Hey there, I found out why my rear defroster isn't working. At first I thought it was the dash switch but upon closer inspection, I had found that one of the tabs that is on the defroster grids had popped off.

I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of compound/glue I can use to reattatch it? I tried solder but it didn't work, it just rolled off. It looks like it was stuck on with some lead-looking-metallic compound and I was wondering if plain ol super glue would work...but then again I woulda thought it would have to be able to conduct electricity in order to get power to the grid. Maybe just a dab on each side of the tab will work, or do they have special compounds for this kinda stuff?

If anyone has any experience or thoughts on this I'd be happy to know.

Thanks.
Steve0

 

sent you the repair kit by message here; I think the store in FTE here had a similar kit last month.

 

It is soldered, but you have to be VERY careful when heating the glass or it'll shatter. Super glue is acrylic, which is an EXCELLENT electrical insulator - don't do it. Don't use any glue.

 

 

Steve,

All too true! I resoldered one to my rear glass when I did the tailgate replacement a few months ago. Unless you have the experience and knowledge of solder techniques, be very careful if you attempt to do this repair. Tempered glass is about as predictable as my wife. The tabs MUST have a strong "conductive" bond to the defroster on the glass.

 

Mine had the same problem. Before I could get around to fixing it, the whole metal strip that runs along the bottom of the window came off. I always hoped somebody would break the back window so the insurance would spring for a new one. Never happened though.