In recent weeks, we’ve reported on a number of Ford and Lincoln models that have lost their Windshield Wiper De-Icer feature for the 2021 model year. Now, we’ve got yet another vehicle to add to that growing list – the 2021 Ford Super Duty, as Ford Authority has learned.
With the 2020 Ford Super Duty, buyers could get the Windshield Wiper De-Icer feature as an option on the Lariat trim level, or a standard equipment on the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims. Those that opted for the feature also got Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers and a Heated Steering Wheel. However, with the 2021 Ford Super Duty, the de-icer feature isn’t available at all.
The 2021 Ford Super Duty isn’t the only vehicle losing this feature for the new model year, as the 2021 Ford Ranger, which we reported on earlier this month, the 2021 Ford Expedition, as we reported back in September, and the Lincoln Nautilus, as we reported this week, have also had their Windshield Wiper De-Icers, or Heated Wiper Pack as it’s otherwise know, deleted.
However, a handful of other Ford models continue to offer the windshield wiper de-icer feature, including the Ford EcoSport, Ford Edge, Ford F-150, and Ford Super Duty.
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.
We’ll have more on the Super Duty very soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford Super Duty news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
What the hell is going on with the window wiper De Icer with Ford and Lincoln??? Jim Farley needs to fix this 1st
Why are they ditching something so amazing
I have F 350 Crew 4X4 with the most useless GPS
Parked in dealership in KELOWNA it can not even take me home on the fastest highway route tell me I’m going into uncharted territory and would add an hour
Then you have this fantastic sounding system that even allows remote access … Try digging the snow out from the hole in the fril work around the base of the wiper arm now that would be really great..
I want this on my new truck..!!!!!!!!! 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.
Subaru has had windshields breaking from their wiper deicer feature. Subaru facing class action. Ford may want to avoid same