Rear Window defroster wire came loose need fix info

[b.paine]

The passenger side rear defrost wire is loose, it has a small metal plate attached. It looks like it was once soldered to the metal plate affixed to the rear window. I know that I cannot solder (with heat) because of the glass, what if I create a " cold solder" connection, heating the metal plate on the end of the wire and place that on the metal plate on the window. I would first clean and apply flux. What do you think????

 

[RayVoy]

A "cold solider" joint is a poor mechanical connection and a bad electrical connection.

There are kits for the job, a resin paste with a metallic dust. It's not as good as the original, but it gets the job done.

 

[b.paine]

where can I get that resin?, thanks

 

[Mark20]

Auto parts stores. This is a relatively common problem with rear window defogger.

 

[b.paine]

I will check my autozone tomorrow..thanks. Barry

 

[b.paine]

wrnt to local autozone...no good, what else can I try??

 

[gmcman]

Has anyone ever used this?

Buy Weller Professional Cold Heat Soldering Iron WELCHT100 at Advance Auto Parts

 

[b.paine]

I will ask at Advantage auto pts. Barry

 

[RayVoy]

Has anyone ever used this?

Buy Weller Professional Cold Heat Soldering Iron WELCHT100 at Advance Auto Parts

I am not familiar with that iron, but I have used "cordless" irons.

They all have a self-contained heat source, usually a gas, or a battery.

Most have a small soldering tip (because the heat source is not large; and, so it will cool off every quickly to be tossed into a pocket)

The small tip acts just like a larger iron, it gets hot and melts a thin solder wire.

 

[Mark20]

Has anyone ever used this?

Buy Weller Professional Cold Heat Soldering Iron WELCHT100 at Advance Auto Parts

They only produce enough heat to melt a very small area of solder and the glass will suck that heat away.

I've seen that stuff in stores. If the have the defroster line repair kit they should have the tab repair kit or can order it for you. You can also try searching the web for it. Amazon has lots of car parts.

 

[JCJARHEAD]

I had the same issue...tab was gone...Roadie hooked me up with this site:

Frost Fighter Defroster Repair and Replacement Kits

I successfully repaired it with both the tab and adhesion kits. Good luck with your repair!

 

[b.paine]

I think I will order the kit to night, thanks. Barry

 

[deekster_caddy]

Thanks for posting that link - I repaired mine in the rear window of my Yukon following a GM Service bulletin which had me clean the area and use silver solder. It didn't hold. I didn't bother to re-fix it when the other side dropped off shortly after. I wonder if anything will actually work.

I'm hoping that Frost Fighter adhesive will work! How long has your repair held? Plus they have replacement tabs, convenient.

 

[b.paine]

I ordered the tab bonding kit today...I will wait until the weather is warmer before trying the job. I will post it here.

 

[JCJARHEAD]

I did mine just before Winter. It has been a relatively mild one...mine is holding and working great! One additional tip I would have for anyone who is replacing the tab also.....Maybe put a slight crimp in it so when you slide it back into the black receiving end...it will stay in better.

Once you dry solder it on....it may be too late as you do not want to bend it back of the glass? Crimp/Bend it to increase the contact with the black housing. I DID NOT do this...and my wire will come off on occasion when I close the glass. No big deal as it works fine once I slide the black housing back onto the new tab.

And yes.....try to find a relatively warm day to do this. I actually did the blow dryer to cure.....I did only about 15 minutes vice the 30 they recommend and it worked fine.

 

[NewfieEnvoy]

I had one side off when I bought my truck. Grabbed the adhesive kit from Canadian Tire and it worked for a couple of weeks until the weather turned and I started using the rear defrost, fell right off. Before I had a chance to try a different method someone was kind enough to bust out may back window. Took it to Apple Auto Glass and got it replaced. On the new windows the tabs look to be a little more secure.