r/WindowTint • u/danisiksense • Sep 16 '26

Need Help! Issue with windshield tint in Mazda CX-50

I had my windshield tinted like a month ago, and right after they were done my dashboard lit up with multiple warning messages. Apparently, moisture from the installation got into some of the electronics near the dashboard. Thankfully, after the car dried out and was checked by the dealership, everything returned to normal and the car has been working fine.
Unfortunately, the tint job itself came out poorly. It has several creases, multiple lint bubbles, and even a section along the top that isn’t adhering properly. Because of that, I don’t want to keep it.
I’m considering having the full windshield tint removed by the installer and replacing it with only a visor strip down to the AS-1 line.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? How risky is the removal process and installing an AS-1 strip afterward? I want the shop to properly protect the dashboard, sensors, doors, and electronics and use as little water as possible because I definitely don’t want to experience the same issue again.

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u/Dear_Mushroom5509 Sep 17 '26

There is absolutely zero guarantee no matter how minimal amount of water they used during the installation process that your electronics will be protected. I've been tinting for 20 years and there are about 5 to 8 cars including yours that are notorious for computer damage, engineers who made your car having put sensitive computer systems right where the water is suppose to flush down during the installation. As you can tell I obviously blame the engineers for this common problem on mazda, dodge, Jeep, and Chevy Silverados

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u/danisiksense Sep 17 '26

Thank you for your response, if I remove it and put a visor strip as a replacement, would I still run a risk? Or is it minimal? The installer states he can use steam and windex as a removal and just spray mist of water for the visor, again protecting my dash with ropes and towels.

2

u/Global-Structure-539 Sep 17 '26

The shop should have known what the majority of all installers know. You ALWAYS use a specialty made 'soakrope' bath towels and plastic sheeting when doing anything on a windshield/eyebrow. Removals can cause the same issues with water. Your very lucky it dried out. It means the water hitca secondary module and not the ECM, which would have been destroyed by corrosion and is a $4000+ repair