Windshield De-Icer? Wiper blades?

I saw a U-tube about features of the Limited model. One described the de-iced feature on the windshield. My ORP is due in 3 weeks. The brochure says this feature is on the ORP also. My question is , are the wiper blades more sophisticated to facilitate this feature? Is the heating element part of the blade and if so are replacement blades much more expensive?

 

The feature has nothing to do with the blades other than unfreezing them from the windshield. They are standard. There is an embedded heating element in the lower portion of the windshield actuated by a switch on the dash.

 

I believe it’s referring to the heated wiper landings built into the windshield.

 

Thanks!

 

I have a limited and the button but don't see anything special about the windshield nor I noticed a difference in winter when using the "feature". Can one tell by looking at the windshield if the elements are there?

 

The Utube I watched showed heating elements built in to the windshield glass right underneath where the wiper blades contact the glass in the rest position. Looks like it would heat the glass to unstick iced blades to the glass? So you should be able to see a mat-type element sandwiched in the glass?

 

If you look closely to the area the wipers rest in the off position, you will see “strips” so to speak printed on a black background. Those are the heating elements. Yes they work. Especially helpful in the mornings when you come out to a vehicle that you drive the day Before and the melted snow/ice has now frozen the blades to the glass.

 

Found this pic:

 

My 2023 SR5P has this feature, haven't had weather that required it yet, so I haven't tested it.

 

This is the way it functions.

 

I wonder if his cam be done to a non 2023 model 4R and where does the heat element is connected to make it functional? It will be a neat feature to have for sure. If I get a crack on my windshield, a may get this windshield if is possible to get it to work properly.

 

Non 2023? It's not a 2023-only feature. I have it on my 2019.

 

Thanks for clarifying!

 

We also have it on our 2018 Highlander LE

 

My 2013 TE has this, it's a nifty feature and has been useful here in the NE.

As far as wiper blades & ww wash, I like RainX for both.

 

I would not put Bosch wiper blades on my 4Runner again. They chattered and streaked from day one. Heading to CO in April to wet a line and do some "shoppin". I'll be sporting brand new RainX blades...

 

Ok, so I checked mine Limited that has the button and looked at my windshield to look for something along the lines you guys have posted but I don't see it. Here is picture of mine:


Just a black backing, so do I have it or not?

 

That looks like you don’t have the elements in the windshield. They can be hard to see in daylight though. Easy to see at night under a flashlight.

 

If you have a 21 Ltd with original windshield then you have it.

I've never found it to be that useful, the wipers work as well with or without it.

If you ever replace your windshield, the non heated version is significantly cheaper than the heated; somewhere out there my old 17 SR5 has the switch but no elements in the replacement windshield and I bet its owner doesn't know the difference...

 

Well that's interesting. If I don't have it why the button and why would dealer rip me off.

 

My '21 SR5 has it, likely your limited does too. Probably just can't see it very well?

 

Do you have a picture how the button looks like?

 

The dealer doesn't install or delete this option on new vehicles. Its factory installed. So, they couldn't have ripped you off.

 

Well, if you ever need to replace your windshield you can request the windshield with the heat element so you can use the feature. However you need to know how to do the connectivity to use it.

 

I think every 4Runner has it regardless of trim. My 2020 SR5 has it.

 

I do not. It's by your left knee and it's the one that looks like heated windshield wipers!

 

Sympley, judging by your ire, I assume you bought this vehicle new and have never had occasion to replace the windshield.

If the windshield had been broken during transport and then replaced with the wrong glass at the port or by the dealer, it might explain why your car has the button but not the heating elements. I’m not sure I’d use the term “rip-off” as that presumes malicious intent. “Oversight” might be more fair. In any case you should go raise hell with the dealer.

Just to be sure: @sympley76 this is the button you have, yes?

 

So I looked again definitely don't see the heating elements. Tested the button it turns on and shuts off after 15 minutes as per the manual. I did use it in winter few times but did not notice any difference. Nex time I go for oil change I will ask them.

On a side note, I'm guessing its a dumb switch as it works as intended but doesn't know the heating element is missing so no worning of any kind.

 

You are the Original owner of the vehicle ?

I can certainly see in my 2022 TRD Sport with Tech Package.

Limited should have it all.

Wonder if its got anything to do with the tech Package.

 

Apologies if someone already suggested this - but you could push the button and then put your hand on the area of the windshield were the wipers rest when they are in their down position. If it gets warm - then you have the wiper heaters and they are working