Missing windshield wiper de-icer on some 2011 SR5 models - explained

[Ukie]

According to Toyota corporate, a windshield de-icer was an optional feature on 2010 SR5s and when 2011 SR5s went into production, a windshield de-icer was still an optional feature. At some point Toyota decided to make 4Runners better :bravo: and added de-icer as a standard and updated website/specs accordingly. eace:
So for that reason some folks, including myself, have 2011 SR5 without a windshield wiper de-icer. :happens:
Btw, my 4Runner has 01/04/2011 listed as a PDS date.

Here's a link 1 and link 2 to get up to speed on the missing de-icer issue.

 

[Nachies]

Interesting. I was told it was a regional issue.

Certain regions have different options....this way they are meeting the majority of the customers demands in that area. By doing this, Toyota saves on cost with production for items normally are unwanted in that area. Hope this makes some since.

Mine has it.. And we just had an ice storm. My 4runner was in a 1/4" ice cocoon. Guess what? I still had to use a scrapers and a pick axe. :happens:

 

[Ukie]

Certain regions have different options....

You've missed a point. According to Toyota.com, the "Windshield wiper de-icer" was standard on all 2011 models!!! Region/options/demand doesn't matter in this case. Here's a link to 2011 brochure.

Toyota saves on cost with production for items normally are unwanted in that area. Hope this makes some since.

No. Standard is standard, no matter what.

 

[Franzmann]

My dad and I both bought 2011 sr5's and mine has it and his doesn't.

 

[Nachies]

I understood your point. I was just sharing the information that was shared with me. This came from someone that is suppose to be on the inside. He could of been blowing smoke..

Any ways~ The company I work for has gotten together with Toyota's, so it can incorporate Toyota's "Lean Principles" into the company I work for. "Lean" is the practice of slim lining production. Which is another name for options, regions and demands. But Again, the information I provided to you may be wrong. But it sounded good to me.

I personally think the windshield de-icer it wasn't worth the beans. It's a great idea, just a poor design.



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[rickwol]

I understood your point. I was just sharing the information that was shared with me. This came from someone that is suppose to be on the inside. He could of been blowing smoke..

Any ways~ The company I work for has gotten together with Toyota's, so it can incorporate Toyota's "Lean Principles" into the company I work for. "Lean" is the practice of slim lining production. Which is another name for options, regions and demands. But Again, the information I provided to you may be wrong. But it sounded good to me.

I personally think the windshield de-icer it wasn't worth the beans. It's a great idea, just a poor design.
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Yeh, I've tried very hard to see the utility in those warmers on my vehicle and I suppose they do work to an extent but really, and the end of the day, I have to lump them into the same category with the BMW headlight wipers etc. I had to smile when you mentioned lean processes which my company introduced about 8 years ago. Seems many industries are embracing it today. Before that it was TQM, Six Sigma, etc. So many over the years. I love it.

 

[-JD-]

I found it useful once this winter. I suppose it could be a safety issue if your wipers were to freeze to the windshield WHILE u were driving...