Wire connection to rear window defroster disconnected

[nelliefox]

I have a 2019 Wrangler Sahara, and the wire connecting to the rear window defroster came off the window. I tried soldering it, but it wouldn't hold. The dealer said I needed a new window (about $800!!!). I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem or knows of a solution.

Sponsored

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I have a 2019 Wrangler Sahara, and the wire connecting to the rear window defroster came off the window. I tried soldering it, but it wouldn't hold. The dealer said I needed a new window (about $800!!!). I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem or knows of a solution.

Known issue... common occurrence. A few have had success re-attaching the rear defroster electric contact tab to the window but more often then not the tab re-attachment fails.

Rather then spend hundreds for a new rear window, consider removing/pulling fuse F81 in the power distribution center (PDC) and just living without rear window defrost.

You pull F81 so no risk of any damage, etc. due to partial, poor or whatever electrical contact.

 

[Grayhound]

I used a repair kit on Amazon that was a glue. It worked pretty well

https://a.co/d/1aLH7NJ

 

[barrydd]

Use Permatex to fix it. Permatex 21351 Electrically Conductive Rear Window Defogger Tab Adhesive.

 

[swampflyer]

I have a 2019 Wrangler Sahara, and the wire connecting to the rear window defroster came off the window. I tried soldering it, but it wouldn't hold. The dealer said I needed a new window (about $800!!!). I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem or knows of a solution.

There is a tsb for that. It's been out for a long time. Your dealers parts dept should be able to get the repair kit for you. not expensive and mine was repaired by the dealer with this new kit and has lasted over two years.

 

[Porthole]

Once upon a time Chrysler had repair kits for rear window defrosters. Granted this was during my years at Dodge dealerships from the late 70's to early 90's.

Google it.

rear window defroster repair kit

https://www.google.com/search?q=rea...46cERUzxBTpqWOOnBEVM&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[58Willys]

I used Loctite electrically conductive adhesive, been good for about fours years. You’ll need to clean/sand very lightly before use.

 

[Toby1Kenobi]

Same issue on a 2024, was only a few weeks old. Still fighting with Stellantis.
I've had electrical tape on it for a few months now, works fine for a temp fix.

 

[Ridge2Far]

Here are a couple of links that may help:

Theory of why this happens​

My repair​

I did the repair on my 2018 JLUR about two years ago and the defroster is still working great. The source I used for the kit recommended in the FCA TSB can be found at FrostFighter.com. If you do a search for “Jeep” on FrostFighter you’ll find they have a direct replacement for Jeep. I chose to change the tab-type from the OEM button-type to a fixed low-profile blade tab.

If you go with blade tab, be sure to test how snugly the blade fits in the connector BEFORE you mount it to the heater grid. I tested mine prior to mounting it and it fit WAY too tight. I could barely get the blade into the connector and almost couldn’t get it back off. No way it should fit that tight. I was afraid I’d damage the tab, break the adhesion to the heating element, or worse – damage the heater grid while putting it on or taking it off the window. I used a small metal pick to spread the connector clamps/tines apart just a bit until it felt acceptable.

One of the most important steps in attaching the tab to the heater Buss is the Heat-Curing process that improves the adhesion and electrical properties. I used a heat gun and alternately heated the inside and outside of the window area, keeping it fairly warm. I also periodically waived the gun over a fairly large area of the window to avoid heat-stressing a single area too much.

FrostFighter technical bulletin

Sponsored