i guess i go through the certification warranty process and take it to corporate if needed then BBB

 

[Ukie]

well as of now it's basically the dealer that will be paying for it.. because its a certified part.. the heat in the windshield .. the windshield itself isn't certifiable but the heat strips part of a standard option will be. so id they don't then i guess i go through the certification warranty process and take it to corporate if needed then BBB

Great to hear that your issue gets resolved:
Looks like "160 Point Inspection" is your friend here. Under EXTERIOR CONDITION & APPEARANCE it has:
- Acceptable aftermarket items checked
- Removal of unacceptable aftermarket items
Imagine driving without windshield... lane:

 

[adam2562]

yea i'm hoping they'll put an oem one in there.

as of now.. the GM of the dealership was to call m e back on Monday.. i called later monday.. i called tuesday.. and called twice today and still no call back.. i talked to the sales manager there again today and told him that i really don't want to have to go to corporate and have it look bad on them.. i don't feel its worth all that when this is a very straight forward issue. so we'll see by weeks end..

 

[Shogun]

Sounds like you have given them plenty of opportunity to resolve the issue and have been very patient. I would contact the customer experience center (800-331-4331) and explain to them what is going on. I had an issue with the backup sensors on an Acura and called their customer center and explained calmly and reasonably what was going on. They gave me a case # and then they got with the dealership and it was resolved very fast.

 

[BURNINGAIR]

Just to clear up "how you can tell" if your winshield is heated.. Having lines under the wiper is NOT a sure-fire way to know. In 2011 many glass manufaturers switched to laying the heating element under the frit band (the black porceline band surrounding the whole windshield) this was mainly done to smooth the heat pattern under the wipers, but also to make it less of an eyesore. Some may have them clearly visible and orange/rust in color, other may be barely visible because of a thin frit ban, and some not at all visible. It makes no diff when your truck was made. This depends on when the glass manufacturer made the glass
On all 4runners to date, you can tell if the glass itself is heated and connected by pulling your passenger side A-pillar. In the corner near the dash you'll find the wire, and be able to see its connection to the glass. So if there is no wire, there is no heat! This is the positive and neg. and only on the pass side.

 

[rigtec]

You may just have a blown fuse. That's what's wrong with mine...I just don't know where the fuse is.

Hi Titanpat57,

The fuse that protects the "Windshield Deicer" circuit, is located under the hood on the left hand side, in the engine room relay block (R/B).

You'll find a 20A fuse under the cover for that.

rigtec, cheers

 

[adam2562]

Just to clear up "how you can tell" if your winshield is heated.. Having lines under the wiper is NOT a sure-fire way to know. In 2011 many glass manufaturers switched to laying the heating element under the frit band (the black porceline band surrounding the whole windshield) this was mainly done to smooth the heat pattern under the wipers, but also to make it less of an eyesore. Some may have them clearly visible and orange/rust in color, other may be barely visible because of a thin frit ban, and some not at all visible. It makes no diff when your truck was made. This depends on when the glass manufacturer made the glass
On all 4runners to date, you can tell if the glass itself is heated and connected by pulling your passenger side A-pillar. In the corner near the dash you'll find the wire, and be able to see its connection to the glass. So if there is no wire, there is no heat! This is the positive and neg. and only on the pass side.

yea we pulled the pillar and shined a bright light through the dark area on the bottom of the windshield to find the lines... and nothing was there.. and the dealer stated that they didn't put one for it because it doesn't show that the vehicle is supposed to have it (which their parts guy later realized they were wrong and it should have it)

 

[gwcpa]

Strange how many 2011s had it listed on the specs as standard on the SR5 and LTD but did not come with it. I wish mine did, but just have a blank where it should be.

I've got heated seats and mirrors, you'd think the heated WS would be there?

 

[adam2562]

Well.. nothing yet from the dealer....

But.. i just traded it in locally for a Trail Navi KDSS 2011 WITH a heated windshield