Rear Window Defogger not very effective? - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Foobar · 09-14-2012, 09:18 AM

Now that the weather is starting to cool down here in the Northeast, I've been getting some moisture accumulating on the outside of my windows in the early morning before sunrise (I have to take an early train in to work, gah). On my other cars, I turn on the rear defogger and the moisture goes away within a minute. On the BRZ, I can see it working, but it takes quite a bit longer (around 10 minutes to fully clear up). Anyone else notice this or do I have a bum unit?

Superhatch · 09-14-2012, 09:21 AM

I noticed mine took a little longer than my hatchbacks, but I'm wondering if this has to do with the aero of having a coupe? With cool air coming over the back window and condensation all ready in place perhaps it takes more energy? Only thing I can think of.

df.dima · 09-14-2012, 09:29 AM

I agree with you, I find it pretty slow at work... Have to be extra careful when backing out of the driveway, cause I almost can't see anything

.

sparks · 09-14-2012, 09:56 AM

Down here in Florida, the condensation on the windows is EVERY morning. I keep a six inch squeegee in the car to swipe the windows and mirrors before heading to work. The defogger works well after the swipe

Foobar · 09-14-2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparks

Down here in Florida, the condensation on the windows is EVERY morning. I keep a six inch squeegee in the car to swipe the windows and mirrors before heading to work. The defogger works well after the swipe

Well you guys need to keep those alligators from breathing on your windows!

I was going to find some kind of window treatment that helps inhibit condensation buildup. Anyone have any recommendations? Maybe someone needs to come out with an aftermarket rear window wiper for us, LOL.

Bristecom · 09-14-2012, 02:30 PM

I'm going to miss not having a rear wiper. And the FR-S doesn't have heated mirrors either (in the US) so it's probably gonna be a challenge backing out most mornings or late nights.

Stu baru · 09-14-2012, 02:40 PM

Agreed, my past Subaru's had the back window clear in just a couple of minutes. BRZ is SLOW by comparison. Good call on the squeegee.

Foobar · 09-14-2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bristecom

I'm going to miss not having a rear wiper. And the FR-S doesn't have heated mirrors either (in the US) so it's probably gonna be a challenge backing out most mornings or late nights.

Wonder how much effort it would take to add the BRZ's mirror heaters on to the FR-S.

Bristecom · 09-14-2012, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foobar

Wonder how much effort it would take to add the BRZ's mirror heaters on to the FR-S.

Me too...

Neziah · 09-14-2012, 05:16 PM

Mine is never fogged on the inside. It gets condensation on the outside. I never use my rear "defroster" on condensation, because I do not want to bake water spots on to the glass. I like the squeegee idea though. Right now I just keep a good coat of Rain-X on it and it goes away by the time I hit my coffee stand.
It will be interesting to see how it goes this winter when it gets cold. That is a big ass window, it will probably take it a while to warm up.

Dadhawk · 09-14-2012, 10:14 PM

I've not noticed the back on being slow the few times I used it. It's certainly not immediate, but I don't consider it slow.

The front defroster on the other hand seems almost useless in the first 4 inches or so of glass. I've had other cars with this same issue but just makes me wanna say "really...?"

09-14-2012, 09:21 AM	#2
Superhatch AIM4APX Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: 2013 WRB BRZ Limited Location: Milwaukee Posts: 1,206 Thanks: 642 Thanked 749 Times in 324 Posts Mentioned: 8 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I noticed mine took a little longer than my hatchbacks, but I'm wondering if this has to do with the aero of having a coupe? With cool air coming over the back window and condensation all ready in place perhaps it takes more energy? Only thing I can think of. __________________ "It's very difficult to present technology as an overtly positive sales device to people who want an emotional car" -Chris Harris

09-14-2012, 02:40 PM	#7
Stu baru Official Cobb beer knurd Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: 2013 BRZ-L MT SWP Location: USA Posts: 168 Thanks: 45 Thanked 34 Times in 28 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Agreed, my past Subaru's had the back window clear in just a couple of minutes. BRZ is SLOW by comparison. Good call on the squeegee. __________________ Don't text while driving, everyone around you will appreciate you not endangering their lives.

09-14-2012, 10:14 PM	#11
Dadhawk 1st86 Driver! Join Date: Feb 2012 Drives: '13 FR-S (#3 of 1st 86) Location: Powder Springs, GA Posts: 19,814 Thanks: 38,823 Thanked 24,939 Times in 11,376 Posts Mentioned: 182 Post(s) Tagged: 4 Thread(s)	I've not noticed the back on being slow the few times I used it. It's certainly not immediate, but I don't consider it slow. The front defroster on the other hand seems almost useless in the first 4 inches or so of glass. I've had other cars with this same issue but just makes me wanna say "really...?" __________________ Visit my Owner's Journal where I wax philosophic on all things FR-S Post your 86 or see others in front of a(n) (in)famous landmark. What fits in your 86? Show us the "Junk In Your Trunk".

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09-14-2012, 09:29 AM	#3
df.dima Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Drives: FR-S and Mazda 3 Sky Location: Kitchener, ON Posts: 341 Thanks: 10 Thanked 132 Times in 93 Posts Mentioned: 2 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I agree with you, I find it pretty slow at work... Have to be extra careful when backing out of the driveway, cause I almost can't see anything .

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