Rear Window defroster problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Mineral VA
Rear Window defroster problem
Looking for ideas. It was raining here in Houston a couple of nights ago, and my son turned on the rear window defroster of my 93 LT1 Coupe. Within a few momemts he said he noticed a faint but distinct "burning wires" smell. I don't know if the window cleared as intended, but the next morning I found a plastic connection cover on the floor below the coupe's window. It had melted through and fallen off.
Now I'm afraid to use the defroster until I've determined and corrected the problem.
Besided the obvious possibility of a short, any experiences or ideas on where to start? :confused:
Now I'm afraid to use the defroster until I've determined and corrected the problem.
Besided the obvious possibility of a short, any experiences or ideas on where to start? :confused:
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach NY
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Texas R Aggie)
I had a similar problem. Poor connection or bad solder joint will cause excess heat. Clean connections and carefully check the solder joint.
Barrier :)
Barrier :)
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Mineral VA
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Black'92)
Howdy! And thanks for the welcome.
I'm envious of your license plate. It is one that is impossible to think about getting here in Aggie country. :cheers: :cheers:
I'm envious of your license plate. It is one that is impossible to think about getting here in Aggie country. :cheers: :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: Rear Window defroster problem
I've posted on this before, as mine did the same thing! Good luck finding another plastic cover for your plug. The dealerships claim there is no part number for them. The hardest thing to do is getting the wire re-soldered firmly on the hatch glass, so the connection is good. I haven't figured that one out yet. You don't want it to hot as to mark up the other side on the hatch.
Anyone with suggestions would help.
Anyone with suggestions would help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Shylor)
To re-attach the defroster wire to the hatch glass, I recommend using Conductive Epoxy made by Circuitworks, available at many electronics parts stores. It's a much safer alternative to sticking a soldering iron against the glass IMHO. Once it's dried it looks pretty similar to a cold solder joint.
Defroster plugs seem to be a common problem...I suppose the connection from the plug to the hatch strut becomes corroded, the resistance goes up, and the wire overheats. The connectors at the bottom of the hatch strut never seem to have this problem, though :confused:
Defroster plugs seem to be a common problem...I suppose the connection from the plug to the hatch strut becomes corroded, the resistance goes up, and the wire overheats. The connectors at the bottom of the hatch strut never seem to have this problem, though :confused:
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 0
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Shylor)
Just to add my name to the list. I have the same problem, I've often wondered if the gas filter is not conducting as designed. Well my solution so far is not to use the defrost. 2 yrs now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Rich_01659)
I have the same problem, I've often wondered if the gas filter is not conducting as designed.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Texas R Aggie)
Check this: http://store.yahoo.com/webtronics/2400.html
Found this using search engine but I have not ordered from this place.
Found this using search engine but I have not ordered from this place.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 32,652
Likes: 0
From: I need a 4 door C6 Z06
CI 2-3-4-5-6-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Black'92)
I had the same problem. I bought a new connection at the dealer for about 50 cents
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Mineral VA
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Texas R Aggie)
Thanks for the various input. I think I'll start by replacing the connection, if that doesn't work I'll go the conduction epoxy as next step. I'll update on how it goes. :smash:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,230
Likes: 0
From: VA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Rear Window defroster problem (C4Fetish)
havent figured this one out either, but mine does the exact same thing. :smash:
