ford focus 06 heated windscreen failure explanation

[lotitomj]

Typical Ford junk.

[viewhistory1]

I have same prob with my Fiesta ST, been like it for over a year when i had a new windscreen put in and then the other day both sides cleared! but then the next time back to norm. I'll check tomorrow if its the wind-wipers casing the prob. thanks for the vid!

[k992511]

If you read the description i apologise that i refer to it as a rear screen. Thats not the point. I have also spoken to Ford engineers at 2 garages, who ADMIT that it fouls with the wiper mechanism and that they try to 'DUCK TAPE' it out the way. Great engineering from Ford main dealers!

[GlasstecAutomotive]

@k992511 Now that I've explained it to you, perhaps you could pass on the missing link to those two Ford engineers at two garages too? BTW, I don't think they're in a position to 'admit' anything; they may agree with you but I don't (and I think the use of Duck Tape should raise questions about what kind of 'engineers' these fellas really are).

It's a simple fix and done correctly, eliminates possibility of any damage. Sure, design could be a lot better, but this is not a design fault

[k992511]

@GlasstecAutomotive Im not here to argue or question your window expertise so i apolofgise BUT: If it was designed like this than the designer should b fired. My guess is its a generic screen and fits other models with different wiper mechanisms. I know people with other frd models and their screens don go, different wiper mechanism! Its good business for ford and screen fitters to have screens fail. Where do you mention the simple fix, cause id love my screen to work again and not fail again!)

[GlasstecAutomotive]

@k992511 Perhaps the ribbon could have been positioned to the centre; perhaps the wiper mech/motor assembly could have been designed and positioned better. The net result is that the 'potential' problem has been accounted for by way of a plastic cable 'saddle' which keeps the feed away from harm. If the ribbon has not been articulated correctly, it will creat a loop and thus will not sit right. If you're near me, I'll gladly show you (FOC). If the bit is missing... /cont

[GlasstecAutomotive]

@GlasstecAutomotive /... a cable tie would be a better solution than Duck Tape (which will only last for a limited period while the adhesive remains sticky). I've fitted hundreds of these screens and am yet to be called back for the problem you are trying to highlight. It IS a problem that is common, but NOT by way of design.

Happy to help. Kind regards, Paul.

[kodiak517]

to GlasstecAutomotive

Then please explain why they are failing! The product is clearly not robust enough base on the number of problems.

[GlasstecAutomotive]

@kodiak517 By 'failing' I'm assuming you're referring to the terminals breaking free? If they are properly clipped into the saddles (on the car) the problem does not exist.

[k992511]

If you read the description i apologise that i refer to it as a rear screen. Thats not the point. I have also spoken to Ford engineers at 2 garages, who ADMIT that it fouls with the wiper mechanism and that they try to 'DUCK TAPE' it out the way. Great engineering from Ford main dealers!

[k992511]

I have also spoken to Ford engineers at 2 garages, who ADMIT that it fouls with the wiper mechanism and that they try to 'DUCK TAPE' it out the way. Great engineering from Ford main dealers!

[kevwrightuk]

Mine had the same problem. Driver's side was dead. Garage looked at it and said it wasn't covered under warranty. However, they managed to crack the screen when re-fitting the scuttle panel leaving them no choice but to put a new screen in. I will be making sure the connector ribbon is well out of the way of the wiper mechanism.

[oddshape]

Mine is exactly the same - the metallic strip has been snapped by the wiper assembly. Can't comment on whether or not it is a design fault as the scuttle has been removed before and the wires have been worked on and maybe they were not secured correctly. By the way I re-connected the metal strip but still can't get it to work.

[GlasstecAutomotive]

This man does not know what he's talking about. IGNORE>

[k992511]

Glasstec,

I would just like to point out that I am a qualified mechanical and aeronautical engineer and a qualified Airline aircraft engineer in electronics, im guesing slightly more engineering knowledge than windscreen fitters or even designers. This is the worst design I have ever seen, and certainly would not pass any CAA aircraft designs. Clearly there are MANY people who have failings on their drivers side. A good design would have both connectors exiting the screen on the passenger side

[GlasstecAutomotive]

@k992511 There is a retainer which keeps the ribbon/cable clear of obstructing the wiper mechanism. Yours has clearly come free, or has not been replaced after whatever the reason was for removing it. A better design would be to have the terminals on the INSIDE of the windscreen. But as a [sic] "qualified Airline aircraft engineer in electronics" and with your "slightly more engineering knowledge than windscreen fitters", you knew that, didn't you. And it's NOT a heated REAR windscreen.

[GlasstecAutomotive]

THIS IS NOT A DESIGN FAULT.

Research it thoroughly and you will find that you are making a very ill informed statement.

[GlasstecAutomotive]

In the beginning of the video, you say "heated REAR windscreen" as you're stood by the rear of the car (where there IS a heated rear windscreen). Once we're past this confusion, it's an interesting point you make, but not an entirely correct one.

The 'tag' you are highlighting is loose, as is the cable. A correctly fitted one will not be impeded by the wiper mechanism and I suggest that you have been unlucky in this instance as the hardware clearly isn't braced sufficiently.