How to fix Rear Defroster Tabs

Here's a quick way to fix your rear defroster if the metal tab has broken off. Many times, the adhesive has just come apart and you can easily re attach the tab. All you need is a simple repair kit, and a few minutes, and you can fix your rear defroster.
-- Affilliate Links to Recommended Products --
Permatex Complete Rear Defroster Repair Kit (updated link) - amzn.to/3CkfPaX
Permatex Tab Adhesive only - amzn.to/33NwhiJ
Lisle Test Light - amzn.to/33RlT9T
Fluke Multimeter (newer than mine) - amzn.to/34YST0U
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Please remember when using tools of any type, there is the potential for injury. You are responsible for your own safety. Make sure you know how to use your tools properly, work at your own risk, be safe, wear your safety gear, and most of all, have fun!
#autorepair #defroster #homebuiltworkshop

[@noaht5191]

I love how you don't talk too much, you get straight to business and give some clear instructions. Thanks for the great content. Keep up the good work!

[@kevindenton6449]

I will say this is one of the best how-to videos on KZbin, you were very clear in step-by-step process and also read the warning label so we dont have to

[@jameshuffman4403]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpazdqeAdpp7fa8si=FSdJqmjiB4Bvi-8B

[@solidusshane]

Just bought the kit and finally going to fix it after a year! this video was a lifesaver for the whole situation :D

[@JakSchitt]

Great video - used the kit to repair the rear tab on my Tahoe. The reason you should not touch the activator wipe is the chemicals it contains. Has multiple contact precautions to include absorption through skin with a risk for burns.

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

This is what I love about KZbin. I told myself, "I bet someone has a fix for this online" after the same tab popped off my '07 Envoy's rear window a couple of weeks ago. Voila! lol Be it simple fixes like this or how to run a D6 dozer or "xyz-brand" paver or some such, it's usually on KZbin... Thanks for sharing the fix!

[@JeffJohnson-photos]

Just tried - unsuccessfully - to solder the tab back on. I figured there had to be a better way. Found your video. Repair kit ordered. Thanks.

[@jonkwilloughby]

I bought the kit, followed your instructions and it worked! Rear defrost all fixed and works like a charm! Thank you!! :)

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome! I'm glad it worked. I have heard mixed reports on this kit since making this video.

[@georgeruff3746]

Very good demo. I have to get one of those LCD test lights. Two helpful hints in one video!

[@liljune8209]

Thanks I was just about to replace my rear window and stumbled across your video. This repair sounds pretty easy so I’ll give this a try first.

[@DailyCakeSlice]

Sweet! Didn't know a repair kit for this exists, and I appreciate the easy walk-through! I used your affiliate link so hopefully you get a little kickback for your help!

[@stevede760]

This is a great video. You explain great, straight to the point. No bs dead time. And your voice sounds like you’d be on one of those car shows😂

[@AcuraAdvice]

Thank you. I was a hack when removing the rear shelf in my coupe to replace speakers and knocked the tab off my glass. I had never done this before, so this was a helpful video 👍

[@Simply1Lola]

Ok - your video makes me believe that even I can do this. I am going to try in a couple of days when it warms up! Thanks!

[@victorcuello4498]

Great video and easy to understand and follow! Thank you so much!

[@lilpackerfann4]

Thank you for the detailed explanation & taking the time to do it. I'm rolling with a 2003 Trailblazer, so I had to laugh when I noticed you had a similar situation

[@danielcamposramos9943]

Thank you for giving confidence that it works. Please, do you have a video on the lines repair? Is it too hard? Where is the point of no repair?

[@shanesmaineshop]

I had the same issue. Great video.

[@balefulsolstice9402]

Great explanation and tutorial, I actually was starting the process before watching the video , I did something's wrong. Especially while it is snowing in Colorado , currently 21 degree weather on November 17th, 2022. But anyways I held it in place for about 2 minutes and stuck on just fine. So for those wondering , just hold it in place longer and have the surfaces nice and clean when doing it in the cold

[@austinbrockner6405]

Thanks, now I just have to find a new tab….

[@ariass9345]

Good to know 😂 it currently 28F in Washington

[@rnds76b]

Great video...just as others have sid, you explained EVERYTHING in detail...great for backyard dummies like me... ;-)

[@kelly171a]

Gonn try this this weekend, thank you!

[@tobey2006]

Thank you! Awesome demonstration, you helped a lot🤘🤘🤘

[@Outdoorsmen209]

Great video man right to the point

[@michaelwakefield1125]

thanks for the great video - pls can you tell me which setting the multimeter should be set to for testing?

[@FATMAC_365]

Very Professional video and very detailed thanks!

[@GMTSuburban]

Right on bro. Thanks for YT like these...lol my soldering iron wasn't doing the job. This is a stupid easy solution.

Hello, my talented friend. Full-time job in winter. Great idea. Correction of Rear Defrost Tabs. Thank you for sharing. Great greetings...

[@homebuiltshop]

Thanks, It could definitely keep someone busy this time of year.

@@homebuiltshop :-) be happy

[@daddygarbz]

Great video! Clear sound, detailed and very informative! I didn’t even know this stuff existed! Unfortunately, there’s only one day over 50° this week.

[@benjamintrinidad2111]

you can use a heat gun

[@MrNyassae]

Always cut away from your hand @0:52 Great Video Thanks was exactly what I was looking for.

[@torstensmommabear]

Mine came off today! The guy at the shop said i have to remove the entire back window. But I'm going to try this.

[@johnriley215]

Great video and very helpful. Thanks Much!!

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Thanks for sharing that

[@karinash9373]

Great video! Perfectly detailed! Funny guy!

[@saragomez9749]

Thank you. Very helpful

[@shanydevbhumihimachal7007]

Very Help Full video Thanks dear

[@iksplizit]

I tried this and it worked for like 2 months

[@Zan_zelee]

what a music selection. thank you

[@nolanbillings8426]

Great video. Ordered a kit off of your link. Thanks!

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Galus999]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you!

[@bakerpatrick6842]

a tip : you can watch movies at Flixzone. Been using them for watching a lot of movies during the lockdown.

[@cristianpedro5275]

@Baker Patrick yup, I've been watching on flixzone for months myself :D

[@hayeselisha2237]

@Baker Patrick definitely, have been watching on flixzone for years myself :)

[@khapa4698]

Soldering works too

[@ScottAbleidinger]

Thanks so much for this video!! Helped me fix my sis-in-law’s defroster.

[@homebuiltshop]

Glad it helped!

[@filippovittoriodelanosegov9293]

Thx espectacular!!!! Saludos desde chile

[@bluzzjazz]

Nice instruction, thanks. Just picked up a kit today to fix my wife's SUV. Permatex box says there is a demo video on their site but I couldn't find it.

[@homebuiltshop]

Glad it helped

[@paulepling]

I've used regular superglue before, and gonna need to use some sandpaper for a while then, good video

[@abobaselbasha]

thanks man u did it great

[@gene2200]

Kinda like rear view mirror glue more or less, I'm a very proficient with silver solder but would try this 1st. Glass doesn't like one small hot spot, can explode, good video!

[@DJTandJDvance24]

Been in glass business for 30 plus hrs. Had my share of these tabs being knocked off while cutting out rear glass so body work could begin! There is a product called MirrorMastic. Used for adhering mirrors to a wall. This mastic is like roof tar. It does dry much harder after a time. Mirror Mastic has a silver nitrate or something in it. There has been a little know. Hack in the business. And that’s MirrorMastic can be used to glue a back glass tab back on. Be careful, bc they do make a mastic that does not have any electrical conduction ability. Just thought I would throw in my two cents. Hope this helps anyone in need.

[@captainbigbird9399]

2024 and you just helped me tremendously. Thank you sir.

[@speedtracker100]

Thank you a lot 😀

[@jonkwilloughby]

Thanks man! The dealer wanted almost $1000 to replace the rear window! I will give it a try!! :)

[@Francois_Dupont]

so?? is it fixed?

[@jonkwilloughby]

@@Francois_Dupont yup, I posted a separate comment a couple of days ago. But, yes it is. At least for now. I bought the exact same kit, followed the instructions and let it sit 24 hrs before I connected the wire back. Turned on the rear defrost and the wires immediately started getting hot. I tried it a couple of more times and it works! Woohoo! I noted the curly wire that attaches to the tab tries to get caught in the rear window when opening and closing. That is probably what happened to make it fail in the first place. Anyway, we are now ready for winter; I guess that will be the real test!

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@jonkwilloughby alright, happy for you. i found out my problem was all my heating wire that goes across the window as been scrapped by the previous owner. so i must buy another window.

[@jonkwilloughby]

@@Francois_Dupont ugh! So sorry to hear!!

[@homebuiltshop]

I'm happy it worked out.

[@oodavidyyf8416]

How do you test the tab. Do you set it to volt or ohm . Also do the black wire touch the tab and the red wire touch the window. Couldn't really see it from your video

[@americosouza6199]

otimo recurso

[@rjdiggs699]

Thank you.

[@variosjuegosjugandoxd7955]

tankiuu .... gracias desde mexico.. tenia que reparar una liberty paso lo mismo, gracias ......like +sub

[@chrismrdz]

Thanks for the video on teaching guys like myself on how to repair rear window defroster tab. Can I ask you where can I find that Permatex rear window clip repair kit ??? Again thanks for the lesson 😎👍 and I will keep my eyes peeled for your reply on where to get the Permatex repair kit.

[@homebuiltshop]

Here you go. amzn.to/2PgO3G2 I hope this helps you out.

[@candlelady3371]

Hello. I cant find the link to purchase the kit. Can you help me? Thank you.

[@itaintnothang6370]

Where can I buy this stuff

[@alexanderthegrape5370]

I didn't have any luck with this kit followed instructions but it didn't adhere so I soldered the tab to the window now they're married forever.

[@homebuiltshop]

I'm sorry you had issues with it but I'm glad you got it working.

[@6buttmunch925]

I am having the same problem. I don’t think this kit is meant for certain vehicles.

[@queretanoqro.3750]

Can you please show how to set up or use the Multi tester??🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@pascallegault4254]

Thank you very much

[@homebuiltshop]

You are welcome

[@SPJUNIOR2013]

Top parabéns

[@robertnordeen4631]

That was a good job. I wonder what's wrong with mine. Mine don't work all the time. Or just a little warmed then quits. Connection someplace. I did have the computer replaced.

[@homebuiltshop]

IT sounds like it could be a loose/bad connection somewhere. Could even be on the defroster tab.

[@stever7638]

Awesome video, very well done tutorial...thank you!

[@homebuiltshop]

Thank You!

[@lolYoruichifan]

I need to get this kit, But on my car looks like who ever owned it before me tried some type of epoxy to reattach the connector so I know I'll have to do a little bit more sanding.

[@John-lt8ht]

Woah I just noticed mine were disconnected. I have to buy kit and hopefully FIX. 😮

[@mistrfixit987]

By time he uploaded the video I promise it was already broken again…😂😂

[@johnnyappleseed5158]

My 06 Sentra window was replaced and I don’t see that square tab . Do I have to replace the entire window or can I purchase the tab

[@homebuiltshop]

If the tab is gone but there is a place for it to go on the window, I believe you can buy replacement tabs. Maybe this one. amzn.to/3dZufku

[@irregularmana6216]

Thank you! I thought I was screwed

[@johncarsello6428]

I cannot get the tab out - now what? I have a Chevy Tahoe, does it make a difference?

[@_WARL0CK_]

I tried a newly fitted window, and the left side connector the tester lights up, but on the right side connector it doesn't, is it normal? Also coming from the left to the right with the tester the light gets dimmer and dimmer untill it doesn't turn on at all close to the end of the right side. Any thoughts, or it's the way it's meant to be? TIA

[@FrozenPaint]

That's normal behavior. With the rear defroster turned on one tab will measure close to battery voltage while the other tab is connected to ground.

[@M3GAN3116]

Thanks 👍 do the defrost have two wires or one ? The car I brought had the hatchback replaced. Defrost is not connected and needs to be fixed Thanks 👍

[@simoncollins5501]

two

[@tcp3059]

Hey, Peyton! I don't live too far from there!

[@danilomoreno5241]

Ak en panama que nombre tiene esa goma o pegamento el d mi carro c averio

[@franciscallan2729]

Cool that my wifes is broken and tryed every thing I will give it a try.

[@gerardjones7881]

except the connector tab that glues to the glass is missing on mine. any ideas ?

[@simoncollins5501]

scrap yard or piece of drink can

[@willietownsel7538]

The temperature where I live right now the high is around 50 and it is bout 30 at night so do I just give it more time to dry

[@homebuiltshop]

I'm not sure. I've never had it not dry properly. Has it since dried?

[@willietownsel7538]

It seems to be ok. Just hope its working

[@heffptbo]

What is this epoxy?

[@VALENCiA37]

You just saved me over $100 that’s what dealer wanted to charge me that tells you how dishonest some people are here iSan Antonio Tx. Cavender west Buick gmc 1604

[@undrtow0515]

Thanks for the video.

[@awaiselahi327]

👍

[@4mikeyd]

Tried the permatex. I cleaned the area with the application. The permatex bond wouldn't take. I had to epoxy glue it. I hope, it takes? Because my mechanic said he would use epoxy glue to fix it. But I told him I'll get the permatex kit. Was a waist of my money. I'm surprised. Because permatex normally makes there products very well. So you also used Epoxy Glue for the fix?

[@carsendobbins6257]

Can I do this if I have window tint on the back

[@FrozenPaint]

As long as the tinting film isn't between the tab and the grid on the window it will work.

[@diegop.5201]

@5:03 sorry what do you mean by temperature being between 50 and 75 degrees: Fahrenheit or Celsius? Thanks.

[@homebuiltshop]

Sorry, Fahrenheit.

[@diegop.5201]

@@homebuiltshop Thank you, appreciated.

[@thaanswer500]

Did you use the sandpaper initially to clean the spot on the window before the alcohol pad?

[@theda850two]

Answer,, Did you watch the video?

[@thaanswer500]

@@theda850two I did but I’m asking

[@theda850two]

@@thaanswer500,,, I believe he did.

[@do0ranfrump260]

Grid lines are my problem. . They got scratched off in a few places

[@JCT442]

Epoxy works great until the summer when the truck inside gets hot; wait and see what happens guys. Had mine soldered three times and each time it broke off. Epoxy method was done three times and each time it fell off in the summer. Replacing the glass after six attempts to repair.

[@samanmanmi6722]

I totally agree with you, it may work but for some months only.

[@ragheadand420roll]

Great info Seems like a reall dumb car engineering faux pas Every time u life that gate it yanks on the cord A strain relief tech screwed to the plastic would stop that from getting yanked directly Great video thx Id put strain reliefs on them

[@NavigatorNorthwestRealEstate]

Just a heads up- your link to the full kit no longer works. You might want to update that link. Thanks for the video!

[@robertstaack9608]

YUP!!

[@curtismiller4579]

So don't pay my dealer 1700$ to fix it? THANX!

[@homebuiltshop]

No! Lol.

[@donpatton1246]

Same here. Chevy said $1600 to replace entire back glass.

[@4mikeyd]

​@@donpatton1246Safelite or find a car Glass Shop located by most junkyards.

[@ron6547]

That’s how these useless dealers operate

[@420flying6]

Glad I got a warranty now😅😅😅

[@sheldo15]

Is it still working?

[@homebuiltshop]

So far it is.

[@johncarsello6428]

does any electrical glue work?

[@bullflags3640]

I can’t see the tab you press to release from the wire.

[@chris2007a]

Thanks for your video my sisters just somehow came off on her jeep.

[@lawrencegoddard4002]

How about warming the vehicle from inside if you don't have a hatchback..minibus gonna be from inside..it's bound to get upbto 52 degrees? Eben a sunny cold day I'd warm in side a back winshield...windshield...? Just a thought great video ..

[@giovannipetitti1588]

👍👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@1Ascanius]

Sono dacordo con te

[@Siciliansouthcoast]

I would like say that if you use a piece of tape to hold it in place is better, because it could take longer than 30 minutes to the electric conductive adesive to be attached very firmly on his place, if you use in cold conditions remember this advice, don’t hold it with your hand just apply a piece of tape and remove it next day

[@farerse]

is it still holding up?

[@homebuiltshop]

It's still on there. Had to use it a few days ago and seems to be ok.

[@farerse]

@@homebuiltshop nice , it's tempting to drill and use a nut and bolt , but the glass will shatter .. lol

[@simpleinverso8628]

@@farerse I just imagined myself doing that and shattering my glass. I don't know why, but that made me chuckle...

[@JosephGenther]

The kiti found on Amazon didn't include the alcohol pad so i skipped that step. It didn't work for me so I have to order it again for a second attempt. It stuck, but there was no conductivity.

[@gamingwithnessa9743]

You might have a break in one the grids or lines maybe. They tend to get scratched off easily or chip away from it being weathered throughout the years. They also have repair kits available online.

[@JIBtacos]

So this is what Chris Elliott is doing nowadays.

[@brandoncriner5480]

Ok... that was funny.

[@preets3901]

You should put like me in the videos for profucs

[@bluegill2030]

I repaired my rear tabs and now my defrost doesn’t work at all????? Used the same kit you showed 😢

[@user-hx3pj2np1n]

whenever he's not working at The Racer's Edge, he is working at the garage, and that if he cannot find the right set of tools here, he does not belong anywhere near the car.