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Heated front windsreen

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:34 pm
by yellowpinky
I am posting a general message to create discussion about heated front windsreens as I am considering fitting one to my van. But first wanted to ask about the pros and cons of this modification?<br>Image

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:51 pm
by paulhumphries
I don't know about in a Minor but the heated front screens in my Mondeo and father-in-laws Primaera are brilliant.
If they are available, and I could afford, a heated front screen would definaltey be on my "wanted" list for my Minor.
I reckon an alternator is also needed.

Paul Humphries

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:46 pm
by Welung666
IIRC they draw around 35amps so an alternator is a necessity!

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:50 pm
by lofty1000
Hi, I fitted a heated front screen last year and have found it to be excellent, the screen is rated at 16 amp so have been running it through a 20 amp fuse and 20 amp switch with a warning lamp.
Some test pics: http://www.biker-lofty.co.uk/hobbies/hobbies.htm

For de-misting I only need it switched on for a minute or two.
I've not tried it with a dynamo as I fitted an alternator.

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:17 pm
by bmcecosse
Is there a heated screen for split screen cars ?

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:53 pm
by jollyroger
There isn't one available for a split screen as faras I am aware.

I fitted a front and rear and they are great. You need an alternator and if you have both of them on together for too long I found they can drain the battery quite quickly. I now only uuse one at a time. They don't need to be on for very long and the front one can be used itermittently for demisting.
:D

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 11:12 pm
by nick69
I love em. I put one in my old A30.

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:21 pm
by yellowpinky
It's been a while since I first posted my first message, and now the screen is in...but not yet wired up.
I wanted to check about the wiring before connecting it as I'm not a whiz with electronics. Are the wires just + and -? Would I wire it up the same as a fog lamp or other accessory. One guy I spoke to said something about a 'relay'??<br>Image<br>

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:54 pm
by bmcecosse
For that current draw - yes - a relay will be a v good idea. Make sure you fuse the supply lead at an adequate rating - and you WILL need an alternator.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:22 pm
by Alec
Hello YP,

they are not polarity conscious so connect which ever terminal is most convenient. As well as a relay be sure that the cable size feeding the scren is large enough. At least it should be a very short run.

Alec