WARNING 2013 Vipers Built Before 08/12/13 - Defroster Issue

[SHADOWSNAKE]

Ha! Lemme grab the GoPro so I can post...

[ViperTony]

So, for those of you that experienced this....did dealer replace the glass or did the entire rear hatch have to be replaced?

[v10tt]

Which one is d defroster fuse anyways? According to Mark mine is not in d list based on d vin number although it was but on 6-13.
I got huge gaps between d glass and car in fiber around d area of the lid towards d roof of the car. On d end towards d tail lights d (2) credit cards fit tight.
Will it blow d glass by just pressing d bottom one time, or does it need to stay on for a few a a or minutes to blow

[CJS]

So my MDH is 071609 does this mean July 16? I only ask because the "Date of MFR" is 8-13. Sounds like I may be right on the line?

[SilveRT8]

I took delivery of my car on August 12, so I ASSume it was built before that date !
Where's my Owners manual so I can locate that fuse and pull it?

[Malu59RT]

Thanks for alerting the appropriate owner base. I assume we had the same event discussion on FaceBk yesterday? Do take me up on the invite there.....

I was on Brian's Facebook post, but didn't see anything directed to me?

I've been tracking this since NVE1, however, I just re-checked mine. Built May 2013. The dealer swore it was good to go when I had it inspected months ago. Still, I've never pressed the button and now I am second guessing the dealership. Can I assume the "credit card check" will sufficiently determine if I'm in trouble or not?

I thought I was good after the dealer checked it also, until it happened to me. I will keep everyone posted on what the dealer/Chrysler has to say, since mine was inspected and still shattered. Maybe they release a new TSB, or recall all of the affected cars to change the glass regardless. In any case, just be aware of it, so it doesn't become an inconvenience when you least expect it.

[BDZ1984]

My car was the other car that Jason is referring to. New Glass Ordered, NOT on back order like everything else this car has needed. Dealer has been very helpful even let me keep the car in the garage and send them pictures to get the glass ordered. Helps I live 2 miles from them. glass1.JPGglass2.JPG

[Bugman Jeff]

I just had a thought. Aren't car dealers supposed to do a "pre-sales inspection/setup?" I worked through college as a tech at the local Harley dealer, and every new bike we got had a few hours worth of setup and a two page inspection list. Included in the inspection was testing everything electrical to make sure it all functioned as it should. Why didn't the dealer push the button before the car was ever delivered to the customer? Don't car dealers have the same kind of thing?

[swexlin]

I just had a thought. Aren't car dealers supposed to do a "pre-sales inspection/setup?" I worked through college as a tech at the local Harley dealer, and every new bike we got had a few hours worth of setup and a two page inspection list. Included in the inspection was testing everything electrical to make sure it all functioned as it should. Why didn't the dealer push the button before the car was ever delivered to the customer? Don't car dealers have the same kind of thing?

Remember, these are Dodge dealers we're talking about. Unless it's Woodhouse, VE, Roanoke, and a couple select others......I wouldn't count on it. Unfortunate, but true.

[SilveRT8]

Remember, these are Dodge dealers we're talking about. Unless it's Woodhouse, VE, Roanoke, and a couple select others......I wouldn't count on it. Unfortunate, but true.

Yess, those dealers mentionned seem to push all the right buttons ! ;-)

[SilveRT8]

Can't find the fuse # for rear defrost in the owners manual
Anybody know ?

[640bhpV10]

Is anyone aware of this happening to a 2014 or later car?

My 2013 was a trackpack car and it shattered 3 days after buying it. Took several weeks to replace.

I ask because the salesman who sold me my 2015 has Viper GTS (says its a 2015) - his car looked exactly like the 2013 dealer GTS demo cars (hence I'm wondering...) - said that his rear glass also shattered.

I haven't had the guts to try it on my 2015 yet, not in the mood to miss out on 2-4 weeks of driving during the summer and fall.

Are there any confirmed cases of these defroster malfunctions after 2013?

-Nick

[LmeaViper]

Shit, this would apply to my car as well. Is there a way to check what TSB's have been done to my car? As I did see it wasn't on the dealer's to do list last time I was in there.

[Malu59RT]

Shit, this would apply to my car as well. Is there a way to check what TSB's have been done to my car? As I did see it wasn't on the dealer's to do list last time I was in there.

Hate to say it, but it probably doesn't matter. Brian and I had two different local dealers do our TSB, and either the TSB really doesn't mean anything, the Gap can change over time, or we are just both unlucky. Maybe the next time you take it to the dealer, let him know you want to run the defroster in front of him, and see what happens. Just be prepared to be without your car in case it does break.

[ViperTony]

Hate to say it, but it probably doesn't matter. Brian and I had two different local dealers do our TSB, and either the TSB really doesn't mean anything, the Gap can change over time, or we are just both unlucky. Maybe the next time you take it to the dealer, let him know you want to run the defroster in front of him, and see what happens. Just be prepared to be without your car in case it does break.

So many factors come into play...does the "tech" know what they're doing? Even with written instructions some don't get it right. Just because they stated they performed the TSB doesn't mean they actually did it. Been there. I went through 5 Dodge dealerships with certified techs before I found one that actually is worth a damn and knows what he's doing. So many service departments that just don't know what they're doing or don't want to do it. Sad state of affairs.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

I've been tracking this since NVE1, however, I just re-checked mine. Built May 2013. The dealer swore it was good to go when I had it inspected months ago. Still, I've never pressed the button and now I am second guessing the dealership. Can I assume the "credit card check" will sufficiently determine if I'm in trouble or not?

YES, I did that exact check on some early cars at Buttonwillow with a great dealer-principal observing. But we did not ht the button. Just so you ensure to insert the credit card (or cards 2 thick) deep enuf to cover the metal DF grid.

Note: I suppose Anyone who has the luggage area crammed chock-full with stuff to the point it could crush the CF surround up against the grid would NOT be using the defrost anyway???

- - - Updated - - -

I've been tracking this since NVE1, however, I just re-checked mine. Built May 2013. The dealer swore it was good to go when I had it inspected months ago. Still, I've never pressed the button and now I am second guessing the dealership. Can I assume the "credit card check" will sufficiently determine if I'm in trouble or not?

YES, I did that exact check on some early cars at Buttonwillow with a great dealer-principal observing. But we did not ht the button. Just so you ensure to insert the credit card (or cards 2 thick) deep enuf to cover the metal DF grid.

Note: I suppose Anyone who has the luggage area crammed chock-full with stuff to the point it could crush the CF surround up against the grid would NOT be using the defrost anyway???

[bogdan]

Had my rear glass spacing checked. No gap between grid and hatch. Glass on order. Good thing I've been avoiding the rear defroster button since I got the car.

Thanks for the heads-up!

[Malu59RT]

Had my rear glass spacing checked. No gap between grid and hatch. Glass on order. Good thing I've been avoiding the rear defroster button since I got the car.

Thanks for the heads-up!

Why are they replacing the glass? Wouldn't they cut the class out and re-install it with a thicker bead of sealant?

Glad to hear it got caught before it shattered, and that the thread has saved at least one person from this headache!

[Exhlr8n]

Anyone have a pic or number of which fuse to pull?

Thanks

[bogdan]

Why are they replacing the glass? Wouldn't they cut the class out and re-install it with a thicker bead of sealant?

Glad to hear it got caught before it shattered, and that the thread has saved at least one person from this headache!

I was wondering the same thing. It seems like the repair instructions say to replace the glass.

[mjorgensen]

Why are they replacing the glass? Wouldn't they cut the class out and re-install it with a thicker bead of sealant?

Glad to hear it got caught before it shattered, and that the thread has saved at least one person from this headache!

I was wondering the same thing. It seems like the repair instructions say to replace the glass.

The new glass moves the heating element inward away from the CF, the gap still needs to be maintained though where the element comes from under the hatch to the strip, theoretically if they put the new glass down too tight it could still happen so the shop doing the work needs direction from dealer. We did this yesterday with a LE and I spent an hour and a half installing it with them to insure it was all done correctly, not what I wanted to do with my day, but at least it's right and they know what I expect in the future.

[Malu59RT]

The new glass moves the heating element inward away from the CF, the gap still needs to be maintained though where the element comes from under the hatch to the strip, theoretically if they put the new glass down too tight it could still happen so the shop doing the work needs direction from dealer. We did this yesterday with a LE and I spent an hour and a half installing it with them to insure it was all done correctly, not what I wanted to do with my day, but at least it's right and they know what I expect in the future.

Good to know Mark, and I am hoping I don't have this issue again. Fingers crossed the dealer does it right!

[lochnessmonster]

Went home at lunch, checked the gap. Looked good. Fired up the car and let the rear defroster run for 1/2 hour so the back glass got nice and warm, no issues. Yeah!!!! Thanx for the heads up guys.

[lochnessmonster]

If you're feeling adventurous press the button

Yep. It's Friday. I said, "What the heck, I'm gonna get a little crazy today."

[ZeeViper]

So if the gap is good all the way around (over the 1.5mm feeler gauge) should i still go into the dealer for the tape? If so, i'm just going to throw some Kapton tape in the spots they call out in the service bulletin. Dont feel like having some goons monkey around with tape for a couple hours while i wait and drink 4 oz bottles of water and shitty coffee hahah.