I've been a member of this forum for awhile, and have seen 2 winters (heading into the 3rd) since finding the site. Back in '06 people were complaining about this, ditto for '07, and now I see the issue still persists here in '08.

The dealership SHOULD replace your windshield under warranty, but they don't always do what's right... and in a tough ecomonic climate, I think your odds are even slimmer. Seeing as your Jeep is new (or nearly so), I'm hoping that you have full insurance coverage... and if you do, you can get your windshield replaced under your glass coverage.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

 

Is this really a Chrysler issue? I've been hearing of windshields cracking when applying high heat in the cold since I was a kid. Guess I always knew to never ever ever crank up high heat on a cold windshield using defrost. Warm up the cabin first then turn the dial to defrost on medium power and low to medium heat then gradually increase the heat.

Google this and you will find this happens to all major automobile manufacturers.

 

You're right, it's not specific to Chrysler vehicles, but I think you have a lot more potential for this issue with the JK, seeing as it has such a kick-ass heater. I'd rather have to watch out for this (the method you gave is spot-on) than deal with an inadequate heater, anyday.

 

Yea, good luck on dealer replacements.....my dealer did the ball point pen test to no avail. This thread started over a year ago......
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stock-jk-tech-12/replaced-windshield-yet-18934/

 

I've got the glass package on my insurance as well. I've got a couple little chips that my insurance will cover for a $25 deductible for each chip...or it's $50 for the whole windshield. I'm holding off on the chips and hoping over the winter I'll get a decent enough crack out of one of them that I can just get the whole thing replaced.

 

My windshield cracked due to the cold outside and defrost this weekend, exactly as you described, starting just off center. It happened not 1 minute after turning on the defrost.

Scott

 

if anyboby needs a new windshield in or around houston just got off the phone with AAA auto glass off of N. Sheperd Dr. for $155.00 installed they did my 95 dodge ram for $209.00 7 yrs. ago and did a great job and no extra for being lifted. hope this can help someboy on here.

 

It's not a chrysler problem... It's a simple common sense problem if you have cold glass and expose it to hot air it WILL crack. If you don't believe me run one of your water glasses at home under hot water until it heats up then run it under cold water. (wear gloves the glass will break.) It's the same principle. all you have to do is turn the temp down on the heat and gradually heat up the glass.

 

I have had it happen on other vehicles before just from the temp difference between the inside and outside air. Unfortunately in an ice storm I would rather crank it on high and have a cracked windsheild, than have an ice covered windshield. I don't consider this a Crheysler problem since weather events can cause damage.

 

A good solution to this issue is to turn on the heater when you start the vehicle... at first, it'll blow cold air because the engine is cold. The air will gradually become warmer and warmer as the engine warms up, and you'll "ease into" the hot air and lessen the shock to the glass. This method's worked perfectly for me so far (no cracks) and I'd recommend it to anyone.