jl03CLS

had a quick question. so on of my verticle rear defroster strips or elements isnt working. took it into the dealer and they quoted me at $900 to fix it. I mean its not a huge deal to me but i was wondering if there was an easier and maybe cheaper way of fixing it? they told me that they had to replace the whole rear windshield i could always just suck it up and pretend its working

m733l

iTrader: (1)

check your fuses. it's a whole lot cheaper than 800 bucks. if not just pretend it works

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

Check the little connector didn't come loose from the back of the rear window.

If it is really broken a new rear window from any glass company will be less then $500 installed.
Your comprehensive car insurance may even cover it for you.

artbran

iTrader: (2)

If only one of the strips is not working, then looks closely and see if you can find a place where its torn. They have these kits in auto parts stores where you can glue them back together and it makes it work again...

art

rp_guy

EDIT: i read that totally wrong. the service manual states you can fix it by painting over the area with conductive paint. someone can post a scan for you. Probably <$5 to fix. you just have to find where the break is.

i'd suggest that if you are able to fix it like this, don't go back to that stealership.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_...e/1272291.html

fsttyms1

Find where the tear is in the line and get a repair kit for them and fix it yourself.

Beavisboots

I too have this problem. When looking at the rear defrost you can see it is visible "torn" or missing in many spots. Looks like the previous own had tint a one time and it was removed with what looks like a razor blade. There is tons of glue around the third brake light. I noticed two weeks after purchasing the car that the defroster was not working properly. The dealer gave me a bumper to bumper 6 month/6,000 warranty. They are covering the r&r of a new rear window. Hopefully you will get lucky and the repair kit will work for you. I purchased this kit for my previous car and it worked flawlessly. Be careful when cleaning the rear window. Up and down wiping can damage the rear defroster esp. if you have "repainted" the lines. My local auto zone's no longer carry it. It is discontinued (at least around philly.) Check out this site for more repair info http://www.frostfighter.com/

Good Luck!!

jl03CLS

k i took a quick look this morning on the way out but couldnt see anything but i didnt really look that closely. ill have to look a little closer for tears and check the connections. thanks all! would it be possible for a tear to be small enough to where i wouldnt be able to see it?

rp_guy

if it's 1 strip then obviously the bulk of the electrical is fine.. those are like fine wires, one little slit and the electrical connection is gone, and it doesn't work after that.