Can a heated windshield of Land Rover be repaired?

[BrightFastWSR]

I met a customer whose car was a Freelander2(Lander Rover) asked me if a starbreak on his windshield can be repaired. I checked the break and found the windshield was heated windshield. I can see many vertical lines inside the windshield. Anyone know if this car's windshield can be repaired? Anyone know which type of heated windshields of a Freelander2 belong to? Thank a lot.

"There are three types of heated windshields that we are aware of. One type heats only the wiper area by using grid lines on the inside layer of glass. This type of windshield can be repaired if with no adverse affect. If a grid line is broken by the damage in the glass it will no longer function properly even after you have completed the repair however one broken grid line should not affect the operation of the others. Another type of windshield is heated by tiny wires inside the layer of PVB between the two layers of glass. This type of windshield can be repaired successfully however if the PVB is damaged, which normally it is not, the area of the damage will not be heated. The third type has a coating on the inside of the outer layer of glass. The windshield manufacturers have recommended that this type not be repaired, as it is possible that it could cause damage to the electrical system. Although we have witnessed several successful repairs on this type of windshield, we always suggest following the manufacturers recommendations."

[screenman]

I have done a lot of them, so I would say yes. I find that sometimes the people who make and sell glass are not the best to give reliable advice on repairing it, bit of a conflict of commercial interests going on.

[GlassStarz]

I have a regular customer that is a rover only repair have done a dozen or so witout problems

[Repair/replace]

A good eye that that can see the end of a crack, can see if the heating element has been broken. (Get a magnifying glass if needed) If the heating element has been compromised possibly, then a replacement would be recommended, and the customer can decide what is best for them. Down in the south, there are very few of these windshields and they are rarely needed. That’s what I tell them.

What would the insurance company say? Better to check with them, if doing an insurance claim; I can imagine they would not approve it when the heater does not work, if at all. Anyone know what the policy reads? Each insurance company may have a similar different policy.

Once I did a long crack repair on a Land Rover with the heater system, and I told the customer who paid cash, that I could only guarantee the crack repair – not the heater. He was happy to know in advance this information and I completed the repair. I always put the decision in the hands of the customer when paying cash.

I think the heating element would blow a fuse before causing a major electrical system error. Because of my electrical back ground; I know it’s impossible to blow a fuse with an open circuit, no problem there. Does the resin conduct electricity?

Make the money with the informed the customer, I say.

[SGT]

Per the ROLAGS, If you follow those reccomendations, I believe it was section 7 "Limatations". The answer is yes and no. Basically, does the damage affect the functionality of the vaue added feature? Does the MFG have specific guidelines for repair? If "no" then it falls on your professional judgement. That is the grey area...

Since we do not have repair police running around yet. The the biggest self implemented criteria and most importatnt are ethics and common sense with complete awareness of customer safety. If you would not do it on a vehicle your wife who drives your kids in then you might want to advise replcament. Sometimes a couple nickles and a few dimes just are not worth it.