My Transit hates the snow and I'm annoyed

[MChammered]

Winter's coming and i'm already dreading the usual issue with my Transit... Snow melts and freezes in that gap between the windshield and hood. It locks up the wipers and sends water into the engine bay where it refreezes on the ECM. I've tried tossing a fabric cover over it before, but the wind just blows it off. Not looking forward to dealing with it again, and i really don't want to waste money on a pricey cover that doesn't solve the problem at all. This design is such a let down

 

[Stuart1]

If Ford knows the Transit's design causes freezing issues every winter, why hasn't there been a recall or redesign, are commercial buyers just expected to accept poor weatherproofing as the norm?

 

[im-frm-chicago0201]

Winter's coming and i'm already dreading the usual issue with my Transit... Snow melts and freezes in that gap between the windshield and hood. It locks up the wipers and sends water into the engine bay where it refreezes on the ECM. I've tried tossing a fabric cover over it before, but the wind just blows it off. Not looking forward to dealing with it again, and i really don't want to waste money on a pricey cover that doesn't solve the problem at all. This design is such a let down

You're not alone! This issue's been flagged by other Transit owners, and some have traced it to clogged or missing cowl drains that let water pool and freeze near the ECM. If you haven't already, check under the cowl panel for both drain outlets and make sure they're clear. A few folks have had luck using low profile magnetic hood shields or custom cut foam inserts to block snow without relying on loose fabric covers. Let us know if you've tried anything else that held up better in the wind.

 

[MChammered]

If Ford knows the Transit's design causes freezing issues every winter, why hasn't there been a recall or redesign, are commercial buyers just expected to accept poor weatherproofing as the norm?

I agree, that's a good point. They should adjust with every countries and the weather,

You're not alone! This issue's been flagged by other Transit owners, and some have traced it to clogged or missing cowl drains that let water pool and freeze near the ECM. If you haven't already, check under the cowl panel for both drain outlets and make sure they're clear. A few folks have had luck using low profile magnetic hood shields or custom cut foam inserts to block snow without relying on loose fabric covers. Let us know if you've tried anything else that held up better in the wind.

Appreciate the tip!! I'll definitely check those cowl drains. I havent tried anything custom yet , just been using a generic cover that doesn't do great in strong wind. That magnetic hood shield sounds interesting though, did you go that route yourself, or know someone who did? Curious how well it actually stays put during heavy snow.

 

[Patrick Stump]

Winter's coming and i'm already dreading the usual issue with my Transit... Snow melts and freezes in that gap between the windshield and hood. It locks up the wipers and sends water into the engine bay where it refreezes on the ECM. I've tried tossing a fabric cover over it before, but the wind just blows it off. Not looking forward to dealing with it again, and i really don't want to waste money on a pricey cover that doesn't solve the problem at all. This design is such a let down

@MChammered I agree with @im-frm-chicago0201 on clearing those cowl drains first. Guaranteed it makes a difference. I've seen the magnetic shields hold up fine in rough weather but you have to make sure you get one with a strong grip.

 

[im-frm-chicago0201]

Appreciate the tip!! I'll definitely check those cowl drains. I havent tried anything custom yet , just been using a generic cover that doesn't do great in strong wind. That magnetic hood shield sounds interesting though, did you go that route yourself, or know someone who did? Curious how well it actually stays put during heavy snow.

Glad to hear you're checking the cowl drains. That alone can make a big difference once the freeze-thaw cycle kicks in. As for the magnetic shield, I didn't go that route myself but a buddy of mine who runs a Transit for his delivery routes swears by it. He went with a custom-cut version that hugs the hood contour and added a few adhesive-backed magnets near the corners to keep it from lifting in gusts. He's in northern Michigan where lake effect snow can pile up fast and he said it stayed put through most storms last season.

If you're considering trying it, you may wanna measure the hood gap and check the clearance near the wiper arms. Some designs can interfere with their movement if they sit too low. Have you had a chance to test anything or are you still weighing options before the cold rolls in?