Rear Window Defogger Grid Line Repair
Rear Window Defogger Grid Line Repair1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the rear window defogger electrical connector.
3. Inspect the rear window defogger grid lines.
4. Mark the grid line break on the outside of the glass with a wax pencil or a crayon.
5. Buff the grid lines that are to be repaired with steel wool. Wipe the lines clean using a cloth dampened with alcohol. Buff and clean about 6 mm (0.25 inch) beyond each side of the break in the grid line.
6. Attach a grid line repair decal or two strips of tape above and below the repair areas.
- A repair decal or tape must be used in order to control the width of the repair areas.
- If a decal is used, the die-cut metered slot must be the same width as the grid line.
7. Apply the grid repair material to the repair area using a small wooden stick or a spatula. The grid repair material should be at room temperature.
8. Carefully remove the decal or the tape.
9. Heat the repair area for 1 to 2 minutes.
CAUTION: The grid line repair material must be cured with heat. In order to avoid heat damage to the interior trim, protect the trim near the repair area where heat will be applied.
10. Hold the heat gun nozzle 25 mm (1 inch) from the surface. A minimum temperature of 149 °C (300 °F) is required.
11. Inspect the grid line repair area. If the repair appears discolored, apply a coating of tincture of iodine to the area using a pipe cleaner or a line brush. Allow the iodine to dry for about 30 seconds. Carefully wipe off the excess iodine with a lint-free cloth.
12. Test the operation of the rear window defogger in order to verify that the repair was successful.
NOTE: At least 24 hours is required for complete curing of the repair materials. The repair area should not be physically disturbed until after that time.