Hello all-
It was raining yesterday, and when I went to the car there was a fog on the glass. I turned on the rear defrost to clear it, but only half the grid worked (the upper half) does anyone know where to troubleshoot or what to look for?
Thanks!

 

There is a grid of orangish lines going across your window on the INSIDE. Each of those lines connect to up and down lines on either side. One or both of those up and down lines has a break somewhere (Or, less likely, every horizontal line that does not work is broken). You will need to look carefully, as sometimes, the breaks are hard to see.

Once you find the break, you can go to NAPA, Auto Zone or any of the big auto parts stores and get a rear window defroster repair kit. There is a brush in the bottle that you can use to brush new nickle material across the broken spot to reconnect the break. (The liquid Nickle conducts electricity like the original lines.) Try to brush the lines in about the same thickness as the original line (if it seams too hard, use tape to mask off the thickness you need).

Have you had your windows tinted since the last time you noticed them working? If your window tint shop is not careful, they often cut those lines with a razor blade during tint install (sometimes, they will do this repair for you if you notify them). Or if you've ever cleaned your windows using a razor blade, or sometimes just old age and sun damage.

Good luck, and let us know if that worked.

EDIT: I just found a site that gives very good details for the fix. They also sell a kit, but you can buy these locally at your Auto Parts Store.

http://www.frostfighter.com/prt2100.htm

 

Thank you for the reply. I have been on vacation since I posted, so I just got the reply. It is dark now, but I will look tomorrow to see if any of the grids are broken. I will post the results!