My garage fitted a new driver side coil spring and damper last week.On the first journey since collecting it I notice the heated windscreen is only working in three thin vertical strips leaving the rest misted over... Is there any obvious thing I should check before returning to garage? The switch for the rear window works as before - a bit sticky but clearing condensation fine. 

42 minutes ago, Steve Parry said:

My garage fitted a new driver side coil spring and damper last week.On the first journey since collecting it I notice the heated windscreen is only working in three thin vertical strips leaving the rest misted over... Is there any obvious thing I should check before returning to garage? The switch for the rear window works as before - a bit sticky but clearing condensation fine. 

 

 

Heated windscreens use sandwiched elements between the laminations, they can't be repaired with conductive paint like rear screens.

I reckon the cable to the screen has been damaged so it can only carry a small amount of current.  These are right next to the bonnet hinges so easily damaged and very close the top suspension mounts.

Just now, TomsFocus said:

Heated windscreens use sandwiched elements between the laminations, they can't be repaired with conductive paint like rear screens.

I reckon the cable to the screen has been damaged so it can only carry a small amount of current.  These are right next to the bonnet hinges so easily damaged and very close the top suspension mounts.

I misread.... Saw Rear windscreen? Your correct 👍

The heated front screen is in two halves.  If neither side is working to any extent, then that would be fuses or cables  blown or damaged for both halves or relay high resistance.

You can see what the garage might say, but I would not raise your hoped.

Is this a 2002-08 Fiesta ?

If so, I think the feed runs from the fuse box behind the glove box, then up the inside of the two A posts, so not likely to be affected by any suspension work.

It is a 2002-08 Fiesta - like the type in the photo. The three vertical strips are approx. one in each half and one in the middle. I'll try to take a photo later.

17 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Heated windscreens use sandwiched elements between the laminations, they can't be repaired with conductive paint like rear screens.

I reckon the cable to the screen has been damaged so it can only carry a small amount of current.  These are right next to the bonnet hinges so easily damaged and very close the top suspension mounts.

Thank you. I'll have a look later.

17 hours ago, Paulkp said:

Is this a 2002-08 Fiesta ?

If so, I think the feed runs from the fuse box behind the glove box, then up the inside of the two A posts, so not likely to be affected by any suspension work.

Yes, my mistake.  The wires are inside on the Mk6 as you say.

2nd time out today - no change from before - see photos. i was able to use direct the hot air from the heating vents to windscreen to clear. So I guess this will get me by for the time being. I see in the Haynes manual it states there is a diagnostic facility (no special tools needed) to test electric circuits for all the main features inc windscreen heater. Will try to do this tomorrow - but as it's working partially I guess there are is no blown fuse.

That's just a simple case of the heating elements in the screen failing. Only fix possible is to replace the windscreen. Once they start to fail they tend to all go.

That is an odd pattern, with both sides failing in roughly the same place at the same time.  As has been said above, the two halves are independently powered so not a fuse or cable issue.  I guess it must be a coincidence, just seems very odd! 

If you have windscreen cover on insurance, that's usually the best route for replacement.  I note yours has auto wipers/lights as well, which was rare on the Mk6's.  Make sure the fitter brings the correct screen if you do have it replaced.  Took 2 attempts to get the correct screen for my Focus...and then they broke the sensor and had to come back a third time to replace that as well.  

On 2/22/2024 at 10:29 AM, TomsFocus said:

That is an odd pattern, with both sides failing in roughly the same place at the same time.  As has been said above, the two halves are independently powered so not a fuse or cable issue.  I guess it must be a coincidence, just seems very odd! 

If you have windscreen cover on insurance, that's usually the best route for replacement.  I note yours has auto wipers/lights as well, which was rare on the Mk6's.  Make sure the fitter brings the correct screen if you do have it replaced.  Took 2 attempts to get the correct screen for my Focus...and then they broke the sensor and had to come back a third time to replace that as well.  

How did you know it has auto lights/wipers? 

2 minutes ago, Steve Parry said:

How did you know it has auto lights/wipers? 

Peered in as I walked past. 

 

Seriously though, you can see the sensor for them at the top of the windscreen from outside.  The mirror cowling is a different shape inside as well.

On 2/19/2024 at 8:16 PM, Paulkp said:

Is this a 2002-08 Fiesta ?

If so, I think the feed runs from the fuse box behind the glove box, then up the inside of the two A posts, so not likely to be affected by any suspension work.

Quite correct behind pillars. Single feed to seperate fuses.