C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Rear Window defroster problem

Old Mar 28, 2002 | 12:48 PM
  #1  
Texas R Aggie's Avatar
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Default 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:
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Old Mar 28, 2002 | 01:07 PM
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Default 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 :)
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Old Mar 28, 2002 | 01:13 PM
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Default Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Texas R Aggie)

I have yet to have problems with my rear defroster. I just wanted to welcome you to the forum along with a "Howdy" to a fellow Aggie.

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Old Mar 28, 2002 | 01:43 PM
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Default 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:
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Old Mar 28, 2002 | 01:44 PM
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Default Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Texas R Aggie)

havent figured this one out either, but mine does the exact same thing. :smash:
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Old Mar 28, 2002 | 07:20 PM
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Default 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.
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Old Mar 29, 2002 | 03:49 AM
  #7  
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Default 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:
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Old Mar 29, 2002 | 08:22 PM
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Default Re: Rear Window defroster problem

The only conductive epoxy I've been able to find is made by GC and cost $30. Yikes that is expensive! :eek:
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Old Mar 29, 2002 | 11:13 PM
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Default 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.
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Old Mar 29, 2002 | 11:15 PM
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Default 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.
Huh, what gas filter are you talking about? :confused:
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Old Mar 30, 2002 | 03:57 PM
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Default Re: Rear Window defroster problem

Anyone know where to get conductive epoxy, maybe online cheaper?
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Old Mar 31, 2002 | 06:34 AM
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Default 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.
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Old Mar 31, 2002 | 06:59 AM
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Default Re: Rear Window defroster problem (Black'92)

I had the same problem. I bought a new connection at the dealer for about 50 cents
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Old Apr 3, 2002 | 08:59 AM
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Default 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:
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Old Apr 3, 2002 | 11:13 AM
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Default Re: Rear Window defroster problem (C4Fetish)

havent figured this one out either, but mine does the exact same thing. :smash:
yes sir, mine also. This is a fairly common thing. And what's also fairly common is no one ever comes up with the answer as to why the button goes out. A dealership could not fix it. But that's not saying much, they are morons.. :yesnod:
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