2024 Offroad Premium Windshield Crack and Safelite

[realbert]

After an extended trip away, I came home to a cracked windshield that has mystified my discernment. I suspect a small chip retained enough moisture after heavy rains that once the heat dome descended on our state, mayhem found it's way to my bank account. Seeing a large crack that extends from about the steering wheel to the lower left side of the glass while the vehicle sat motionless is just nuts.

I submitted a claim through my insurance where all the pertinent information is passed to Safelite, including the VIN. They can't do this repair in your driveway, there is too much calibration to be done and I imagine the repair is better handled by two techs. What I did not anticipate was Safelite not cross-referencing the correct replacement part with this vehicle. This trim has a heated windshield and the element is built into the glass.

If you are in the same place, ask questions about replacement parts and fitment. I had no idea this truck has a heated windshield.

Sponsored

 

[Sagebrush]

I had mine replaced last month. I chose a place that doesn't do insurance. Hartford issued a check without blinking via Safelite.

I had a choice between waiting 30 days or over three months (if I wanted the heated windshield). You may want to check availability.

 

[fueler]

I had mine done about 4 months ago, here where I work. I work at an auto dealer so they do many other cars on our lot also. But, my truck is like yours, heated, ACC, and had to have calibration done as well. This was Action auto glass in Oregon but they had the tools to calibrate and everything works as it should. They did a great job. I'd keep calling around for a shop that invested in the tools maybe you get lucky.

 

[bluecrush.taco]

I don't know if it's still the case, but that OEM windshield was on a 3+ month backorder when I had to replace mine earlier this year. There was only 1 dealer who had an open box OEM windshield with the wiper heater within the 3 surrounding states.

Safelite (and a lot of independent shops) will tell you there's an aftermarket or OEM equivalent. But after they start the repair process and go through the system, they'll realize there is no aftermarket available yet and they'll see the OEM backorder and tell you it's a months long wait.

If you're lucky enough to where the crack is still legal to drive, I would say is start the repair process asap. Make sure the shop has the correct part number and double verify. And make sure the shop can do calibration as well or else you'll have to take it to another shop.

 

[grizzlyoutlaw]

Finally got enough cracks to replace mine. They did it in my driveway with no calibration needed and 3 days to get the windshield. Around $900. Mine is a premium. I think it’s just a luck thing with whether the calibration will be required or not. Just like how some people who take off the front plastics for bumper install have to go in for recalibration in sensors there and some don’t.

 

[Slappy]

Finally got enough cracks to replace mine. They did it in my driveway with no calibration needed and 3 days to get the windshield. Around $900. Mine is a premium. I think it’s just a luck thing with whether the calibration will be required or not. Just like how some people who take off the front plastics for bumper install have to go in for recalibration in sensors there and some don’t.

not luck in the bumper removal & sensor issue
U just gotta remove the battery cables from battery b 4 u start removing the bumper is the trick

 

[realbert]

**PLOT TWIST**

While the shop had told me they received the wrong fitment, the tech I ran into while picking up the truck told me they had in fact received the right windshield but the heating element tabs had not survived the transport. I'm grateful the tech made the right call and waited for the correct and intact part. They certainly could've installed the glass without the element connected and I might've never known. I'll keep you posted.

First world problems, I know. ;)

 

[CyberTaco]

**PLOT TWIST**

While the shop had told me they received the wrong fitment, the tech I ran into while picking up the truck told me they had in fact received the right windshield but the heating element tabs had not survived the transport. I'm grateful the tech made the right call and waited for the correct and intact part. They certainly could've installed the glass without the element connected and I might've never known. I'll keep you posted.

First world problems, I know. ;)

How does one know if the windshield is heated or not? I bought my Taco in April and haven't had an occasion to use the heater or defroster.

 

[realbert]

Technically, the heating element is only for the wipers and while the factory paperwork does not list it as a feature, the owners manual says something like "where equipped". I honestly had no idea mine has the feature but a quick call to the dealer confirmed it. I'd guess it is standard on the premium trims.

 

[realbert]

Technically, the heating element is only for the wipers and while the factory paperwork does not list it as a feature, the owners manual says something like "where equipped". I honestly had no idea mine has the feature but a quick call to the dealer confirmed it. I'd guess it is standard on the premium trims.

 

[realbert]

Safelite did an amazing job. The whole job took about an hour and aside from missing a little Easter Egg from the factory glass, it is identical in operation. Happy to have a clear view ahead!

 

[realbert]

How does one know if the windshield is heated or not? I bought my Taco in April and haven't had an occasion to use the heater or defroster.

Hi Anthony,

It took a different perspective, but if you can get over the hood like I had to while cleaning the windshield, you can see the heating wires that look very much like what is on the back window. They are way down at the base of the glass if your truck is equipped.

 

[mikeymtbs]

I had my windshield replaced on my TRd OR Premium last week as well. No calibration needed. It’s an OE equivalent glass and I actually went thru the dealer to replace - they subcontract to a local guy. No idea if it’s a heated windshield or not.

The worst part was having to pay get it retinted.

Sponsored