Wiper issue
- Thread starter 4Run14
- Start date
Intruder
New member
Hehehe, this is the norm up here on every vehicle I've ever owned. It's just standard operating procedure that when you scrape your windshield you flex the wipers to break up the ice. And if you're driving and getting any sort of spray it'll probably freeze up again. Not uncommon up here to see someone stopped at a red light in the winter jump out and bang their wiper blades against the windshield to clear them.
badhabits
New member
:amen:
philsey
New member
Yeah, down there you'd have to start a thread about how to operate the A/C.
TBrock
New member
3wbdriver
New member
:wacko: :twitch: :wow: :dizzy:Thanks for everyone who provided some logical input. I frequently drive my 12 year old and I consider this a huge safety concern especially if it happens to the drivers side. I would rather not joke about it....
I have messed around with the wiper and the arm, but I think "bending" things is out of the question. First step is new Bosch wipers and then I'll report back.
I have messed around with the wiper and the arm, but I think "bending" things is out of the question. First step is new Bosch wipers and then I'll report back.
ound:
Saker
Senior Member
Contact you dealer with your concern, if you feel that strongly about the issue, take it in have them replace the arm under warranty.
nevada
Senior Member
that should help.
yep, the wiper gets frozen into the shape of the window where it parks. which is curved. my 85runner does this terribly bad, however my 85 truck does not. maybe the truck defroster works better, and the blade doesn't gat a chance to freeze? I haven't noticed this happen on my 06, but it has the Bosch icon beam blades
Erkelbot
New member
Maybe I missed this, but any chance the rubber's just hard from being so cold? Theoretically it should act the same as the other side, but perhaps it's just really rigid from the temp? Since you have a premium, did you try the wiper heaters in tandem with the defrost on high heat? Is it just that it's not making contact, or that it's wiping weird lines on your wind screen?
TBrock
New member
That's what I was going to suggest as well. However, I assumed he had already known about this.
Also, you could soak a soft cloth with full-strength rubbing alcohol and wipe each blade. The alcohol will keep the blades from sticking to the window so they'll function properly even on the coldest day of the year.
Put me on the list! I have had this problem with my new Runner since day one, a month before the snow and ice arrived. (Never had it with my FJ - loved those three short wipers!)
I agree those of us who choose to live up north must learn to deal with the frustrations that go along with the many wonderful benefits, BUT:
I have used all the tricks some of the more helpful people on this forum have offered, and the problem persists. New wiper blade did not help, but I'll admit I didn't get a chance to pick up a really good brand yet.
It DOES become a safety concern if you are having to pull over to clear it every five minutes, in horrendous conditions, where there is no safe place to pull over!
Like the OP, I am looking for a better, more permanent solution. In the past, here is what I have found helps with this problem:
1. Never buy the special "winter" wipers
2. Buy the best. Experiment, and find out what brand works best for you.
3. * Use a shorter blade. This effectively increases the pressure of the blade on the windshield, so it does a better job. As long as you don't go too short, you still get a decent portion of the window area cleared for visibility.
4. As already suggested, before you head out the driveway, flex the blade, remove accumulated ice, check the spring, lubricate, slap it down, and tell Murphy to go bother someone else.
5. Don't, as many people in snow/ice country do, leave your wipers lifted high off the windshield all day and night whenever ice is forecast. This tends to weaken the springs that apply blade pressure to the glass. Instead, put a strip of thin plastic between the blade and the glass, or, buy an amazing 4Runner with heated glass where the wipers park!
I agree with the OP that we shouldn't have to deal with this on a new vehicle, and, although it may be a problem with all vehicles to some extent, it seems it is a bigger problem with this particular one.
I agree with the rest o' you guys also, we should consider ourselves blessed that we get to whine about such relatively trivial things! You only have to spend a little time on almost any other car forum to realize just how fortunate we are.
So please forgive us if we complain a little, while still LOVING OUR RUNNERS !
I agree those of us who choose to live up north must learn to deal with the frustrations that go along with the many wonderful benefits, BUT:
I have used all the tricks some of the more helpful people on this forum have offered, and the problem persists. New wiper blade did not help, but I'll admit I didn't get a chance to pick up a really good brand yet.
It DOES become a safety concern if you are having to pull over to clear it every five minutes, in horrendous conditions, where there is no safe place to pull over!
Like the OP, I am looking for a better, more permanent solution. In the past, here is what I have found helps with this problem:
1. Never buy the special "winter" wipers
2. Buy the best. Experiment, and find out what brand works best for you.
3. * Use a shorter blade. This effectively increases the pressure of the blade on the windshield, so it does a better job. As long as you don't go too short, you still get a decent portion of the window area cleared for visibility.
4. As already suggested, before you head out the driveway, flex the blade, remove accumulated ice, check the spring, lubricate, slap it down, and tell Murphy to go bother someone else.
5. Don't, as many people in snow/ice country do, leave your wipers lifted high off the windshield all day and night whenever ice is forecast. This tends to weaken the springs that apply blade pressure to the glass. Instead, put a strip of thin plastic between the blade and the glass, or, buy an amazing 4Runner with heated glass where the wipers park!
I agree with the OP that we shouldn't have to deal with this on a new vehicle, and, although it may be a problem with all vehicles to some extent, it seems it is a bigger problem with this particular one.
I agree with the rest o' you guys also, we should consider ourselves blessed that we get to whine about such relatively trivial things! You only have to spend a little time on almost any other car forum to realize just how fortunate we are.
So please forgive us if we complain a little, while still LOVING OUR RUNNERS !
I have to first understand why one wiper isn't cleaning the window when there is nothing in its way. If its a case of a bent arm I would be surprised. If it isn't I honestly cannot say because there's no ice on the wipers anywhere.
This goes back to my other thread. When its very windy and I drive on the highway I hear rattling on the passenger side of my windshield which sounded like my wiper was making the sound , but I wasn't sure. Just a thought ....the dealer will confirm it though.
FYI this is definitely something well beyond taking ice off of wipers. (Shaking head)
Intruder
New member
It's not the wiper blade, it's the arm that holds the blade. There are 3 or 4 hinges in it that allow the blade to flex and maintain contact with the windshield at different curvatures. Ice builds up inside the arm and prevents the hinges - and the blade - from flexing across the windshield. You'd need a defroster so hot it'd melt the windshield to get rid of ice from the arm. I have the heated windshield on my 4Runner and all it does is unstick the blades when they're frozen to the windshield. Won't help with this issue at all.
Yes I have the wipers heaters and I had them on for 1/2. The wipers are just not making contact with the windshield period. Living in WI all my life I know what to look for. This is something entirely different that I can't figure out. But then again this is also my first 4Runner.
1engineer
Moderator
Did you not read my previous post? #smh
Agree and thank you.
As scientists say its not a matter of if its when the next big hurricane will hit.
Good luck man. I can rent out a Motel 6 up here if you need help when your running away from your sunshine state at that point. Not fun hey? Reasons like that scenario truly make me love my state.
Ignored it actually.
