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Rear window defroster problem

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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 10:34 AM
  #1  
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Rear window defroster problem

This morning was the first frosty morning we've had since owning this truck, so my first experience with the defroster on it. Being a diesel, it takes a long time to warm up and a long time for the front window defroster to do much. I kind of expected that. The rear however, looks to have a problem. The passenger side glass defrosted completely but the slider and driver side did not. The top and bottom did, but not the middle sections of either (see photo)

I tried to search, and found some F150 owners in the past having rear defroster issues. The fix for some was a complete rear window replacement. I REALLY do not want that.

I havent noticed any posts from SuperDuty owners discussing this. Has anyone else found this issue on a SuperDuty and if yes, what was the fix or maybe things I should look at?





 
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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 10:42 AM
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Had an issue with mine. Many of the lines in the glass where not connected.

Ford warranties the glass and replaced it. At the time, the 17’s where new and the dealer had an outside company come in and do it. The tech told me it’s a real pain because of the adhesive Ford uses.

To check line continuity is easy. Place a dark towel, black is best, on the outside of the window. Then look at the lines from the inside. The breaks will be easy to spot.

The dealer will have to take a picture of the lines to show the not connected areas.

I found the technique after the pictures the dealer took and sent to Ford where rejected. Ford initially rejected the claim because they could not see the breaks. Using the towel technique, the breaks where photoed and Ford approved the repair.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 10:50 AM
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I have used time maybe 5 times and never had a problem, usually the condensation runs down the glass and clears it up for me.
Definitely something is not connected correctly there.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by wildcard30
Had an issue with mine. Many of the lines in the glass where not connected.

Ford warranties the glass and replaced it. At the time, the 17’s where new and the dealer had an outside company come in and do it. The tech told me it’s a real pain because of the adhesive Ford uses.

To check line continuity is easy. Place a dark towel, black is best, on the outside of the window. Then look at the lines from the inside. The breaks will be easy to spot.

The dealer will have to take a picture of the lines to show the not connected areas.

I found the technique after the pictures the dealer took and sent to Ford where rejected. Ford initially rejected the claim because they could not see the breaks. Using the towel technique, the breaks where photoed and Ford approved the repair.
So you had the whole window replaced? I dont have faith in the quality of work around here, and I've had poor windshield replacements on other vehicles that just make me very gun shy. Those were simple jobs, there's just too much that can go wrong and possible collateral damage for me to be able even consider that at the moment. I will try that technique you posted, see what I find.


Originally Posted by BocaIvan
I have used time maybe 5 times and never had a problem, usually the condensation runs down the glass and clears it up for me.
Definitely something is not connected correctly there.
I haven't used mine much either, definitely haven't paid attention to it. I could probably live without it, but the fact that this is a new truck, an expensive one at that, makes this so disappointing.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 09:11 PM
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Did you have the back window tinted? If so, sometimes they use a razorblade to clean the glass and end up shaving off some of the lines to the point they no longer work. Not sure if that is what you have, just an idea.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2020 | 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by SARDiverDan
Did you have the back window tinted? If so, sometimes they use a razorblade to clean the glass and end up shaving off some of the lines to the point they no longer work. Not sure if that is what you have, just an idea.
Nope, only have tint on the door glass. I did go out a few minutes ago and shined a light on it, its obvious now why it doesn't work, no clue as to how it happened though. Nothing I've done could have caused it, so that leaves the dealer or factory. I cant think of anything the dealer would have done to cause it. Not the best photos but its clear enough. Ugh now what.



 
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Old Jan 16, 2020 | 02:10 AM
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Originally Posted by ForCal
Nope, only have tint on the door glass. I did go out a few minutes ago and shined a light on it, its obvious now why it doesn't work, no clue as to how it happened though. Nothing I've done could have caused it, so that leaves the dealer or factory. I cant think of anything the dealer would have done to cause it. Not the best photos but its clear enough. Ugh now what.


Had the same issue on my 2019 F350 DRW. Ended up having to replace the entire rear window, but they did it under warranty. Sorry about your luck man.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2020 | 09:19 AM
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I am having similar problems with my '19. Slider acts like its not connected at all, no defrost whatsoever. Driver's side works perfectly, Passenger side defrosts about half. Let us know your findings.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2020 | 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by swampman1
I am having similar problems with my '19. Slider acts like its not connected at all, no defrost whatsoever. Driver's side works perfectly, Passenger side defrosts about half. Let us know your findings.
My findings are in the photos, the grid lines have been compromised or a manufacturing defect. I imagine you'll find this is the same cause of your problem.

I might talk with the dealership about it, see what they say and who they use in the case of a window replacement. I'll post up with what they say if I decide to go that route.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2020 | 10:07 AM
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I've never used mine so I don't know if it works, but when I bought my truck & brought it home it had a couple pieces of masking tape on the inside of the rear window on the drivers side. Looked like it maybe could have been used for a manifest or some type of sign. Noticed the tape was right on the defroster lines & when I took it off the lines were a little discolored like in the pics. I'm sure I have some that may not work because of that. Don't know if it was done at factory or dealer. I never use mine so it's not a big deal to me but it's got me wondering how well it works now.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2020 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by ForCal
Nope, only have tint on the door glass. I did go out a few minutes ago and shined a light on it, its obvious now why it doesn't work, no clue as to how it happened though. Nothing I've done could have caused it, so that leaves the dealer or factory. I cant think of anything the dealer would have done to cause it. Not the best photos but its clear enough. Ugh now what.


Manufacturing defect. With that many inoperative, you should have it replaced.

But it sounds like you have no confidence in anyone local. Maybe another dealer or safelite can do it. Or you can just live with the way it works now. For what I paid for the truck, I had it replaced To me, no reason not to. But to each his own.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2020 | 09:37 AM
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I realized this winter that mine only worked on the drivers side, the middle and passenger side stopped working. I was not able to view any of the damaged lines as others have pictured. I got the block heater recall done this am and they checked the window. Before I left it was approved to be replaced. The window place is across the street from the Ford dealer, so when it arrives I will have it replaced. It is a huge help when snowplowing.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2020 | 10:31 AM
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I completely agree with finding someone that is competent in doing that job. Living in somewhat remote NM, I constantly have this problem with any work that requires any level of skill. Most of the times I do it myself lol. I'd go through the dealer and see who they use. At least if its done through Ford, it is covered against any future crap install work down the road. I'd even consider driving to a place that you feel might do a better job. This kind of stuff drives me crazy, you want something new, especially your new truck! to be flawless. I feel your pain, good luck! I wish Ford did a better job in finding these issues before they release the truck for delivery.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2020 | 06:09 PM
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Originally Posted by zmetalmilitia
I completely agree with finding someone that is competent in doing that job. Living in somewhat remote NM, I constantly have this problem with any work that requires any level of skill. Most of the times I do it myself lol. I'd go through the dealer and see who they use. At least if its done through Ford, it is covered against any future crap install work down the road. I'd even consider driving to a place that you feel might do a better job. This kind of stuff drives me crazy, you want something new, especially your new truck! to be flawless. I feel your pain, good luck! I wish Ford did a better job in finding these issues before they release the truck for delivery.
It is disappointing, considering one of the reasons to buy new, was to hopefully avoid having anyone touch it for many years and miles. No such luck. The local glass guy has been doing it for awhile now, he works with body shops and dealerships but even though, I've had some half *** work done in the past. Unfortunately, speed over quality is what I see from most in the automotive industry around here. Alot of careless workers. Anyway, I have 3 recalls(not thrilled about that) that need to get taken care of, at that time I'll bring it to the service adviser's attention and get an idea of who they use for glass installs.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2020 | 06:32 PM
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Mine went out about a year ago and they replaced the whole window under warranty. My dealer had an outside glass company do it. I haven't had any problems since.
 
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