Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    sacramento's Avatar
    sacramento Posts: 163, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 12, 2009, 04:29 PM
    Repair to rear defroster
    I have a 1999 Plymouth van with a rear defroster. About nine of the lines do not defrost.
    Is there a quick and easy (mostly easy!) fix for this problem. Please bear in mind that I am a 66 year old woman and I am on my own! Thank you for your help.:p
    twinkiedooter's Avatar
    twinkiedooter Posts: 12,172, Reputation: 1054
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Jan 12, 2009, 04:37 PM

    I do not know of any fix for these little metal lines as once they are kaput, they are kaput. I have 3 lines out in my rear window and I just live with it. Unless you want to spend mega bucks and have the entire window replaced, there is no quick fix, sorry.
    twinkiedooter's Avatar
    twinkiedooter Posts: 12,172, Reputation: 1054
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Jan 13, 2009, 05:29 AM

    Well, if you already found a kit that supposedly fixes the metal lines, why are you asking for any "quick" fix then? That IS the quick fix. I, for one, don't think the repair kits work, that's why I said there isn't anything that I know of to fix this problem as the lines are embedded into the glass and you need to be very very careful when trying to fix the lines and even then, the repair kits don't work. I really didn't deserve a reddie either as I DID answer your question.
    RickMN's Avatar
    RickMN Posts: 244, Reputation: 52
    Full Member
    		  
    #4

    Jan 13, 2009, 10:10 AM

    Fixing the lines on a rear defroster grid is easy and inexpensive. Just go to an auto parts store and buy a Permatex Defroster Grid Repair kit ($14). The kit comes with a template and electrically conductive paint. You apply the template to the glass where the grid lines are broken and paint over the broken part. Allow at least 24 hours for the paint to dry before turning on the defroster. Then use a single edged razor blade to trim up your paint job.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Jan 13, 2009, 10:13 AM

    RickMN, you are good--clear, concise, and no fluff.
    twinkiedooter's Avatar
    twinkiedooter Posts: 12,172, Reputation: 1054
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Jan 14, 2009, 06:00 AM

    Here is a very good link on how to repair your defroster lines.

    DIY: Repairing Your Rear Window Defroster

    The main reason I said get the entire rear window replaced is because you have 9 lines that are not working. That is a lot of nonworking lines versus one or two lines not working. Repairs to all nine lines may or may not work. It might not be the lines at all that are the problem but something else entirely.

    Be sure to get a test light to properly diagnose your problem. Also I hope you have a heated garage in which to do the work and let the van sit in the warm while the paint properly cures.

    The 9 lines you have sounds like you are going to be repairing the rear window for sometime in vain hopes that you will successfully find ALL the breaks in the lines. Have fun, knock yourself out!!
    JBeaucaire's Avatar
    JBeaucaire Posts: 5,426, Reputation: 997
    Software Expert
    		  
    #7

    Feb 4, 2009, 11:14 AM

    Reading from the page you referenced, Twinkiedooter, I conclude the opposite that you do. It appears to be a simple and straightforward process. Even with multiple breaks across multiple lines, the entire process seems to NOT be time intensive, too.

    So, Sacramento, be encouraged, not discouraged. You can do this, I am quite confident. It has been a couple of weeks, so perhaps you already have!
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Maytag side by side fridge freezer-- occasional ice up, defroster buzzes [ 10 Answers ]

Hi, all -- - Our Maytag SIDE BY SIDE ( MSD2356AEB) occasionally builds up ice on the coil in the freezer. I turn the unit off, remove the rear panels, defrost with a hair dryer, then reassemble after the half hour or so it takes to "hairdry" it. I restart, and the unit works beautifully. ...

Ruining a/c using defroster setting? [ 1 Answers ]

Can you run the a/c in a vehicle, selecting the air direction as defroster (up on the dash) without damaging the a/c unit or parts thereof? Would you damage the evaporator?

Maytag ref. Defroster inop. Coil inside does not defrost. [ 1 Answers ]

MSD 2454GR* Maytag double door. This is my 2nd email. I manually defrosted the inside coils and it worked for several days. Freezer temp 0 & ref. temp 40. Today ref. temp climbing above 45 and coils again frozen. Both fans running at same time when defrosted. Coils outside clean. How do I test to...

Wondering if a defroster can run without car compressor [ 1 Answers ]

I am very unknowledgeable when it comes to cars. My mom owns a 1998 Toyota Camry. Recently the A/C stopped working and she took into a mechanic. They indicated that her compressor was shot but one mechanic said she could still use the defroster. However, we had a nasty rainstorm and when she turned...

Comfort Suite Thermostat and defroster [ 2 Answers ]

I have a central air conditioning and heating system, there's 2 different systems one for upstairs and one for the lower level and basement. The one for the lower level and basement I'm having problems with. For the first week over night when it gets real cold it will blow all night and coolish...

View more questions Search