A/C - Preferred Rear Window Defroster Grid Repair Method
TSB SB07-11-S014Issue Date: SEPTEMBER 2007
Repair Information For Reconnection Of Rear Window Defroster Contact Or Tab
Affected Vehicles:
2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender
Service Information
NOTE:
This is the preferred method to repair the rear window defroster contact or tab. If you need an alternative way to make this repair, refer to bulletin SB07-11-S013 for further information.
Soldering Defroster Contact Tabs
In most applications it is preferable to create a new solder connection to reattach a separated rear defroster tab. If you take note of the steps below it is possible to create a new solder joint that is equal too -- or stronger than the original. The generic procedure below is not very time intensive but does include minor preparation work to create a good bonding surface. Be sure to follow each of the steps as combined they will produce the strongest bond possible. Please consider the following before attempting the repair:
^ Soldering introduces significant heat to the glass window of the vehicle. When performing the re-connection of the tab use only the heat required to do the job. Pre-Heat the soldering iron have the solder in your other hand ready to go the moment you have enough heat to melt the solder.
^ If it is winter; bring the vehicle into the service garage and remove any snow from the back window area. Allow time for the glass to warm to the temperature inside the building. Soldering creates a "hot spot" in the glass. DO NOT solder on cold glass.
CAUTION:
Heating the glass excessively or repeatedly without time to cool, may result in glass breakage. ALWAYS wear safety glasses when performing this repair!
^ You must use a Silver-Bearing Solder to make the connection. DO NOT attempt this repair with conventional Lead / Tin solders. Silver Bearing Solder will adhere to the electrical buss bar making a strong and lasting repair.
^ Protect surfaces under the area to be soldered. It is very easy to drip solder when performing this repair. Just placing a shop towel under the soldering area is sufficient protection.
Soldering Procedure
1. In many cases the terminal tab will still be in the connector when you examine the vehicle. Please reconnect the original defroster tab as replacement tabs are not in stock as of today This bulletin will be reissued when replacement tabs are available.
2. Prepare the surface of the used defroster tab and the defroster buss bar with fine grain (500 grit) sandpaper or Emory cloth. It is not necessary to remove all of the original solder but it should be scuffed sufficiently so that no oxidation is present. The photo shows a close up of a properly prepared surface.
Tip
You may want to mask the glass around the contact area with tape. This is easy to do and will allow you to safely prepare the contact surface without the risk of scratching the glass or the black painted shading.
IMPORTANT:
Most rear glass has a black painted masking around the edge of the glass. When cleaning up the connection surface be very careful not to damage the surface of the black shading nor the surface of the glass.
3. Wipe the newly prepared contact area with Kent Automotive Acrysol (or equivalent) to remove any residual oil or dirt.
IMPORTANT:
You must use a Silver-Bearing Solder to make the solder joint. DO NOT attempt this repair with conventional Led/Tin solders. Most suppliers have this type of solder available, and it is available nationally at Radio Shack. it is sold in two diameters and either is acceptable for this repair.
4. For this step it is permitted that two technicians be used if required. Heat the new contact on the surface of the buss bar which it is to be soldered. Long nose pliers are suggested to hold the contact in place. Keep the solder ready and begin flowing out the solder as soon as the melting temperature has been reached.
Tip
If a single technician is attempting this repair it is sometimes beneficial to wrap one turn of the solder around the new contacts base. In this manner as the melting point of the solder is reached a layer is deposited on the bottom side of the contact.
IMPORTANT:
Try to align the new contact so that it is positioned with the same attitude as the original contact.
5. The photo shown pictures an ideal finished solder joint. Additional stray solder will not harm the performance of the bond however while it is unlikely that customers may refer to the appearance of the rear window defroster and its components as a positive styling feature of the vehicle interior it is easy to elicit the opposite reaction due to a poor cosmetic application.
6. Remove and replace the rear defogger electrical power connector by crimping a new connector to the feed wire. The proper connector can be found in the Packard Electrical Assortment Tray 18 Position 5. The connector is P/N 12034110 found in the J-38125 Terminal Repair kit or can be ordered separately through Kent Moore at 1-800-345-2233.
7. Apply a small amount of GM Vehicle Care Dielectric Lubricant to the rear defogger connector.
8. Connect the electrical connector to the defroster tab. Be sure to fully engage the connector. An improperly seated connector may cause excessive resistance and hamper proper operation of the defroster.
Parts Information
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