I Had To Sell My New 4runner, Seeing Double...

[dwulffusa]

I think I read somewhere in the forum about the 2006 changes that included a thicker winshield for noise reduction. Since this should fit into any 2003-2006, has anyone had to replace a windshield, does the 06 have a different inventory id, and is a difference noticable? Hopefully the 06 windhshield is also a better quality and does have wavy lines when looked at from an angle.

 

[Offroader]

I'm 5'10" like you.
I adjust the seat to its lowest position.
I need prescription glasses, sometimes I wear them, sometimes I don't, and sometimes I wear non-prescription sunglasses.
I'm an extremely picky guy.

I've perceived a certain amount of distortion in most windshields of many different European, American, and Japanese manufacturers, including my present 2005 T4R.

But I think you should go to a different, more careful, better equipped, optometrist and have your prescription checked.

Using the wrong prescription can make walls and the floor appear to be curved, among many other distortions, including double vision.

 

[jharris2]

I've driven a bunch at night and never had the problem. Very strange. The windshield does have some distortion, but every vehicle I've driven with a large windshield has some.

To the ones thinking about the thicker glass, re-read his post about having the problem in a 2004 model, too.


Ejason, just a thought -- you might want to consider going to an ophthamologist instead of an optometrist. Maybe there is something wrong that an optometrist wouldn't be able to diagnose?

 

[pickerdd]

Was wondering if you might have an astigmatism. This has to do with the shape of your eye(s) and one of the symptoms is ghost images. Lights will sometimes appear to be doubled. The curve of the glass or thickness might aggravate it and produce the double light effect you are experiencing in the newer 4Runners. Just a thought...

I experience the same double image thing as you because of the astigmatism I have in both eyes. It does seem to be worse in the 4Runner than in my old Honda Accord, but not enough to make me want to sell my truck.

David

 

[savagebeast]

I feel your pain......

 

[mswscco]

Ejason, just a thought -- you might want to consider going to an ophthamologist instead of an optometrist. Maybe there is something wrong that an optometrist wouldn't be able to diagnose?

Today's optometrists are excellent diagnosticians who can evaluate (and often treat) your eyes for just about any type of problem, especially a visual one. If it turns out you need surgery, though, you'll eventually need to see an ophthalmologist because they're the surgical specialists.

Yes, I am an optometrist.

Yes, I shall now get off my soapbox.

Sorry the truck didn't work out for ya'.

 

[Mr. Lambdebois]

You devenately need to get your eyes looked at. :awais:

I am an optometrist.

So whats the difference between a strabismus(sp?) and exotropia? I have had surgery twice growing up to correct it and probabbly will need to get it done again soon or at least look into glasses or contacts. :awais: I always though I had exotropia but about a year ago I found out that it was actually a strabismus or at least that is was my mother tells me. I see how they are both similar but what are the differances?

 

[mswscco]

So whats the difference between...

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes under normal viewing conditions. Exotropia is a specific type of strabismus where the eye you aren't fixating with is turned outward, away from the body's midline. There is also esotropia (eye turned inward) hypertropia (eye turned upward) and hypotropia (eye turned downward). All different types of strabismus. Sometimes treated with surgery, sometimes treated with eye exercises, and sometimes just left alone.

 

[Mr. Lambdebois]

Thanks for the clarification. So I guess I have exotropia which is a type of strabismus.

:bigok:

 

[Paul2660]

It's not his eyes

I have noticed the effect also, I am 6 1 and if I sit up in the seat at night, I will notice this. TR4 2006 sport 4Wd

I will get it worse with my contacts in. Cars in the opposite lane on the interstate will slightly show a headlight double above the real one and as the get close these two lights merge into one. It amost reminds me of when my I swim and get chlorine in my eyes.

Street lights will also show a double light and again as you get closer they merge.

No doubt it's the windshield, it's coating or something in the curvature.

I also noticed that if you look anyway but straight ahead the effect it not as bad.

The effect is worse the higher you look through the windshield also. I tested some with that last night.

I guess it will be something I will have to get used to.

Paul c.

 

[AlexJet]

i am 5'10, and i look through the top half of the window. it really is the truck,,, tonight a woman in my complex has an 04 limited, and i got to take a quick spin in it. AND I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM... oh well. i am stuck with my truck for a little longer.

I'm 6'1" and never had an issue with it and I do look through the top 1/3 of the windshield. I also trade a Montero for 4Runner, but it was 2003 Montero. I can say you that my 4Runner is 10x better then Montero in everything such as comfort, visibility, stability, off-road capability. The only thing where Montero wins is the headroom, but I got used to 4Runner.

 

[Uneek]

Same here, at 6'1" I haven't noticed any distortion in my windshield at any given area.

 

[khaug]

It must be the hydrophillic glass!

Koz

It's hydrophobic! Hydrophyllic means "loves water". Brake fluid is hydrophyllic, which is why it needs to be changed every couple of years. Hydrophobic means "hates water".

The ceramic hydrophobic (water-shedding) coating is applied only to the outside mirrors, the front door side windows and the hatch window. It is not applied to the windshield.

 

[T4R4ME]

Thats interesting, first time I saw this.
So, I'm just curious of two things ejason.
(1) Why didn't you consider seeing an Eye Doctor before getting rid of the 4R.
(2) How did you get the dealer to take it back and how much of a hassle was it?

 

[Paul2660]

Follow up

I had a question for Khaug, on the coating.
Do you have anything from Toyota that states the coating is not on the front windshield? I ask since I have read many reviews and some claim it's on the windshield and others not. I can't find anything on Toyota's site that clarifys it.

Personally, I also wanted to add.....
I only see this effect at night and that's after a long day. I am sure it's something to do with my correction and the curve of the windshield. I don't think its the coating. It took me a few trips to even see it so it's very minor most times, but street lights are the worst.

Not at all trying to bring down the brand, just point out that the effect is real and certain people can see it.

I am 48, and have driven since around 14 years old, and have never seen this before and I have owned many other Toy's.

Paul C.

 

[toybox]

It's hydrophobic! Hydrophyllic means "loves water". Brake fluid is hydrophyllic, which is why it needs to be changed every couple of years. Hydrophobic means "hates water".

The ceramic hydrophobic (water-shedding) coating is applied only to the outside mirrors, the front door side windows and the hatch window. It is not applied to the windshield.

It's hydrophyllic. It is in Toyota's literature as such. BTW this has been discussed in depth in the past and the said literature is posted in that thread.