Heated Glass Element: Service and Repair
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID LINE REPAIRWARNING:
- THE REPAIR KIT CONTAINS EPOXY RESIN AND AMINE TYPE HARDENER WHICH MAY CAUSE SKIN OR EYE IRRITATION AND CAN BE HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR OPEN FLAME THE CONTENTS CONTAIN FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
- DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY, IF SWALLOWED INDUCE VOMITING AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
- IF SKIN CONTACT OCCURS, WASH AFFECTED AREAS WITH SOAP AND WATER.
- IF EYE CONTACT OCCURS, FLUSH WITH PLENTY OF WATER.
The repair of the grid lines is possible using the Mopar(C) Grid Line Repair Package or an equivalent.
Grid Line Repair:
1. Mask the repair area so the conductive epoxy can be extended onto the grid line(s) or the bus bar.
2. Follow the instructions in the repair kit for preparing the damaged area.
3. Remove the package separator clamp and mix the conductive epoxy thoroughly. Fold in half and cut the center corner to dispense the epoxy.
4. Apply the conductive epoxy through the slit in the masking tape. Overlap both ends of the break(s) by 19 mm (3/4 inch).
5. Carefully remove the masking tape from the grid line(s).
CAUTION: To prevent the glass from fracturing, do not allow the glass surface to exceed 204° C (400° F).
6. Allow the epoxy to cure 24 hours at room temperature or use a heat gun with a 260° to 371° C (500° to 700° F) range for 15 minutes. Hold the heat gun approximately 254 mm (10 inches) from the repaired area.
7. After the conductive epoxy is properly cured, verify operation of the rear window defogger.
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID TERMINAL REPAIR
CAUTION: Do not use a flame type solder gun or an electric solder gun rated greater than 500 watts or damage to the glass may occur.
If the rear window defogger grid terminal(s) is damaged or separated from the rear window, the new grid terminal(s) must be securely fastened to the rear window defogger bus bar by soldering.
1. If the grid terminal(s) is broken and a portion of the terminal is still attached to the heating grid, remove the portion of the clip remaining in the wire harness connect or (s).
CAUTION: To prevent the glass from fracturing, do not allow the glass surface to exceed 204° C (400° F).
2. If the grid terminal(s) is broken and a portion of the terminal is still attached to the rear window defogger bus bar, apply heat with a solder gun to the portion of the terminal on the glass until the solder starts to flow. Remove the terminal and carefully smooth the solder on the bus bar.
NOTE:
- Wait five minutes for the glass to cool after applying heat with a solder gun before proceeding.
- Use care when cleaning the mating surfaces. Excessive abrasion may wear away the copper grid surface causing grid continuity to be lost.
3. Clean the mating surfaces on the grid bus bar and the new terminal(s) with "000" Extra Fine Steel Wool or an equivalent.
NOTE: The terminal attaching clip(s) must face outboard. Failure to reorient the terminal(s) may result in an additional failure.
4. Properly orient the new terminal(s) with the attaching clip facing outboard in the original location(s) on the grid bus bar and hold the terminal(s) with a metal pick or other suitable pointed tool.
CAUTION: Do not allow the glass surface to exceed 204° C (400° F), glass may fracture.
NOTE: New rear window defogger terminals are pre-soldered and fluxed. Do not reuse a terminal if it has been previously heated.
Place the solder gun onto the new terminal(s) and heat the terminal until the solder flows. Remove the solder gun and continue to hold the terminal in the correct position for an additional five seconds.
5. Allow the solder to cool for ten minutes.
NOTE: To ensure proper installation, do not attach the wire harness connector(s) to the terminal(s) until the solder is completely cooled.
6. After the solder has cooled, reconnect the wire harness connector(s) and verify operation of the rear window defogger.