'quick Clear' Heated Screen

[Guest]

Hi all,

First post on here!

Picked up a 1.8 mk1 focus last week and mostly going fine!

However, I've noticed today the heated windscreen isn't working.

The light come on and stays on when the button is pressed, so presuming the circuit hasn't blown.

I've read other posts where parts of the screen don't work, but in my case, no elements appear to be working.

Does anybody else have experience of this and if so, what is the best fix?

Many thanks,

David

[Russ]

Check the wiring under the window scuttle as they can be prone to coming loose from the clips and breaking (due to the wiper arm rubbing against the wiring). Also I think each side is fused so check the fuses first as that's the easiest.

[mjt]

Are you quite sure you've actually got a heated screen and that it hasn't been replaced with a non-heated one in the past. You should be able to see the elements as a zig-zag pattern in certain lighting conditions

[Guest]

I've checked fuses and relays in the glovebox and engine bay fuse-boards and they seem to all be working.

I've not had the time today to take the scuttle off, been sorting out my idling/stalking issue but that's another story!

The windscreen has the fine black elements running through it, not had them in any other car so I think it's safe to say they are the heated variety.

I'd have thought if the circuit wasn't working, the switch wouldn't activate, you'd just hear the fuse/relay clicking?

[mgaking]

How have you tested it to know it isn't working?

I didn't think it was cold enough for frost.

[Guest]

True, but it doesn't clear dew and condensation from overnight, whereas the rear and heated mirrors do.

It's not the end of the world because the blowers work fine but would be nice to get them working before it does start getting frosty

[James S]

Stick your car on idle and leave for a minute or so, then press the heated windscreen button. If you hear the engine make a slightly different tone/ revs go up or down then it probably works! They won't clear dew as that's a layer of water rather than ice?.

[mjt]

I find when I switch mine on the lights dim slightly and the wipers noticeably slow down. The front screen is a really hefty load on the system which is why there's quite a short timeout on it.

[drsdriver]

My mk3 Focus front windscreen element has packed in ,but only on the passenger side about 14" from the pillar.

Took it in yesterday for its service and 1st MOT and asked them to look at it.

They got a kettle and steamed the window up then put windscreen heater on, could clearly see where it wasn't working.

Luckily its covered under the warranty.

[artscot79]

it wont clear dew and condensation its there to assist with melting ice on the window and clearing the fogged window in conjunction with aircon

[SeanW]

Stick your car on idle and leave for a minute or so, then press the heated windscreen button. If you hear the engine make a slightly different tone/ revs go up or down then it probably works! They won't clear dew as that's a layer of water rather than ice?.

If it can melt ice, it can clear a bit of condensation lol

It raises the temperature of the glass above the dew point.

[Guest]

There isn't any change in power or revs when I turn it on.

The switch remains illuminated and on for a couple of minutes then goes off which is to be expected.

This weekend I'll have to have a look at the connections either side of the pillars and see what's what