[Geezer1]

I am putting this in the General Discussion forum since this isn't about a DIY project.

Safelite replaced my 2014 Sienna Limited's PGW windshield with a Pilkington windshield today in my driveway due to a Thanksgiving Day rock chip that was growing slowly into a crack. This is the third windshield on this van. The original factory installed PGW windshield was replaced in 2014 with another OEM PGW windshield since aftermarket acoustic windshields were not yet available.

Both OEM PGW windshields had identical markings including "ACOUSTIC" imprinted on the lower driver side corner. The aftermarket Pilkington has its markings on the lower passenger side corner and an "ear" graphic to denote that it is acoustic. I verified that both old and new windshields have the exact same thickness - a hair over 5 mm.

The main reason I am submitting this post is to show the wiper blade heater grid since there have been questions on how it works. Attached photos show the connector for the wiper blade heater grid on the old windshield and the grid itself on the inside lower portion of the new windshield. I hope the photo titles adequately describe the images.

The replacement was uneventful and professional and took approximately 2 hours. There was no cost for the replacement since we carry zero deductibles on comprehensive coverage except for my giving the tech enough to buy a nice lunch at a non-fast food restaurant as a reward for his good work.

I'm letting the van sit overnight before I drive it to make absolutely sure that the adhesive has dried.

 

[lipster]

Is there an issue or question?

 

[Geezer1]

Is there an issue or question?

What do you mean? This is the "General Discussion" forum. As I said, I am posting this information for the benefit of those on this forum who have asked and speculated about how the wiper blade defroster works and how it is connected. I don't remember other threads that provided this information.

Do you have any questions?

 

[happycamper]

I posted about this many years ago. If the heated windshield connector exists in your van, then you can upgrade to the heated windshield.

Simply tell the glass company that your vehicle has the heated windshield when they ask. All you have to do is add a $14 relay, and it will work.

 

[Geezer1]

I posted about this many years ago. If the heated windshield connector exists in your van, then you can upgrade to the heated windshield.

Simply tell the glass company that your vehicle has the heated windshield when they ask. All you have to do is add a $14 relay, and it will work.

I assume you are referring to the gen 2 Sienna on which the wiper de-icer was included in an optional package. The wiper de-icer has been standard equipment on all 2011-up Sienna.

These stupid wiper de-icers have been sort of a hot button issue for me. At least up through the 2006 model year, the wiper de-icer was not available on the Lexus LS sold in the U.S. but was standard on those sold in Canada - even in "sub-tropical" Vancouver BC. It really chapped my ass to have to pull of the highway over and over on winter road trips to knock the ice off my wipers.

 

[lipster]

Do you have any questions?

Nope.

 

[deeps]

I assume you are referring to the gen 2 Sienna on which the wiper de-icer was included in an optional package. The wiper de-icer has been standard equipment on all 2011-up Sienna.

These stupid wiper de-icers have been sort of a hot button issue for me. At least up through the 2006 model year, the wiper de-icer was not available on the Lexus LS sold in the U.S. but was standard on those sold in Canada - even in "sub-tropical" Vancouver BC. It really chapped my ass to have to pull of the highway over and over on winter road trips to knock the ice off my wipers.

I have a 2014 Limited (Canadian ) but don't seem to have the grid that's visible from the outside.

 

[Geezer1]

I have a 2014 Limited (Canadian ) but don't seem to have the grid that's visible from the outside.

The wiper de-icer grid is behind/under the blank painted band at the bottom of the windshield and is not visible from the outside. It's necessary to remove the wiper arms and then the plastic panel in order to see the de-icer grid's electrical connector.

The wiper de-icer is activated by the same button that heats the exterior mirror glass and rear hatch window grid. When I first got my Sienna, I assumed that the windshield defroster button activated the windshield wiper de-icer but I should have RTFM.

 

[cdaphne]

Thanks! Been searching google for a while couldn't find anything of value your pics cleared it up for me thanks for taking the time to post!

 

[h4ldol]

I had Safelite also replace my windshield a few years ago (when my 2014 was less than a year old) due to a chip that became much bigger (went down to the hood) and they replaced it with a Pilkington acoustic also. I do recommend getting the work done at the shop instead of at home because at home, at least, the one guy is removing and installing the big windshield alone. My tech ended up scratching the outside of the A-pillar -- not deeply but into the clear coat which was annoying on our pretty new van. It probably didn't help that our driveway is too small for the Sienna and so the guy replaced it on my Sienna that was parked on the street. At the shop hopefully they would do it more easily and without damaging your car. I would also make sure the installer is careful about the "weatherstripping" (or whatever it's called) that goes between the windshield frame and the windshield, as our guy did a slightly sloppy job that kind of bothered me. I would probably buy the OEM weatherstripping though, as it fits precisely and looks and fits "better."

Anyway, luckily our new windshield has been going strong for the past 3+ years.

 

[Danielthan44]

Hey long time no see, anyway I had a busted windshield, exploded by itself, so I got a Pilkington replacement, I used to have a knock off chepo windshield, I used to always complain about wind and road noise. BUT now ITS GONE, the acoustic windshield makes a big difference. thanks @Geezer1 for the adobe almost a year ago lol. Here are some pics of the old crack and new windshield installed by safelite on my 2013 sienna limited AWD w/o rain sensing wipers