2014. I am just about to hit 14,000

 

You can get one for $400

 

My guess is a change in the actual glass, for reduced cost. We are seeing the windshields chip and break easier also.

Since folks are not finding something obvious wrong like a loose or frayed wire, my guess is that the "new" glass they are using cannot handle the operation of the defroster coupled with a lower temp.

 

Either way I'd say Ford has declined in quality.

 

Carlite printed bottom left

 

Where?

 

Here is one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fit-04-14-Fo...xUPY1M&vxp=mtr

This comes with new motor and cables attached to slider, you can find them cheaper without motor.

It's a pretty simple job to replace yourself in about 4 hours or less depending on skill.

I just bought a manual slider from eBay, it's OEM and comes with enough butyl to do job. These back windows are bolted in and sandwich the butyl between the cab and window.

 

I have wondered if the heat element is too powerful and heats the glass too fast so in cold weather it builds too much stress and fractures. I know my mirrors clear very fast. But I do not live in a cold climate.

 

I noticed on my old window that the center glass was a little loose, maybe causing it to lose contact across the grid. The replacement is much more tighter. Possibly, from using the sliding window it tends to loosen and the contacts wear causing the problem.

 

My original sliding glass didn't have this large tab. I don't recall it having any.