Hi,

I am having a problem with my rear window defroster on my 99 vert. One of the tabs that the wire connects to for the defroster fell off the window. I have glued it twice with some defroster repair kit from the local auto parts store and it just keeps coming off. Has anyone repaired one of these tabs and do you have recommendations on the appropriate glue or kit to use? At 10 dollars a kit, this is getting expensive quickly.
Thanks

Rob

 

Rob,
I did a quick search and found this info. One of these suggestions you have already tried.
Hope this leads to a successful fix.


I would contact a window replacement shop and see what they say..what ever you use it must be able to conduct electric but at the same time not touch them together.

If the metal contact area for the plate is still in place on the window (i.e. not torn), then you should be able to simply resolder the connector back into place.
However, if the contact area on the window is torn or missing, then you can first glue the plate onto the window and then solder a small wire from the plate to the contact area on the window for electrical conductivity.
Can you solder it? I would think that the window would be too much of a heat sink and that applying the necessary heat would potentially crack the window. Are there any conductive epoxies on the market? Just a thought.

Yes, you can solder it if you have a contact area left to solder to on the window. Simply go to Radio Shack and purchase their cheap soldering Kit for $8.00 (#64-2802 30watt iron. A higher wattage would be better, but 30watt iron will work). Load the connector with solder and then heat the connector in to position on the window.
You can also use conductive epoxy. Chemtronics Model CW2400 sold thru Allied Electronics (distributor) at $22.36. Go to Allied Electronics website http://www.alliedelec.com/
Go to search and type in their part # 974-004. It is called Chemtronics Circuitworks Conductive Epoxy.
I would go the solder route first.
The repair procedure is in the service manual!
You'll need a big soldering gun (about 200 watts) and a heat gun and some solder.
Preheat the area with the heat gun, then use the soldering gun to solder the connector tab back onto the pad on the glass. If the gridwork is damaged, there's a GM part number for the repair kit. If the pad area on the glass is damaged, you may need to get creative or replace the window.
You can get a rear defogger repair kit at most auto parts stores. I would guess it is very similar to Conductive Epoxy. PC users use it to repair bad circuit traces. Looks like an ink pen with silver ink. I'd use small amount of silicone to seat the square and the pen to connect it back.
_______

A good auto parts store will sell an electrically conductive adhesive.for defrosters. I think it is made by "Locktite". I have never used it. I hear it is fair. The Ford dealer attempted a similar repair on one of our Crown Vic'c (it did not last and they replaced the rear window

 

The wiring to the connector on the back glass of my 1999 is severely deteriorated. It's showing bare wire and crumbles when touched. Is there a fix kit for that?
Clayton

 

Just realized my passenger side tab has pulled off on my '02. Given that mine is a ZO6 (FRC) it's not all that easy to work back there. I'll report back as to proceedings ..........