Mazda CX-5 The CX-5 CUV debuts Mazda's SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY and is unique for its impressive fuel economy, responsive handling and bold style

windshield defrost

Old Jan 3, 2023 | 12:25 PM
  #41  
Dennis Wendt's Avatar
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205º is what the gauge reads most days. Obviously a short trip to the post office or hardware store doesn't get the temp up there.
Around 75%+ of my miles are highway miles so the engine gets up to full temp. How accurate that gauge is, of course, a question.
It is all I have to go by. If it's actually 195ºF and the gauge is optimistic so be it. Doesn't change things overall.

My 2¢
 
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Old Jan 3, 2023 | 12:55 PM
  #42  
Callisto's Avatar
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Originally Posted by schmieg
My CX5 does not have a temperature gauge, just idiot lights, but my MX5 temp gauge has such a large dead area that by the time it indicates getting too hot, the engine is probably toast. That's one of the reasons that I use an Ultragauge II.
I did find that the accuracy of the ultra gauge which is using the ECU sensor information is really pretty darn accurate. The Autometer temperature gauge I have (switch for 3 sensor inputs) is in a different location then the MAZDA water temperature sensor. So I use all 3 sensor inputs along with the UG and sure the factory dash gauge (lol) to determine what is really going on with all the fluid temperatures.
What another member did not catch in my picture on this thread was how low comparing the UG was. Had he been on "GAME" he would have mentioned the discrepancy in reading? I will admit those pictures were really to test his knowledge more then anything else. OPS hehehehe! My Autometer temperature gauge is set up with 3 switched sensor inputs, water, engine oil and transmission oil. None at the factory location for OEM sensor to ECU input. My Transmission temperature register pretty much in all condition now much lower than coolant temperature which is where MAZDA seems to feel is ok. Its not!. I run a transmission cooling system separate from the where the OEM cooler was to better maintain much lower transmission fluid temperatures.

As for defrosting and regards to my MAZDA I also changed out the OEM blower motor with a better unit that has a higher CFM air flow. I really don't like waiting if even a couple minutes for my window to clear up. LOL. The only negative is NOISE. Most don't know that MAZDA engineered a quieter running blower motor wheel and motor design, but the tradeoff was less CFM. No big deal it will still do the job if the DEFROST SETTING are properly used! I should at least include that most all aftermarket blower motor replacements are of the same quiet running design inspired by (copied) Mazda and other auto manufactures.
 

Last edited by Callisto; Jan 3, 2023 at 01:00 PM.
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 12:25 PM
  #43  
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From: Illinois
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Originally Posted by Midwest Mazda
Last summer I bought a 2020 CX-5. Two main reasons were Mazda's reputation as being a "driver's car", and a real transmission rather than a CVT (limited towing capacity). The former is absolutely TRUE. It drives and handles great, and is very comfortable even for a 3-4 hour trip.
I have owned many different cars, SUV's, and trucks since 1969. I live in Northern Illinois, so it is now winter. This CX-5 has, by far, the Worst windshield defrost system than any other vehicle I have ever owned ! ! ! The major part of the problem is air flow vents, or rather the lack of vents. The center-front of the dash has about 12" of vents aimed to the center and about 60degrees to each side. That's it, NO OTHER VENTS to send warm air to the ends of the windshield near the A-pillars. When it is snowing, the left side wiper pushes snow up to near the left A-pillar, but with no warming of the end of the windshield, the returning wiper brings a smear of ice/snow with it to cover the glass and obstruct the view. The only thing to do is apply a quick shot of washer fluid, which is a short-term remedy.
Have Mazda executives ever actually driven the vehicles they sell in winter conditions ?

Maybe I should have kept my 2010 Ford Escape, which at least I could see out of in winter.

I just picked up my 2022 cx5 and had to drive it home through 15 degree temps and sleet. The defroster was ridiculously bad and my windshield looked just like the other pics posted here. I dont feel safe to drive now in these conditions.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 01:40 PM
  #44  
Callisto's Avatar
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Originally Posted by marijoy1025
I just picked up my 2022 cx5 and had to drive it home through 15 degree temps and sleet. The defroster was ridiculously bad and my windshield looked just like the other pics posted here. I dont feel safe to drive now in these conditions.
Welcome to the forum
New members are always welcome I just wish they joined with a positive post instead of.....



I would suggest to read the owners manual and make sure you are properly using the setting. If the problem in your personal Mazda continues go to MAZDA and have the service department check into the problem.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 04:12 PM
  #45  
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I drove in a snowstorm yesterday ( 1/28 ) and still have the same complaint. Whether-or-not the A/C is on is irrelevant. The problem is ice/snow on the outside of the glass. I still maintain that the sideways spread of the warm air to the ends of the windshield are insufficient due to terribly designed defroster vents.
I had the system set to "front defrost" only, and the left wiper would still smear ice/water over the glass as it returned to the down position. NOT ENOUGH WARMTH GETTING TO THE DRIVER'S END OF THE GLASS ! ! !
BTW. I am intelligent enough to understand that it takes a while for the engine to get to operating temperature.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 06:30 AM
  #46  
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I have experienced no such issues as you mention with the defroster.
We have plenty of ice and snow where I live and had both last week (snow 12" and ice 2").
You are under warranty and should have the dealer inspect the unit for you.
You can also use some thermometers to measure what you are getting for heat levels anywhere on your windshield.


 
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 10:48 AM
  #47  
Everybody do the Bartman's Avatar
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From: British Columbia
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I live in British Columbia Canada near Vancouver and have been having similar issues. The defrost works well to clear up window fog on cool days but when it's frosty or snowy it's horrible. Thankfully we don't get too much sub zero weather here because when we do I struggle. Seems like a design flaw.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 11:30 AM
  #48  
Dennis Wendt's Avatar
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Not in response to anyone in particular, but a reminder to make sure the outside air intake under the right hand
wiper is not obstructed with snow or ice. The heater draws air from there.

My 2¢
 
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 11:50 AM
  #49  
Callisto's Avatar
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From: Northern California
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Originally Posted by Dennis Wendt
Not in response to anyone in particular, but a reminder to make sure the outside air intake under the right hand
wiper is not obstructed with snow or ice. The heater draws air from there.

My 50¢
Good thought and to expand a little in support of your response....

The recirculation air supply is from the cabin , but if you use defrost setting it will automatically(should) switch to outside air intake.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2023 | 08:53 AM
  #50  
Mazdagus's Avatar
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From: Ontario
Default Cx 5 defrost no good in 2021.5 Signature model

[Yes the dealer lied to me at Achilles Mazda in Milton Ontario. He told me there is a defrost wire at bottom of windshield. Liar! As well was told the mirrors have memory linked to seat memory, when they do not. Useless salesman.
The app on phone allows you to turn on car remotely, but you cannot turn off engine unless you open door. The app does have START/STOP BUTTON. And thry want $600 to renew the app membership for 4 more years.
============

QUOTE=Midwest Mazda;211028]Last summer I bought a 2020 CX-5. Two main reasons were Mazda's reputation as being a "driver's car", and a real transmission rather than a CVT (limited towing capacity). The former is absolutely TRUE. It drives and handles great, and is very comfortable even for a 3-4 hour trip.
I have owned many different cars, SUV's, and trucks since 1969. I live in Northern Illinois, so it is now winter. This CX-5 has, by far, the Worst windshield defrost system than any other vehicle I have ever owned ! ! ! The major part of the problem is air flow vents, or rather the lack of vents. The center-front of the dash has about 12" of vents aimed to the center and about 60degrees to each side. That's it, NO OTHER VENTS to send warm air to the ends of the windshield near the A-pillars. When it is snowing, the left side wiper pushes snow up to near the left A-pillar, but with no warming of the end of the windshield, the returning wiper brings a smear of ice/snow with it to cover the glass and obstruct the view. The only thing to do is apply a quick shot of washer fluid, which is a short-term remedy.
Have Mazda executives ever actually driven the vehicles they sell in winter conditions ?

Maybe I should have kept my 2010 Ford Escape, which at least I could see out of in winter.[/QUOTE]
You are right. The dealer salesman at Milton Mazda in Ontario
 
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