Installing Aftermarket Heated Windshield Wipers

[kleinap]

Hi,

I have a 2010 RX450h and it doesn't seem to have the front wiper de-icer/defroster. Driving during a snow storm is miserable with ice buildup around the wipers, even with a set of winter blades.

I found out about ThermalBlade, an aftermarket heated, silicon windshield wiper. They have electrical wires that have to be run along the wiper arm, under the hood and to the fuse box. The driver's side looks easy enough to install, using tie wraps along the arm to the base of the arm. But the passenger side is not straightforward at all. I can't figure out how to secure the electrical wire along the wiper arm and down to the base of the arm. There are too many moving pieces and no easy way to secure the wire with tie wraps.

Has anyone done this before or have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Anna

2010 RX450h

Massachusetts

[kleinap]

I emailed ThermalBlade and asked if they could give me advice on how to run the wiring from the passenger side wiper arm into the engine compartment. They responded very quickly with this advice:

the passenger side wiper arm on that lexus is very similar to the toyota prius. there is a pivot action performed by a secondary part of the arm at the base. it creates a strange pulling effect.

what we have done on the toyota prius's is to run your wires and use wire ties to secure the wire at each of the points while turning on the wipers to see where the next secure point should be. doing this prior to pulling the wires into the engine compartment. because the scissor action of the base of the wiper arm is unexpected so this is your best method to ensure you do not put any un-needed pressure on the wiring.

They also said they'd send me a photo of an install on a Prius and point out where the secure points are on the arm.

When I get the picture, I'll try to post it here.

Thanks,

Anna

2010 RX450h

Massachusetts