For the 2020 model year, a windshield wiper de-icer feature was standard equipment on the Ford Expedition XLT and XLT Max. However, Ford Authority has learned that the 2021 Ford Expedition will not offer this feature on any model or trim level.
Ford’s windshield wiper de-icer is designed to prevent the vehicle’s wipers from freezing to the windshield, a common problem in winter, particularly in areas where temperatures routinely drop below freezing. This keeps the driver from having to manually pull the frozen wipers off the windshield so they can be operable.
Much like traditional rear window defrost systems, the base of the windshield where the wiper blades rest is equipped with a local heating element. The system is designed to clear light snow and ice from the wiper blades in under 10 minutes at minus 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drivers were also able to use SYNC Connect to activate the windshield wiper de-icer system from their smartphone as part of the FordPass experience. SYNC Connect allows owners to start, lock, unlock, and locate their vehicle from virtually anywhere using a smartphone. Drivers could even schedule a specific time to start their vehicle remotely so it would be ready to hit the road, de-iced and warmed up.
The windshield de-icer feature eliminated the need to pull wiper blades up and away from the vehicle when parking outside at night, and helped keep streaks of water and ice from forming across the windshield when the wipers were in use. That way, ice and snow could be wiped away neatly, leaving the windshield clean and streak-free.
Ford’s windshield de-icer feature is available on a variety of other models, but for now, we know that it will not be present on the 2021 Ford Expedition.
We’ll have more on the 2021 Expedition and other new model year Ford and Lincoln vehicles soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Expedition news and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
That’s a shame. Living in Western PA where there is usually a frost or ice on your windshield from Nov – March, I’d like to see this feature offered across most vehicles, not less.
Did the Lincoln Navigator. a sister car to the Expedition, have this feature in the 2020 models and now not on its 2021 models, too. It seems the de-icer would be great feature to have available for the step-up Lincoln, either as a standard feature or as an option. i remember about 35-40 years ago, FoMoCo offered an optional quick defrost windshield that would supposedly clear a windshield in about 30 seconds, or so. The cars equipped with that option could be recognized by a light gold colored metallic tint over the glass. It was dropped, from what I can recall, because it was a rather expensive option and it blocked the then popular Fuzzbusters from getting a radar signal.
Another disappointment. In addition Ford eliminated the keyless entry keypad on xl & xlt 200A. Sirius drops to three month subscription previously six. Power passenger seats are now 8 way. Previously 10 way. Four way adjustable headrests now gone.
This after Ford dropped for MY20 excellent features on the XLT 202A including:
1. Drivers auto dim mirror
2. Rain sense wipers
3. Power adjustable pedals
4. Ambient lighting
5. Speaker reduction to six from nine
Increase the package price if needed but taking away very desirable features doesn’t help to set the product apart from competition. And many don’t want a higher trim level in order to have these features.
Ford often shoots themselves in the foot.