flypig687

I have a '12 Limited and can clearly see the deicer wiring on the windshield.

I just got a crack in the windshield and need to replace it.

However, just for fun I decided to go and see if i could even feel the wiper de-icers heat up. I was in my garage and the temp gauge on the car was reading 53 F. The car was parked the entire time, never moved. I turned the car ON and the rear de-fogger button on. i was able to quickly feel the rear windshield heat up and the side mirrors, however I was never able to feel the wiper de-icers turn on. Is this a problem or is this normal operation as there is some temperature that must be met before they start to turn on. I found the magic temp of 41 on an Outback forum somewhere.

This is kind of important, since maybe if they are truly not working, I can get the dealer to replace the windshield for free if those heaters are messed up.

Thanks!

Trainman

I have no idea really and had not heard about a temperature cut-off but I have had mine generate steam off the windshield so I know they work. A wee bit cooler here maybe?

I suggest that you get some ice and place it on the windshield and see if it melts faster than you would expect, or get some sort of temperature gauge that can read it?

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2009 Subaru Forester Touring Edition, AT

MN2011XT

Maybe a stick on aquarium thermometer. I'm not sure if it will have enough range but they are cheap enough and easily removed.

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2011 XT touring

Kraut!

They aren't really supposed to get that warm as they are truly meant just to keep the wipers from sticking to the windshield so you won't burn out the motor or kill the wiper assembly. As someone previously posted stick an ice cube under the windshield wiper and see if the ice melts.

rustywoodstone

I think I read on here not too long ago that it only heats up to some temp just below your body temp which is why you can't feel it??

not sure if true but I liked that explanation.

crewzer

The "magic temperature" is indeed 41 F (5 C); the windshield deicer only operates below that temperature. However, defrosters in the outside mirrors and rear window should operate above this cut-off. So, yes, the results of your experiment at an indicated 53 F would appear to be "normal".

However, if you press the rear defroster switch and hold it in for more than three seconds, that's supposed to "force" the deicer to turn on.

It's 36 F outside my house today, so I can't independently verify any of this.

Source: 2012 Forester Service Manual, Body Section; Glass, Windows, Mirrors.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

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12 Forester 2.5X FB25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV
09 Forester 2.5X EJ25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV (sold 7/2011)

crewzer

I was just able to test this operational description on my '12 Forester Premium w/ manual A/C (type "A"), and it seems to be correct.

According to my car's thermometer, it was 44 F outside. Pressing the defroster button (yellow/green light illuminated) turned on the defrosters for the mirrors and rear window, but the windshield deicer remained at ambient temperature.

Pressing the defroster button again turned off its indicator and the defrosters.

Pressing and holding the defroster button turned on the indicator, but, after a few seconds, it went off, there was a click (deicer relay in fuse & relay block under the steering wheel), and then the indicator came back on, and I released the button. All defrosters and the deicer warmed up.

Pressing the defroster button again turned everything off.

Finally, my '12 Forester has two fuses dedicated to the windshield wiper deicer circuit; both are located in the passenger compartment fuse panel. Fuse #4 (10 A) is for the deicer relay, and fuse #9 (15 A) is for the deicer element.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

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12 Forester 2.5X FB25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV
09 Forester 2.5X EJ25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV (sold 7/2011)

crewzer

As far as the cost of replacing your windshield, your insurance company may do it for free, including waiving your deductible (may vary by company and/or state).

Give 'em a call, or check their website.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

__________________
12 Forester 2.5X FB25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV
09 Forester 2.5X EJ25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV (sold 7/2011)