What to do if your defroster does not work?
When the rear defroster does not work at all, small breaks in the horizontal grid can be eliminated as the problem. In this case, all of the horizontal defroster grid lines would need to be broken and it is very unlikely that this would happen without it being immediately obvious.
Why is my Frost fighter window not defrosting?
The thin brown horizontal lines can be broken or scratched away from the rear glass, causing the defroster to only partially defrost the rear window. This damage is repaired with the Frost Fighter Grid Kit. The smallest break or crack in the grid can cause the defroster to fail so careful visual inspection is needed.
What does a rear window defroster look like?
Automotive rear window defroster are sophisticated surface heaters. The grid pattern of thin brown horizontal lines are made from a silver ceramic conductor which is silk screened, essentially painted, onto the inside of the rear window and then baked at high temperatures.
How to repair defroster damage on side Buss?
Rebuild defroster damage on the side buss bars with the 2000 Tab Bonding Kit. Two metal tabs are normally bonded or soldered to the main buss bars. These tabs make the electrical connection between the defroster and the vehicle’s electrical defroster circuit. Bond tabs back to the rear window defroster with the 2000 Tab Bonding Kit.
What to do if your rear defroster doesn’t work?
You can test this with the defroster test lamp or an automotive circuit tester. Make sure the rear defroster switch and the ignition key are turned on. Disconnect both wires from either side of the defroster grid and touch one end of your tester to each wire. If the light comes on, you have power.
Why do you need a defrosting system in your car?
A vehicle’s defrosting system is an absolute necessity for safe driving during the cold winter months. Driving with a frosted windshield or fogged rear window and no way to clear it off can lead to limited visibility and dangerous driving conditions.
Why does my defroster not clear the glass?
Wires that attach to the rear defroster tabs: If the wires that connect to the tabs on each side of the heating element are detached or broken, the defroster won’t be able to heat up and clear the glass.
What happens if the grid on a defroster breaks?
If the grid is damaged, it opens the circuit. The defroster will not function from the point of the break forward. Broken Tabs: There are tabs on the sides of the rear defroster, which connect the defroster to the window and the circuit. One of these tabs acts as the positive and the other is the ground.