I live in Southern California and haven't gotten a chance to use the windshield de-icer switch and wonder if those of you live in the colder climates have used it yet? Does it really work? It's the farthest right switch amongthe 3-switch cluster to the left of the steering wheel that has a symbol similar to windshield defroster. It's in our owner's manual page 363.
I live in FL but twice drove to New York in snowstorms this winter already. As far as I can tell, it worked really well - when I had it switched on I had no issues with ice on the windshield or the wiper sticking, etc. But it turns off after awhile so you have to keep turning it back on - like the rear defroster. Of course my wiper fluid froze below around 28 degrees. If only my dealer down here would not refill it with the stuff that isn't rated for super cold. At least I assume that is the issue since I use the good stuff when I refill it.
Sounds amazing to me, also amazing that my base vehicle comes standard with this feature. I wonder if it's good for defrosting? I need to try it next time. BTW, owners manual says it will turn off after 15 minutes automatically.
I've seen stick-on versions of that on sale in truck stops. Back when there used to be a whole season of winter here, I had flirted with the idea of buying one for the car and seeing how well it worked. Seems like it would be pretty easy to do, with the dash top off, sticking it down low on the windshield where the wipers end up.
I use it all the time, but that goes without saying in this climate, where your wipers are more likely to be frozen in place every time you get in your car. It works quite well, if you're patient. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 cycles, because it keeps shutting off. I like that it allows me to use the same wipers all year around.
