Windshield Repair Forum

Got a question about the possable pitfalls of repair on a heated WS on a Caddillac. Will the repair process take out the heat feature? The thing is cracked and the customer stated that it runs thru the area where the elliment is.(I have not looked at it yet.) I don't think this will stop the customer from getting it fixed I just want to inform them before the repair is completed of the chances of the heat feature working or not following the repair?

Thanks, Scott

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.

Thanks Jeff

[quote=""Delta Kits""]The third type has a coating on the inside of the outer layer of glass.[/quote]


does anyone have any info to which cars may have this heating element?

If the screen is chipped and the heater elements still working then the chances of them not working after you have carried out a good repair is very slim I am sure I must have repaired every type of heated screen on the market by now and have never once had anyone tell me I haved damaged the elements etc. Some glass manufacturers may tell us not to repair certain types but is this because they get no revenue from repair.

When doing a repair you are only filling the crack not the area behind it, unless you are a bit heavy handed with the pressure cycles there will be no problem.

This game is so simple the glass is already broken you are trying to fix it, if it does not work just know you done your best.

If you plan on repairing these windshields, make sure your liability insurance is paid up to date! As professionals, it is our responsibility to NOT repair when it is appropriate. (i.e. when an auto manufacturer says so!) As far as I am aware, Ford is the only one to date that has openly stated to not repair these windshields. In relation to them wanting the replacement rather than the repair, that is not true in the case of the older Fords. I believe Carlite (oem) was one of only 2 manufacturers of this heated windshield. The non-heated, which is used in these vehicles today, has at least a dozen makers.
I do disagree with your statement screenman in relation to the statement, "When doing a repair you are only filling the crack not the area behind it, unless you are a bit heavy handed with the pressure cycles there will be no problem." If you look at a side view of a chip, it is in contact with the laminate layer. Depending on the severity/type of break will determine how much contact. The difference, as Jeff stated, is where in the windshield the heater elements are located. On these Fords, between the outer lite and the laminate, where the damage touches, is where they heat. Putting a plastic resin in contact with it is where the problems 'can' occur.

http://www.glasslinks.com/tips/repheat.htm

In my opinion, the liability of the situation is no where close to the rewards of a single repair. Take some time to educate the customer and help them to get the heated windshield disconnected by the dealer and the non heated windshield installed. On their next chip, your customer service should be rewarded with a call from them and their non heated windshield can be repaired with a smile!

Sydfloyd44,

You don't happen to know which Ford models have these type of windshields, do you?

Sure do!

http://glasslinks.com/tips/htd1.htm

We keep copies of this on hand so that when we run into this issue, we can send it along with the customer to take to the dealer. Unfortunately, dealers seem to have trouble locating this bulletin which tells them how to do the service.

I think this may be what you're looking for. http://www.glasslinks.com/tips/htd1.htm

disreguard my post I'm a slow typer