Rear Defroster - Repair or aftermarket?

[jjvbva]

Was out cruising around in the snow today - special for us here in VB - and the rear defroster is not working on all lines. I can see that there is some power to it and have seen in search that the breaks in the lines will cause them to stop working. Seen recommendation about repair kit from NAPA but another saying the repair kit didn't do the trick. How about a whole new grid being applied? Quick search brought up this site: Frost Fighter Defroster Repair and Replacement Kits.

One example. Probably more. Has anyone used these? On the other side of the coin, alternate temp solution, how long does the RainX interior and exterior application last?

The front defroster doesn't work that great either. That I'll deal with later, haven't searched that one. Thanks and Happy Holidays.

 

[Black Op]

Yeah my back hatch has the same issue..... Did you use regular Rain X?

 

[jjvbva]

I did a very quick test and all lines seemed to have continuity. Checked power and got a reading of about 6V. That doesn't seem correct. Too low. In any event, due to my "emergency" situation (I had to drive from VA to NH today and to Maine tomorrow, no more time to work on it), I did the interior and exterior RainX. It was much better but not a 100% solution. Good stop gap meassure I would say but I suspect will have to be reapplied at some interval. Unfortunately, that will be my daughter's item to do since she will have the cruiser in Maine and I will be down south. Not sure when I will get my hands on it again to work on.

 

[fliphkd778]

When going through and testing the lines, check the fsm on distributing the lead's contact to the line. If a fine tipped probe is used, the fine spot of contact will cause the line to burn off there.

 

[JLH911]

When going through and testing the lines, check the fsm on distributing the lead's contact to the line. If a fine tipped probe is used, the fine spot of contact will cause the line to burn off there.

I think they recommend using some aluminum foil wrapped around the tip of the voltmeter and using the a.f. as the probe that goes onto the heating element strip.