Wiper Blade Warmer (burning smell!?)

[j_shoe99]

Question:
I picked up a new 2012 SR5 this Fall.

Today, after our snow bike ride, I was driving home in some falling snow. After I stopped for a red light, I noticed a strong 'burning' smell. It was a cross between a burning rubber and electric smell. I then noticed the outside of windshield, near the bottom under the wiper blades, was smoking/steaming!?

I figured this MUST have been the source of the smell. I turned off the wiper blade warmer for a bit, and the smell went away. But, that was also as I turned onto the highway, so maybe that was the problem solver.

Just curious if anyone else has experienced this? Thoughts?

 

[adam2562]

i'm curious as to what heats up.. i was just using mine during the snow here in western, md but wasn't sure whats heated and how, kept the blades good though

 

[GrantK]

i'm curious as to what heats up.. i was just using mine during the snow here in western, md but wasn't sure whats heated and how, kept the blades good though

Bottom edge of the windshield. If you take a close look you can see the wires, just like those for a rear window defroster.

 

[adam2562]

o0o.. my window was replaced.. i wonder if it still has it??

 

[GrantK]

o0o.. my window was replaced.. i wonder if it still has it??

Fairly easy to see under bright light or with a flashlight. They are in the dark area at the bottom under the blades. On the driver's side there are also two lines that continue from the blade to the edge then up along the side of the glass (also in the dark area).

 

[Shamish]

That's interesting. I say this since the front and rear electrical defrosters on my 2012 TE seem really weak when compared to my 2010 SR5.

Does anyone know how the elements are powered? Is the PCM or a computer involved, or is it just a direct feed from the DC bus?

 

[02_SE_Runner]

Owner of a 3rd gen I'm saying; 5th gens and their damn wiper blade warmers, lucky bas****s. lol.