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C5Windshield Sparklers

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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 11:05 AM
  #1  
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Default C5Windshield Sparklers

This is going to sound very wierd, but the windshield on my 2002 C5 with the heads up display has 4th of July fireworks going off at night. Now, this is a BRAND NEW vehicle, not any miles on it yet.

Whenever I pass under street lights or oncoming headlights, the windshield lights up like a zillion sparklers!! It is very distracting to say the least. I'm assuming it has something to do with the layer between the glass for the heads up display. Has anyone else seen this phenomonon. Or, am I going crazy!

Bob


[Modified by Bob1320, 5:01 PM 12/13/2001]
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 11:20 AM
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

I have a 2001. No problems like that.
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 11:24 AM
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

Gotta be a defective windshield. Does it look like micro-cracks?

Maybe the windshield was flexed... not much... but just enough to start the star-cracking pattern that is typical with modern multilayer designs.

If you take this problem to your dealer; I would say it is a must to demonstrate this "effect"; mere words alone won't get it repaired
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 12:20 PM
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

I've got a lowly pre-HUD '98, and my experience is that the C5 windshield is a magnet for tiny (and not so tiny) chips from stuff on the road. Mine is just covered with sparkle spots. Solution - don't clean it too thoroughly :)
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 12:36 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (allanlaw)

Thanks Allan, but that isn't the case here. I noticed this problem when I picked the car up at the dealership with 32 miles on the odometer, driving it home at night. I thought it might be 'normal' due to the hud windshield layer.

Bob
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 12:39 PM
  #6  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

You're seeing light reflected off of many rock chips in your windshield. Over time, I've found that the C5 windshield seems to be softer than others, it chips very easily. If you have an automotive club or comprehensive insurance that'll cover windshield replacement, crack the windshield in the corner with a punch and hammer, and get it replaced for cheap. Otherwise, probably have to live with it.

Sam
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 01:03 PM
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Sam Lin)

Sam,

It is a brand new car, I just took delivery of it, and there are no chips in the windshield. It seems to be appearing BETWEEN the two layers of glass, in the plastic laminate layer.
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 01:48 PM
  #8  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

My HUD equipped 2000 doesn't have this problem. I have probably 8000 miles on this windshield (replaced beacuse of cracking when hit by a fairly large stone on the freeway). I think you have a defective windshield. Sounds like a warranty claim to me...it's unsafe. I can't believe a dealer would give you a hard time over this, even though these windshields run between $2000-2500 to replace.
Ed
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 03:22 PM
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (C5XTASY)

I am not am expert but this definatly sounds like a lamanation problem with the multiple layers of glass which compose your windshield. I would contact the service advisor at your dealer (also get your salesman involved) and make it clear to them what the issue is. I would also give GM customer service a call if the dealer does not address and replace this windshield.

Be sure to let them know that this is a very serious safety issue as well.


[Modified by PJW001, 2:24 PM 12/13/2001]
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 04:16 PM
  #10  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

Hey Bob Im willing to bet that it probaly happened on the transport when it
was trucked to your dealer!!!!!!!!mine has them too.......
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 11:25 PM
  #11  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

One thought come to mind- if this Corvette was the front car on the transporter-it could have gone through many miles of road grit hitting the glass! I've often thought about the truck transporters and the way they carry many cars on them. The top lead car gets all the grit!
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 11:54 PM
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (rickvette)

below is a pic of my 2002 atop the carrier... first in line. Mine arrived perfect, but it was a somewhat short trip; about 250 miles.

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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 11:57 PM
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

Thats called a "flashback" from a bad hit of acid you took back in college that is coming back to haunt you .. :lol:

J/K

BP
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Old Dec 14, 2001 | 12:12 AM
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

My 01 doesn't have them. Sounds like you definately have a warranty issue with GM.
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Old Dec 14, 2001 | 12:46 AM
  #15  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (C5go)

I've driven two with HUD's and never seen anything like that. Sounds weird and a job for Mr. Goodwrench. Good luck.
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Old Dec 14, 2001 | 01:14 AM
  #16  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers

Try washing the inside... Oil? Weird..
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Old Dec 14, 2001 | 01:18 AM
  #17  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

my 2002 C-5 and my wifes 2000 impala has that effect. you see like a halo effect around the oncoming headlights correct? do you wear glasses or contacts? :chevy
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Old Dec 14, 2001 | 01:24 AM
  #18  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

I have a 2002 with the HUD and I don't have that problem.
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Old Dec 14, 2001 | 11:19 AM
  #19  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (clem zahrobsky)

I don't wear contacts or glasses guys. Really! I checked the outside of the windshield with a large magnifying glass and there is no damage. I have cleaned both the inside and outside many times with different cleaners. It must be in the laminate. I'll keep you informed.
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Old Dec 14, 2001 | 12:34 PM
  #20  
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Default Re: C5Windshield Sparklers (Bob1320)

I have a 2000FRC with HUD. I dont have any problem other than the thousands of small chips in the glass??? Drove through a sand storm in west Texas :(
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