'93 Camry LE, some of the rear defroster wires don't work - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

zb420 · 10-30-2011, 06:59 PM

Is there an easy fix?
Thanks

***Zembonez*** · 10-30-2011, 07:06 PM

Easy fix? NO.

The lines have been damaged by contact with the glass or possibly overzealous glass cleaning over the years. Some glass companies will repair one or two defroster lines for a fee.

97ToyCar · 10-30-2011, 07:32 PM

All is not lost. Most auto parts stores and places on the internet sell a defroster repair kit. You can do it yourself. The kit comes with a glass vial of conductive paint with a built in brush, and a template that you use to recreate the lines on the glass.

Basically, to find the break in the wire, can do it 2 ways. Either look visually to see where chunks of the defroster grid are missing, or you can use a voltmeter to find the break.

Here is a helpful link.

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/doity...a112302a_3.htm

Good Luck! Try to DIY it if you can, a replacement window with grid is NOT cheap. The grid is baked to the glass during manufacture.

Dave

***JohnGD*** · 10-30-2011, 10:31 PM

See also:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...enance/4221212

And repair kit:
http://www.permatex.com/products/aut...Repair_Kit.htm

***BMR*** · 10-30-2011, 10:49 PM

I've done this repair numerous times using that Permatex kit JohnGD posted a link to. It works well. The hardest part can be finding the scratch across the defroster gridline. It doesn't take much of one to break continuity. And make sure the glass is squeaky clean; wipe it down with rubbing alcohol to get all the contaminants off so the paint will adhere properly.

zb420 · 10-31-2011, 11:09 AM

A few of the lines still work OK.

I'll take a peek at the grid this a.m. when I go down to the car.

zb420 · 10-31-2011, 12:12 PM

Could the ppl that tinted the windows contributed to this problem?

***BMR*** · 10-31-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zb420

Could the ppl that tinted the windows contributed to this problem?

Ooooo... you didn't mention that the windows were tinted. Yes, it's possible they damaged it. But if they're experienced at it, it shouldn't happen. Is this the type where there's a plastic film applied to the inside? If yes, the tinting film would have to stripped off first to permit repairs to the gridlines. I've never done it, but I'd guess it ain't easy.

zb420 · 10-31-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMR

Ooooo... you didn't mention that the windows were tinted. Yes, it's possible they damaged it. But if they're experienced at it, it shouldn't happen.easy.

Yes, they are a very well known business locally that some of the major auto sellers use too.

***BMR*** · 10-31-2011, 02:04 PM

That's good. Do you know if it was working before they installed it? Those gridlines are quite fragile. Just tossing a jacket back there with a metal zipper can scratch thru them. So it's possible they damaged it without knowing it... stuff happens. It might be worth your time to go talk with them; maybe they have methods of removing it easily?

zb420 · 10-31-2011, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMR

That's good. Do you know if it was working before they installed it? Those gridlines are quite fragile. Just tossing a jacket back there with a metal zipper can scratch thru them. So it's possible they damaged it without knowing it... stuff happens. It might be worth your time to go talk with them; maybe they have methods of removing it easily?

I think it was working just about the same.. It just wondered what this would entail?

mazdaverx7 · 10-31-2011, 05:22 PM

you'll have to remove the window tint in order to test the grid and repair and sections that may be losing resistance.

zb420 · 10-31-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazdaverx7

you'll have to remove the window tint in order to test the grid and repair and sections that may be losing resistance.

I'll get by... I live in SoCal....

Are winters aren't like the east coast...

mazdaverx7 · 11-01-2011, 02:17 AM

being in southern california, you shouldn't have too much of a need for it other than on chilly mornings or rainy days.

RedAliCat · 11-01-2011, 11:48 AM

Oh, dear. I'm the 5th owner of a 97 LE, and it appears that there had been tint on the back window, then someone decided to remove it--and not very well. Some is still on, and much remains on the grid lines. Of course it's not working, but this wouldn't be a simple, one-line break, I'm guessing.

Is my only option to replace the entire window, considering the extent of the tint removal problems? Any other (cheaper) options?