Defrosters

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried installing rear defrosters or windshield wiper defrosters on one of these trucks? I can't find any threads on it, but it seems like something that should have been a part of the design in the first place. I know most cars don't have windshield wiper defrosters, but my 2002 Caravan had them so I'm not quite sure why they aren't standard by 2021. Hell, the F150 has them, but you needed to get the highest trim of Lariat to get that (at least with 2015-2020 models anyway).

 

I take it that is a "no?"

 

We're the cheapest Toyota truck. If it was on a Ford platinum trim, it is not reasonable to expect it here. It would also up the cost of what seems to be common windshield replacements.

I do not recall seeing rear defrosters on any truck. I've also never noticed mine to be fogged.


If there was one thing that I wish we should have is full control over the aircon function. I'd like to use the last three settings on the vent knob without kicking on the compressor.

 

I'm with you on this one. I haven't heard a really good argument for making the compressor turn on with the defrost other than maybe keeping the seals and internals from drying out. The "removing moisture from the air" argument is weak since RH changes as temperature increases and condensation forms less readily when the difference in the air temp and windshield surface temp decreases.

I digress though. Maybe something like the heated mirror mod that doesn't use the Highlander mirrors, but at the bottom of the glass?

 

It was a Lariat, not platinum. The lariat is like the mid-level trim. But, again, the Caravan I had it on was from 2002 and was an entry level model. It would help mitigate ice buildup from tearing up the wipers or while driving in freezing rain/ice storms.

I figured probably not, but was just curious anyway.

 

It does help dry out the air tremendously. But keep in mind, below a certain temperature the compressor will never kick on in the first place so the only thing you'll notice is the light

 

I had that full control on other cars and enjoyed it a lot. My main complaint is that the cold air sucks on a rainy day when the fogging starts. I can keep it at bay with fourth to last setting, but just more air would do the trick.

I cycle the a/c once in a while, but supposedly, newer systems don't have the leak worry that early ones did?

 

I drive a 4cyl AT. I can tell when it's on by my loss of power, that's why it's important to me at least.

Do you know what that low threshold temperature is?

 

Do you mean with earlier Tacoma A/C units or just A/c units across the market?

 

You said top trim, so I just went with that.

Minivans have a very different front end / windshield with huge-ass wipers. It probably was more to do with not destroying the wiper motor than anything else. It is FCA after all.

I've seen these on Subaru, Saabs, and Volvos. Makes sense given their origins and uses.

 

I would say across the market. For as infrequently as I use a/c, it would have leaked on older stuff. We haven't needed a recharge in about 20yrs on a few different cars. I can't think of anyone that I know even mentioning it.

 

Our 2013 highlander limited has the wiper defrosters, so they are out there on some toyotas. I haven't felt the need for anything additional in the Tacoma.

 

Were you around in the 1970's? Back when AC compressors did not run from October to April and the seals and clutch dried out? It was not just GM... everybody had those issues including Toyota. I love having the compressor run now. Means everything gets lubricated.

 

My F150 (XLT) had a rear defroster and my buddies Silverado does too. This is the first car I've ever owned or even been in that didn't have one. Hell my friends 69 LeMans had one, granted it looked like a home floor register below the window to blow warm air but still had something.

On colder days it takes much longer to defog the rear window than it would with one in my experience. Is it 100% needed? Probably not, but there are times it would be useful and I would have gotten it if it was an option.

 

Interesting. I need to remember this.

The option that I would have jumped on is the Tundra window that goes down.

I was also bummed to see that the Ford Extended Cab windows go down also. Although, I think I have only seen them used once ever.

 

So what happens when I don't use my air conditioner at all during the warmer months and Summer? I almost never use it unless somebody else is in the truck with me. I am annoyed that they do things like this especially when I have to do things like engage my 4x4 for a few miles every month to lubricate it. Why not just make my 4WD come on automatically for a bit after each time I shift to drive?

I'm playing devils advocate, I know.

I don't like being nannied or having my options removed "for my own sake." Literally none of my vehicles from the late 80s until now have had this "feature" and my compressors suffered naught for lacking it. So although there are older systems that require it, I'm confused why there was a gap between the 70s and now in terms of needing this feature.

In addition, the vents on my truck are so poorly placed and only put out a solid stream of air right onto my knuckles and face. I prefer the windshield blower because it is indirect and often don't need defrosting capabilities.

The world will go on and Toyota will continue production unconcerned with my A/C function preferences.

 

100%, the rolling down rear window is the best option for 4 Runner and Tundra and no question I would have gotten it. Wish it was available but the slider works OK.

 

Pretty sure you can turn it off with the TS? There is AUTO and MANUAL option for the compressor in the "customize" section.

I switched to manual mode but forgot to try it out.

 

If this is true, I'll have it done. I just don't know what is available to change in TS.

 

Download it and try it out. There are quite a few things to customize on there.