Heated front windsreen

Post by **yellowpinky** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:34 pm

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>

Post by **paulhumphries** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:51 pm

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

Post by **Welung666** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:46 pm

IIRC they draw around 35amps so an alternator is a necessity!

Post by **lofty1000** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:50 pm

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.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:17 pm

Is there a heated screen for split screen cars ?

Post by **jollyroger** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:53 pm

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.

Post by **nick69** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 11:12 pm

I love em. I put one in my old A30.

Post by **yellowpinky** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:21 pm

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>

<br>

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:54 pm

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.

Post by **Alec** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:22 pm

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