Rear Defogger Help

[JOHN22]

HEY GUYS NEWBIE HERE,
I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAD ANY IDEAS OF WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST WAY TO REPAIR A REAR DEFOGGER TERMINAL THAT POPPED OFF.
IM FAIRLY HANDY BUT NOT SURE WHAT THE BEST APPROACH WOULD BE.
IM NOT EVEN SURE WHAT HAPPENED. I JUST NOTICED IT DANGLING BACK THERE WHILE I WAS DRIVING TODAY. THANKS IN ADVANCE,
JOHN

[shorod]

There is a factory-recommended procedure for replacing these if a large enough spot of conductive overlay still remains on the glass. However, if the tab took the conductive material with it when it broke off, you may need to go the route of conductive epoxy or a replacement window. The conductive epoxy runs about $25 for the two small tubes and is silver-bearing so it can handle the current in thin enough layers. Many of the better electronic supply stores will carry the Circuit Works conductive epoxy. If you go this route, open the package of epoxy in front of the clerk and make sure the hardener tube is not already hard. I've experienced that twice now.

-Rod

[xthirdimpact]

I would imagine that maybe one should clean the areas before hand...maybe a gentle wire brush? To get any oxydation off the terminals before any kind of re-bonding?

Sho,...whatcha think about that?

[shorod]

A gentle cleaning would be wise. You need to be careful not to damage the area on the window more than it already is. The terminal can handle a more aggressive cleaning, and if the material from the window is still attached to the terminal, you may want to reflow the solder on the terminal to remove the debris.

If you are going the conductive epoxy route, a slight scuff of the mating surfaces would be good to insure adequate adhesion.

-Rod