Kia Carnival Forum banner

Windshield defroster

2757 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  mpvdad
Hello everyone,

This is my first post here, my wife and I have been enjoying our LXS and everything it has to offer! We recently ran into an issue with the windshield seeming to struggle to defrost. It takes a considerable amount of time for it to properly clear up. The rear, and side windows are always completely clear within a min or so. My wife is a traveling nurse and the area we are at in PA is always pretty damp, but I haven't ran into this issue with my F150.

If anyone on here has ran into this issue please let me know, and thank you all for your time.

-Matt
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Are you talking about de-FOGGING the interior of the windshield or de-FROSTING the built up ice on the exterior?
Are you talking about de-FOGGING the interior of the windshield or de-FROSTING the built up ice on the exterior?
Yes, my apologies. De-fogging would be the correct terminology. I think we're all so used to saying de-frosting around here because it's only warm for 2 months. 😂
Yes, my apologies. De-fogging would be the correct terminology. I think we're all so used to saying de-frosting around here because it's only warm for 2 months. 😂
I don't know if the LXS has this feature, but the SX has an auto-defogging feature in the infotainment settings. If you have this, try turning it on to see if you get better performance.
I don't know if the LXS has this feature, but the SX has an auto-defogging feature in the infotainment settings. If you have this, try turning it on to see if you get better performance.
Thanks for the help. I will definitely look into it. If not, I suppose it will most definitely be a question for the dealership.
Hi, still learning about our new EX's features. I wanted to ask if there is any feature to automatically heat the windshield to keep snow & ice from forming on it? I think I either read about something like that or saw a video review at some point earlier on but cannot find it now. I'm wondering if I still need to keep an ice scraper handy with the Carnival.

On a related note, I noticed a sticker on the windshield warning NOT to manually raise the wiper blades such as people sometimes do in the winter. Apparently that will damage the Carnival wipers and there is some kind of "service mode" you can put the wipers into. Any quick explainers around this?

Thanks in advance!
Hi, still learning about our new EX's features. I wanted to ask if there is any feature to automatically heat the windshield to keep snow & ice from forming on it? I think I either read about something like that or saw a video review at some point earlier on but cannot find it now. I'm wondering if I still need to keep an ice scraper handy with the Carnival.

On a related note, I noticed a sticker on the windshield warning NOT to manually raise the wiper blades such as people sometimes do in the winter. Apparently that will damage the Carnival wipers and there is some kind of "service mode" you can put the wipers into. Any quick explainers around this?

Thanks in advance!
There are (2) types of windshield defrosting available. The first is traditional blowing warm air at it from the HVAC system and the second is a heating element laminated inside the windshield to defrost any ice buildup. The former is available on all Carnivals while the latter is only available on specific trims in Canada.

When the wipers are turned off, they are recessed very low and under the hood line to minimize drag when driving. If you try to lift them from this position, the hood might interfere with the arms and cause damage. Instead, set to "service mode" and it will raise arms to a higher position on the windshield so you can lift up and clear the hood safely. I haven't actually tried it yet, but this is how most other cars work with similar service modes.

Edit: after looking at my vehicle today, there doesn't appear to be any interference with the hood. Not sure why the service mode is recommended. 🤷🏾‍♂️
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Yup, all Canadian trims have heated washer nozzles and heated windshields. Automatic defogging system comes in all but the base LX trim.
Thanks for your replies. Based on this, I shouldn't expect to see any heating elements on US-spec Carnivals and I should expect to do my defrosting the old fashioned way.

In my other thread I posted about an experience with another Carnival EX at a local dealership here in Pennsylvania that we initially test drove, but did not purchase due to pricing at that particular dealer. I recall seeing what looked like heating elements in the windhield of that car. The one we ended up buying (also an EX) from a different local dealer doesn't have them. Is there anything published or known at this time that might explain this?
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top