How To Repair a Rear Window Defrost Grid Panel

In this video, 1A Auto shows you how to diagnose and repair a damaged defrost grid panel. This video applies to most vehicles with a defrost grid on the rear windshield.
🔧 List of tools used:
• Defrost Grid Repair Kit
• Test Light 1aau.to/om/1AXAA00004
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/aTo/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@sajidindia007]

Help me for repair

[@leejones8485]

What’s the part called??

[@leejones8485]

Buy the part fair enough but what’s the part called?

[@user-zm3yw9fx1o]

9 year old video but still changing the world! Thanks for helping me fix my grid lines.

[@EverettMcConnaughey]

You're the only video I found after watching a handful of others that addressed the issue I am having with the wires being broken. I can visibly see the breaks, and will be trying to get this repairs on my own. Thanks for saving me a $90 diagnostic fee at the dealership mechanic.

[@1AAuto]

+Everett McConnaughey That's our goal. We're glad we could help you out. 1aauto.com?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony 866-403-3393

[@kitt199546]

@@1AAuto Where can I buy the repair kit? I searched your site but all that comes up for defroster is panels and such

[@47ejecting2]

All killer, no filler! A must-watch for every Midwesterner, or anyone who lives above the 40th parallel.

[@yhird]

Hands down, this is the best diagnostic video I have watched for this repair. Many thanks for sharing.

[@hawkeyestiguy]

Great video! Half of my grid died when a shop removed old window tint. Unfortunately for me they did not notice or repair it & installed new tint over top of the damage, sooooo, looks like I’ll be waiting until I replace my tint to take care of this issue. Great to know how! I had no idea they had a compound like that.

[@stonesthrow420]

As a mechanic, I've enjoyed many of your videos. This is one of the most informative and easy repairs to follow. Such a wealth of knowledge in a short video.

[@imnitguy]

I really appreciate you making this video. I have purchased the necessary repair items and look forward to fixing this on my own.

[@dacman61]

I have about 5-6 broke ones on my VW Passat Wagon I just bought. I'm glad this is an easy fix. Thanks for the video.

[@jcmiller112989]

thank you for the help, learning things everyday from you

[@iversen57501]

Great video as usual! The only thing I would maybe suggest differently is to wrap tin foil around the test light point or something. That way you don't accidentally scratch through the grid line while testing and avoid making more work for yourself. Keep up the good work!

[@zerodegrekelvin2]

Thank you for the tuto! I check all the fuses and did not check the wire as you shown, so thanks for the hints.

[@dlyall26]

I had fixed the rear defrost in my 2009 Ford focus SE when we first purchased it from my inlaws, it worked perfectly. I had to use conductive glue to reattach the wire. Now fast forward about 2 or 3 years later it's not working again but the connection I had fixed is still good .Now that I have seen this video, in the future I will make sure ppl stop using the back dash to store things in, I believe that the wire has been broken so now I'm going to find it and use what you have shown to fix it again. Thanks

[@telosfd]

Ten likes by me! Nice tutorial never knew there is repair paste like this, so no more excuses by myself it's time to repair my broken def. grid. Thanks!

[@fielding68]

Thank you so much for your advice. Great tutorial.

[@1AAuto]

+David Croft You're welcome! We're happy it helped you out. Thanks for checking out the video! 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@kennethjohnston1891]

You guys have awesome videos and an awesome content. I take pride in doing as much around the house and all my vehicles as I can myself. A-1 Auto is my go-to source when I have a problem. I appreciate all the great videos and content that you guys have.

[@1AAuto]

+Kenneth Johnston Thanks for watching. We're glad to be a go-to source for your automotive needs!

[@WJHandyDad]

You asked to let you know what we think... overall I love your channel. This video was helpful... I would suggest editing out some of the down time like when he turns the keys and I would also suggest running the test light after the repair to make sure you got it (looks like the top line has multiple breaks or a long break).

[@OldSchoolNoe]

Wow classic 1A Auto! Quality of the vid has greatly improved since then! (Especially the audio)

[@cassandracarter3577]

Thank you so much for this video...I didnt know what was wrong or if there was anything I could do myself to fix it. Excellent video. Thanks again.

[@1AAuto]

+Cassandra Carter Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the auto repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them www.1aauto.com?KZbin&CTA+Comment&NQ46ckgYw

[@ndstrctbl]

1A auto does it again with another great video. If I can find a repair video I always watch yours. Thanks I will be fixing my defrost now!

[@1AAuto]

+ndstrctbl Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@ruimanuel4292]

That's a great video. Very informative and straight to the point.

[@1AAuto]

+Rui Manuel Thank you for the feedback!

[@wutwilido]

Thank you,it was helpful.

[@NicholasLeader0]

01:40 diagnostic kicks off. Nice clear video!

[@siddoza16]

You just got a new subscriber man.

[@gordon5004]

That was a very helpful video. Thank you.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for watching. Please let us know how the repair comes out! 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@jesusLopez-vk4dm]

Gracias por el vídeo,me sirvió . feliz año ,teacher😉

[@arthellstrobles1241]

holy crap, you make it look easy, and the application that you got is awesome as well👍

[@1AAuto]

+Black Jesus 23 Thanks for watching. Keep us in mind if you need any parts for your vehicle! 1aauto.com

[@amjaddl5669]

Really thank you from my deep heart

[@zenrapp3834]

This video was very helpful. Thanks for posting it. I followed the steps, found several break points and repaired them using the Loctite Repair Kit, but because the stencil included in the kit has a hole too wide, the result, although successful, looks awful. Now, I don’t know how to get rid of the mess.

[@LordZoth6292]

Razor blade.

[@dammit7045]

Well I am pleased to have found this video. I just discovered this morning that my rear is not defrosting

[@budman1181]

Always appreciate you guys taking the time thanks

[@1AAuto]

+Bud man And we appreciate your viewership. Don't forget to like and subscribe if you haven't done so already! 1aauto.com

[@budman1181]

@@1AAuto I always recommend you guys👍

[@jamesbaumann6143]

Great video

[@lazmotron]

Excellent will shop at your website.

[@Melanie7521]

this was so helpful for me ty for putting this out

[@guasal12]

Great video, thanks

[@caddi70]

my grids on a 2010 Explorer just started falling off. By the time I buy paint, I might be better off just buying a new window. but good video. you didn't talk too much and got to work

[@TheJanDahl]

Great video! Thanks!

[@omarkarger7880]

very usefull video . thanks

[@claudest-pierre3588]

wow ,what an awsome video.thank you so much man!!

[@1AAuto]

+Claude St-pierre Thanks for checking us out. Shop here for high quality auto parts: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@yutosi2109]

Thank you

[@cameronsimonton2515]

Fascinating!

[@kingbojackson8822]

Excellent 👍

[@OriginalFreeThinker]

Brilliant video. Top man

[@1AAuto]

+OriginalFreeThinker Thanks for checking us out. Shop here for high quality auto parts: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto

[@ick423]

Awesome ...Thank you 👍👊

[@terrytipton8510]

great video, thanks for the info.

[@1AAuto]

+Terry Tipton Thank you!

[@alfredomorisaki4664]

Thanks!!!

[@davehernandez190]

awesome video 👍🏼 thank you

[@1AAuto]

+Dave Hernandez Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jamesmaccubbin7434]

Genius! Thank you! I was wondering how I would find the break when the window wasn't fogged up.

[@1AAuto]

+James Maccubbin Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@aminali-ho5hv]

Very good

[@TwistedPerceptions01]

I agree with everyone else, good video and easy to follow. One question I've got though is, do you know where someone may find this compound to use? I've searched several places and haven't had any luck finding the compound myself.

[@1AAuto]

You should be able to find it in your local auto parts store.

[@TwistedPerceptions01]

Gotcha. Thanks, I'll go check it out.

[@mehdifasih9494]

Well.... the video gave me some hope I'll try to repair it when I receive the repair kit...wish me luck lol.. thanks

[@Kimchiboy08]

Learnt something . Simple, straight forward, and practical video. Thank you👍🏽

[@1AAuto]

+JMcmstr08 Thanks for checking us out. Shop here for high quality auto parts: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@venture010]

Do you have advice for installing a complete new defroster grid panel on the windshield? I have an old volkswagen with no heat or fan and this would be a perfect fix.

[@ivanlara5815]

Nice!

[@fcvjr]

Great video. Do you happen to have a repair kit for when the metal tab and wire break off a hatch back glass such as an S10 Blazer?

[@1AAuto]

As of this moment no but we will be adding that and doing a video.

[@newry123]

great vid. mate ,helped me alot

[@1AAuto]

Nice work. We're glad the video helped you out. 1aauto.com?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony 866-403-3393

[@karzansalah3307]

Nice content...just wanted to ask what was the repairin material you applied by the brush?

[@MindMagician]

Thanks for this! xxx

[@1AAuto]

+Tiamat Sue Caldwell Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@24buddyman]

Will the detection work on tinted windows?

[@ALIALRBEAE]

What is the name of this article or product and thank you

[@pietroscorpio3663]

COOL I'm all over it tomorrow !

[@Marcosroman89]

That's cool alot of help in going to try this on my car it will be the same with a bmm right

[@1AAuto]

It should work if the grid is built in to the glass. Thanks for watching 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@dukatiwho]

I’m installing one of these in my car. What voltage and amperage do I supply it with?

[@alwaysopen7970]

Spring project #3

[@pmann16]

Excellent video. Is there a particular defrost repair kit brand that is better than another?

[@The2Coolest2]

I assume this also works on the antenna lines that are built into the rear windshield?

[@chevygwapgangbeats2889]

Thanks for the vid... I jus brought a 1988 caprice & my back window does have defroster line... nor is there a knob to even turn on tear defrost... idk what to do

[@billhlad]

A question for you... With there being several spots to repair, is that stencil reusable? Seems like once it's got the compound on it, it would not be of much use. Do the kits include more than one stencil?

[@teemum.9023]

Wow, so easy. Thank you.

[@1AAuto]

+Teemu M. We're glad the video helped you out. Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@jbz33latinheat]

Great video but I would've liked to see the retest. Also, can this type of repair work if you have your window tinted??? Thanks for you help!

[@1AAuto]

+jbz33latinheat Thank you for checking us out, and apologize for not having the retest. This still will work for vehicles that have tinted windows. 1aauto.com

[@jbz33latinheat]

1A Auto Parts thanks for the reply! I have a 07 vette and rear window defrost is not working plus my radio reception is terrible too! The whole thing doesn't work so checking fuses and relays first.

[@heyitschinoable]

Anyone know what brand that small teat light is? I need a small one like that...

[@FL_Dolfo]

Can you do it on either side or does it have to be inside only?

[@wowieespina2563]

hi is there any substitute for that repair kit? that kit is not yet available here in the phil.

[@rosalindwatkins8688]

I am really trying to get some help here any guidance would be appreciate it I'm trying to avoid having to spend tons of money replacing my rear window... will overspray on rear window grid lines cause the defroster to stop working?

[@chief6369]

Whaattttt, I literally thought that it was like the front defroster it was just really quiet. That’s crazy!

[@1AAuto]

+Chief Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@saisurya.kattamuri]

Is there any link where how the wiring to the glass pane is done?

[@jamiemoseleyfields6067]

Hi! I came across your great videos today while searching for the answer to how to fix my rear window defroster. It's not a problem with any line on the grid... the whole grid isn't working. The little light on the dash comes on when I push the button, but it does not defrost the window. I tried unplugging the plugs on the back window and then plugging them back in. That didn't work. I tried unplugging the fuse and then plugging it back in. That didn't work. Can you make a video on how to diagnose why the whole thing isn't working? That'd be SO helpful. (My car is an older chevy cavalier if that helps.)

[@trixxter8494]

+Jamie M J hi jamie i was watching this video and then looking threw comments for other paints to fix the defog grid i saw your comment i would bet its the connector. ok so on driver side under the steering wheel where the hood release is peel back the the carpet just a bit no need to pull all the way down and you should see a two tone green connector bright green and a little bit darker insert if you inspect this connector you will most likley see that it is burned that is you problem if connector isnt it is probably the time circuit where you press the button to turn on the defrost hope this helps if its not already fixed i see you poster this comment three weeks ago

[@NotME535]

My car had the same problem. The wire that feeds the defroster runs close to the hatch hinge and broke there. I only noticed because the plate light only worked sometimes even after new bulbs, if i lifted the hatch they would't work. Easy fix for a tecnitian, takes about 1 hour, usualy. You have to solder new wires.

[@bartscanland9415]

Your car should have a relay. Also the switch may have an internal break that allows power to the indicator light but not to the grid.

[@tintdynasty4229]

Can you use the stencil line twice?

[@jamessullinger505]

The panel that heats up the grid has detached from my truck... It is dangling.. Is there a video how to repair that?

[@dukatiwho]

Would I be able to feel the warmth on the wires?

[@user-li6mi6xz2v]

Could you please tell me the name of the (brand) of the repair kit you used. It was so simple. I want to buy the same brand repair test kit. Thank you.

[@hassananzar7433]

I have a camry 2010 and it has tabs in both sides of the window. I can tell that one of the tab on the right side grounds the grid. When I use the tester the left bar lights up all the way but the right stays dead. When I unplugged the right bar the whole grid was lighting up. What issue am I facing. Is it a bad tab. Or is it supposed to function this was only.

[@jmaher1217]

What brand is the test light you have? How do I buy it?

[@clicketysplit1817]

What to do if there is s long stetch of wire that is damaged? Should I tape it off with masking tape or something? Will the kit include enough compound to go over it several times?

[@ibrahimalbokhari]

please nominate stripes you use and material connections

[@user-cr5hd8rm3q]

I had my rear tint replaced, not knowing how this all works, Im sure the tint place completely ruined my rear defrost. Can it be replaced while the new tint is on, or should the new tint be removed & grid lines replaced?

[@joevanniplaza9884]

Need to detach the tint first if it is tinted?

[@krisgilkison4007]

I tint windows. Once I have fully allowed the compound to dry/cure, can I safely sand it down without causing another break in the line at that same spot?

[@gehadkandel343]

hi sir I want to ask if it's possible to use electronic voltage pen to test the defroster grid or I have to use the same tester you are using

[@1AAuto]

+جهاد قنديل You may be able to

[@MrStoney13]

If one strip is damage would that make all of the not to work?

[@chrisroy2781]

Is there some kind of resistor between the battery and the power bus?...how does it not melt the copper being hooked up to 12vlt.

[@dldavis3]

The current that flows through the grid is limited by the total resistance of the grid. So it isn't a dead short like a copper wire; it's a low resistance, that is just low enough to get just enough current through the grid to melt snow and ice.

[@mattssonfelix3882]

Hi! How much can the compound cover? I was stupid enough to rip my window tint off without mist, so basically all of the compound is gone... One of those kits aren't going to be enough right?

[@mendenos]

I have two grid lines damaged from a window tint. Can I fix them even when it's tinted?

[@deapozol]

Does tinting the rear glass with grids affect the normal operation of the grid lines as it heats up? I want to tint mine but don't want to damage my rear glass defrost. Thank you.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for checking us out! Tinting the rear glass will not affect the normal operation of the grid lines. +deapozol

[@deapozol]

Thank you

[@rufilcorilla3688]

do glass defogger grid damage the glass tint if it is on

[@davidc2023]

You know I saw in the dealership and they sale aside the mirror with heated, and it fit perfectly in my Honda CR-V LX, but I checked my car and it didn’t come with electrical wiring for that, do you know if it will be possible that I can do the electrical wiring and it’ll be work? (Mirror heated that I saw it’s for crv models superior that I got). Thanks

[@1AAuto]

+black_knight _ Thanks for watching! Unfortunately we do not have a video or procedure info for adding the heat feature to your vehicle. 1aauto.com

[@rufilcorilla3688]

my car defrost grid had no power supply .is it 12volts? does it melt the glass tint or damage if the glass is tinted.thank you

[@DrAjaybrezza]

Nice video. Will you please tell how much voltage of current flows through rear defogger and for how much time? Is it 12 volts? Continue 12 volt power supply would damage the defogger?

[@1AAuto]

+Dr Ajay Gauri This is 12 volts for the rear defroster. Thanks for the question.

[@DrAjaybrezza]

@@1AAuto Thanks for your prompt response. Is there any relay and timer to control 12 volts of power supply in rear defogger ?

[@TomasOrtiz-Potter-yu2te]

So I just tested my defroster lines like you did, there are no visible breaks but the testing light gets dimmer as moved from driver's side to passenger. About 2/3rds of the window(starting from driver's side) you can visibly see it light up, the last 3rd(passenger side) does not light up....I checked the passenger side connection site and looked fine. Does this mean there's a dissipation in voltage across my lines? Also I checked all my fuses and relays that had to do with "Defog" and everything seemed alright there. I have a 2008 Mazda 6S. Let me know if you have any solutions or suggestion!

[@5Dale65]

This is normal. The voltage drops as you come closer to the passenger side. This way the defroster works. Voltage drops because of a resistance, and the resistance generates heat, which helps defrosting your window. You should be worried about the lines that DON'T have any voltage drop, because this means there is no current passing through it, so the grid is broken somewhere.

[@TheUrbanRebel]

I got mine damaged when I changed the tinted film on my rear window. Now I know that I can repair it myself. But what about the new tinted film on my rear window? can I repair the defroster grid without ripping off the tinted film?