Rear Defroster Problem
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Rear Defroster Problem
I used my rear defroster the other day, and while i'm drivin', i start to smell somethin' burnin'. So i start freakin'! I'm lookin' around can't seem to see or smell where exactualy where it's comin' from. Once i reach my destination, i pop the hatch to get my stuff outta the back and i notice the connection from the wires to the defroster is melted a little bit. Just on one side, the driver side. What could this be from?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
If it's like mine, the problem is a poor connection between the left strut (that is the side it's grounded from) and that terminal that the wire attaches too. I think the real fix is to replace that terminal. I just rigged mine temporarilly by stuffing some small strands of copper wire between the strut and the terminal. Some day I'll either replace the terminal or just make a jumper attached with a small hose clamp to the strut. The problem could also be a poor ground where the other end of that wire attaches.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
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Mine does it as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The problem is the spade connector that slides onto the terminal on the glass. The defroster current is 24 amps and the spade connector will carry this current when it is new and still has lots of spring power. But....when it ages and the spring tension relaxes it makes a small resistance connection and this causes it to get hot which makes the problem worse until it gets so hot it burns the wire insulation and you can smell it when you are driving. The cure is to replace the spade lug on the wire. GM screwed up here because spade lugs of this size were never meant to carry 24 amps!!!!!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 721
Likes: 10
From: Irvine CA
Me Too
I can't believe other people are having this problem. Thanks for the input. 
Its real scary smellin electrical stuff while you are driving. I was happy when I realized it was the defogger because I could turn it off.
Its real scary smellin electrical stuff while you are driving. I was happy when I realized it was the defogger because I could turn it off.
