Fixing a Rear Window Defroster [Diagnosis and Repair] Part 2

In this video series., I go through the process of diagnosing and repairing a rear window defroster that will not work.

[@amaralbrian1]

Wow, I admire your determination to find the problem. Great methodical diagnostics. Any service dept. would be lucky to have you on staff. 😉

[@fielding68]

Your certainly a braver man than me to tackle that lot. Well done and thank you.

[@andrewniu04]

Thank you for showing us. It would cost less time to figure out if checking wire from rear window back up to front. Removing dashboard always takes some time.

[@carlito3094]

Dude awesome job finding that plug

[@ramonayre4668]

Excellent video. Have power to switch and relay for rear defogger, but no power at the defogger grid on my 09 Montana, will follow your instructions to diagnose the problem. Thanks!

[@flyinbrianz22]

Thank you for a great video. I have a Cavalier just like that. I will check it out as soon as it gets warm enough

[@lenvallario3052]

Nice work! Easy to follow! Thanks!

[@jeffpotts3197]

Hey Matt! Thanks for the video. I really learned a lot about how to do this specific troubleshooting - but also a lot of general knowledge about reading the schematics and stuff. I appreciate you taking the time to film and post this! Have a great day!

[@d.j.9961]

For whatever reason, it will not let me ask a question/post a comment...Where can I get a wire diagram for a rear defogger on a 07 pontiac G5/cobalt platform?

[@martzink]

Very good video. I'll get to work on my heater tomorrow!

[@bashort1]

Excellent troubleshooting!

[@tedlahm5740]

Fantastic job.

[@jdub6782]

Nice diag and repair, however I would have eliminated the connector all together , the connecter is the problem, heat transfer causing a loose connection. Save the trip to the junkyard and the expence and simply solder the wires together. Problem solved & no parts required, Ivan would be proud.!!!

[@djc4446]

I have a question. What would make that old connector melt like that? Is there an underlying cause like a bare wire grounding somewhere? Great video, Thankyou.

[@devyndii]

Am also having rear wiper problem. So I think it would come in handy.

[@Chrissurf]

Nice mines busted too.time to dig in

[@stephenbowman1554]

Great video ..I am having this issue with my 2000 accord v6 coupe..if possible could you tell what book are you using for your references on body connectors ?? Thanks

[@rellmonger7935]

Nice

[@rogergoss2141]

Awesome. Where did you get that wiring diagram. I need that book if you can tell me where you got it from would be very greatly appreciated.

[@packrat76]

I have a Saturn Ion that has the exact issue, except I haven't checked voltage at the defogger grid, but the switch works and goes through it's 10 min or whatever cycle just like your vehicle. Any ideas if the timer and wiring is probably behind the dash in a similar fashion? There are weather resistant terminal plugs you can get with a crimper tool but I'm not sure how high the amp ratings are but they may be a feasible alternative to using a boneyard plug as a replacement. Thanks for any help

[@elvsvgs1]

here's my thing, you jumped right from the window to the dash and i haven't yet finished the video, you should have done a process of elimination first, you should have started either at the trunk or behind the seat side panel and check for current, again without seeing the whole video yet u probably took off more then whats needed, don't ever jump from one end right to the other, start backwards in sections when testing this way u will save a lot of headache work, thx for the video. 12/7/17

[@lastsocial0305]

Why in the hell did u watch if you knew all of this?

[@rogerpowell3542]

Matt, oh Matt- If you had just looked on line first! 99 times out of 100 THAT connector is the culprit, Cavaliers/Sunbirds got the same connector that cannot take the amps required to fire the rear defroster. Now, dealer will want around 100 bucks for the connector/Labor of 150 to 300 bucks to install,Yes over 300 bucks to fix. Use 12 gauge wire & bypass that particular wire run, is it black to purple, ?? don't recall, but just trace the burnt connector, 12 gauge wire, 2 butt connectors, I've done 3 of them, 3 cavliaers/1 sunbird, oh 2 to 4 years ago, All 3 of those cars rear defrost working fine.(2 of cars aren't tho!!) PS- Your missing all those dash connectors cause owner of the car before you, trying to fix defroster, pulled the dash until he found out it was simply that plug too!! Keep up the good work Matt!

[@rogerpowell3542]

Matt is right on one thing folks, If you go to your local pull-a-part yard, you can pick up another plug, that is if you can find a car that has a plug that isn't blown, as this is pretty common.

[@MattsMotorz]

Thanks for the comment! Live and learn!

[@devyndii]

good job where did you get the wire schematic book?

[@MattsMotorz]

It is the factory service manual. Just google "[Insert car make/model/year] factory service manual"

[@tnamen1307]

My car i20 defogger relay is working when grounded externally. I also tested the input signal which is ok coming from the rear defogger witch. Now, when the connector is attached to the output BCM and defogger switch is on, the defogger relay doesn't click at all!!!! Please kindly help. Thanks.

[@karenvalino654]

How do you go abouts getting a factory repair manual ... please

[@devyndii]

do I have to go to dealer for it or can I get it at a parts store? would really appreciate.

[@MattsMotorz]

The dealer would have it, but try looking online first, like ebay. Sometimes you can even download a PDF for free!

[@mbrian1972]

when you got the connector how did you attach it

[@MattsMotorz]

Soldered it on.

[@charlessyren9052]

My question is. Why was there so much resistance

[@stevenconn1609]

Have you noticed that when you turn the defroster on you get static in the radio?!?

[@jeromejohnson1954]

I wish I would have paid attention to my Dad.

[@paulbunyan1451]

great video wondering what brand, type of manual you are using

[@MattsMotorz]

It is the factory service manual from GM.

[@rogergoss2141]

Do you know where I could possible get that manual from?

[@elvsvgs1]

Now after watching the video i now proved my point, you already knew you had power at the window just not enough, so you should have worked your way backwards towards the front of the car, so you did unnecessary time consuming work.

[@tiffanybrooks9412]

How much does a job like this cost

[@MattsMotorz]

It depends. This job is one of those where the actual repair doesn't cost much, but the diagnosis is where all the labor comes from. All I can say for sure is definitely more than 100 but probably less than 300 (at least that is what I personally would charge someone.) It also very much depends on the car. Those numbers can be higher if the problem lies behind the dash somewhere.