Hey everyone, first post here aside from the marketplace. Glad there is a forum available for the RDX...even though it's my fiances ride I still love surfing the forums for any vehicle I/we own.

My question is whether there are any electronics, etc. to be aware of when tinting the front windshield? In my Ram 1500 there are several MAJOR electrical components directly under the dash which can easily be effected during install of tint (water). I want to make sure this is not an issue with the 2020 RDX or at least an issue that can be avoided with properly protecting the dash.

We have a 2020 Aspec FWD with tech package and red interior. This is a leased car, but since we will have it for 4 years and possibly longer depending where the world stands in 4 years I hope to add several small upgrades.

Interested in all weather floor mats...dealer wouldn't include them in the deal, possible exhaust modification (muffler/resonator delete) if I can find a stock system to put back on at EOL, windshield sun screen covercraft avs100 and we will see from there.

Rambling done...really got away from the initial point of this post.

 

The only ones I know of are the ones at the top near the mirror - there are some sensors there for the LKAS and collision avoidance systems. Other sensors are located in the outer part of the grill logo.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am more worried with electronics boards or anything to do with the infotainment system being under the dash and easy to get wet. I believe that was the issue with the Ram was that there was some type of computer board under the dash that could cripple the vehicle and was very costly to replace...I lucked out since I didn't know it was an issue prior to tinting my windshield on the Ram.

 

Oh I misunderstood your question. Yeah, I'd be worried about getting water on the dash with that infotainment sticking straight up. Does the tint process really involve that much water? like so much that a drop cloth over the dash wouldn't keep it safe?

 

I would assume that would work. On the Ram there are electronics up toward the back of the dash that can get ruined from the water running down the tint film even. They do use a fair amount of water when applying tint to vehicles. This may not even be something we end up doing to the RDX, but I'm going to check into pricing today for at least the windshield and possibly doing all windows. We'll see if my fiance wants darker than the factory privacy glass on the back. The real winner in tinting the whole thing is the application of the ceramic tint that keeps a ton of heat out and Houston summer is already up to nearly 100*.

 

Is that what the Ram boys are claiming for their deplorable quality FCA product? Hehe.

Jabbing aside (I'm a GM guy, though f*ck anything American at this point), I don't think anyone here would have the technical know-how to tell you a definitive answer. I'd assume that you'd be ok. Electronics under the dash should be protected, in the off chance that your inane average driver spills their soft drink on their dash while taking a selfie. I can't see electronics being left open to exposure like that really anywhere in the car. That is, anyone besides FCA who literally builds piles of shit on wheels. I'm sorry, last time. Even with the amount of water they use while tinting, I can't see it being an issue. To be safe, I'd let it sit for a few hours to dry before driving any amount of distance and cover the infotainment with a couple microfiber towels. Also, depending on the tinter, might want to stay away from ceramic if you're concerned since that stuff is a pain to work with and may require more use of water. I know I did a clear ceramic on my old car and the tinter had to scrap his first attempt and start over. He's been in the business for nearly 20yrs and would rather do it right than just push crap work out the door, unlike FCA.

Ok ok ... I promise I'm done ...

 

Yea, my understanding is the ceramic is a pain to work with. On my 17' Camaro SS, GM product, the tint installer had to scrap their first windshield attempt for ceramic. For the Ram I am not sure he had to scrap anything, but I also just dropped it off and let him get to work. The only tint I see as worth putting on is the ceramic here in Houston...today's temp is supposed to be 100* with heat index at 108*...ceramic is the only thing to help cut down on that heat and certainly helps to protect dash, doors, etc from UV Rays.

As for the Ram, this is my first FCA product and my second "American Made" vehicle...we all know that the American Made Index (AMI) is the true tale of an American Made vehicle. For reference and only because it peeked my interest:

12. Chevrolet Camaro
14. Acura RDX
16. Toyota Tundra (Have owned 4 of these)
47. Ram 1500
77. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
85. GMC Sierra 1500

At one point the Toyota Tundra was in the top 10 most American Made Vehicles.

I really like the GM vehicle lineup, but after seeing a few of the Camaro transmission issues (present in all their 8-speed Auto) and the terrible attempt they made on infotainment for the 2019+ Sierra's (Denali included) I had to pass them up. We will see what vehicle I end up in next...maybe Toyota will make a real update to the Tundra in the coming years...or Honda/Acura could make a real attempt at making a truck...the Ridgeline is a joke in my opinion. Most likely the next vehicle will be a 3 row SUV, another truck,, or maybe a 2021-2022 Z06 Corvette?? Either way though the auto industry is headed in a great direction (quality aside) and I'm exicted to see what's to come.