Campaign - Rear Window Defogger/Window Problem
Model Applicable To File Under Bulletin No.
Accord All '82 84-028
Hatchback '83 up to VIN ELECTRICAL Issue Date
SZ . . ... 114261 APR. 30, '84
Product Update: Accord Hatchback Rear Window Defogger
PROBLEM
Deterioration of the defogger buss bar causes hot spots on the hatchback glass which may result in the glass breaking.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Install a new buss bar on each side of the rear window glass. If the window has been replaced, inspect the buss bars to make sure the window is the updated type: When viewed from the outside, the buss bars of the old style window are covered by the window weatherstripping; on the updated window, the buss bars are inboard of the weatherstripping and are completely visible.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected cars will be notified by mail. Owners will be asked to contact their nearest Honda dealer for installation of the new buss bars. See text of customer letter on page 4.
Customers who have paid to have their rear window replaced may be eligible for reimbursement. Have them mail a copy of their repair bill with a completed Request for Reimbursement Form by August 15, 1984. Additional Request for Reimbursement Forms are available from your Zone Office.
PARTS INFORMATION
Buss Bar Kit: H/C 1814045 P/N 74220-SA5-315
Kit Contents: Two new buss bars (copper tape), two plastic buss bar masks, one abrasive pad, one vial of silver conductive paint, one paint brush, and one tube of epoxy.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Do not use the control number on the customer letter as your warranty claim number.
Operation # FRT Defect Code Contention Code
Kit Installation 832210 0.5 hour
for both sides 480 E02
Window Inspection 832211 0.2 hour
BUSS BAR:
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove the plastic retainer holding the defogger wires, then disconnect the wire's connectors from the glass.
2. Use the abrasive pad to clean any black residue from the buss bar. Apply light pressure to the pad, scrubbing the buss bar gently until it turns a silver/gray color. Remove only enough material to assure a reasonably clean surface.
CAUTION: Take care to avoid breaking the grid lines next to the buss bar.
BUSS BAR:
3. Clean the buss bar and adjacent glass with a wax and grease remover (Prep-Sol, Sher-Will-Clean, etc.) or alcohol, then wipe dry with a clean cloth.
4. Remove the backing from the new buss bar then install it over the old buss bar beginning at the grid line nearest the roof. The new buss bar should overlap the inboard edge of the old one by 1-2 mm, as shown.
NOTE: The new buss bars are slightly curved; make sure the curvature of the buss bar conforms to the curvature of the window edge.
MASKING TAPE:
5. Put masking tape (or cellophane tape) along the edge of the weatherstrip, then apply a thick bead of conductive paint along the outboard edge of the new buss bar (where it overlaps the old buss bar).
NOTE: Hold the vial at top and bottom and shake thoroughly to mix the paint (drop the small steel ball contained in the neck of the vial into the paint before shaking to help agitate).
EPOXY TUBE:
6. Cut open both ends of the epoxy tube; squeeze out half the adhesive and half the hardener, then mix them thoroughly.
BUSS BAR MASKS:
7. Spread the epoxy over the smooth side of the buss bar mask.
NOTE: The buss bar masks are slightly curved, make sure the curvature of the buss bar mask conforms to the curvature of the window edge.
MASK:
8... When the paint is completely dry, pull the weatherstrip back and fit the mask into position, under the weatherstrip.
NEW BUSS BAR:
9. Check the fit from the outside of the glass; the mask should completely cover the new buss bar and overlap its inboard edge by 1 mm. If not, reposition the mask and check it again.
10. Gently scrape the excess epoxy off the glass with a putty knife, then wipe off the remaining film with a clean rag.
WEATHERSTRIP:
11. Remove the masking tape from the weatherstrip, reconnect the defogger wire, then reinstall the plastic wire retainer under the weatherstrip, next to the end of the buss bar mask.
12. Repeat the procedure on the other side.
Text of Customer Letter
HONDA
Dear Honda Owner, Under certain conditions, on 1982 and some 1983 Accord Hatchbacks, the rear window defogger buss bars (two metal strips on the glass) may deteriorate, which will cause hot spots on the glass and eventually break the rear window. To keep this from happening to your car, your Honda dealer can now install a buss bar repair kit on the rear window defogger at no charge to you. Please have a Honde dealer do the work as soon as possible, preferably before the weather gets cold enough that you need to use your defogger. The offer to make this improvement expires May 15, 1985. If you have had your rear window glass replaced, have the Service Department of an authorized Honda dealer check the new glass to make sure it has an improved defogger. If you have already paid to have the glass replaced because of this problem, we will consider reimbursing you for reasonable repair costs, not to exceed your out-of-pocket payment, This reimbursement offer is made only to you (the owner of the car), it cannot be transferred to anyone else (such as an insurance company), and it does not cover damage resulting from the broken window. Please fill out the enclosed Request for Reimbursement form and mail it with a copy of the paid invoice and proof of payment for the repair, to the appropriate Zone Office, by August 15, 1984.
Sincerely, AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
P.S. If, because of your size, your seat belt isn't long enough to buckle up when the seat is adjusted to your normal driving position, your Honda dealer can replace it with a longer belt, free of charge. Just call your dealer's Service Department and explain the problem. They will order a longer belt and make an appointment for you to have it installed.