Rear defroster not working due to tint install?

[vbrecken]

I had the opportunity to use my rear defroster this morning for the first time this year, since I had my windows tinted earlier this spring. What happens is that the top 1/3 and bottom 1/3 defrost OK but the middle does not. Could this be due to the tint installation? I've read other threads that the tint itself does not affect the wires or heating elements or whatever they are but could the installer have cut a few of the elements to prevent the middle section from working? I assume the only way to fix this is to buy a new rear window? Anyone else have this problem?

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[157db]

You are correct. The tint guy damaged it
if in fact it worked at one point before the tint job.
You can fix them according to the Workshop Manual but the
tint would have to first be removed.
You should be able to see the damage if there is damage.
Otherwise if it cant be seen, it cant be repaired without
first finding the damage.
No need for a new rear window glass....

[jtstakelin]

Could the connection have come loose or partially loose?

[157db]

Originally Posted by jtstakelin

Could the connection have come loose or partially loose?

Not if the top and bottom work but not the middle......

[scheetz83]

My dad had a rear window defroster where one of the bars going across the window stopped working. It seems to me he bought a kit to repair it at a local auto parts store. He fixed his a few years back and everything is still good.

I found this link with the same type of stuff
http://www.frostfighter.com/catalog.htm

this link shows how you can locate the brake in the system
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...o/4221212.html

seems simple enough using a test light or multimeter


Sorry to say But the bad news is You will need to remove the tint what ever you decide..... Unless your really careful with the multimeter. If you can carefully probe only the Heating elements poking just barely through the tint (be careful not to scratch them and cause more breaks) You might be able to find the break cut only the area of tint directly over the element and repair it. you might not notice it from outside..... If it was me I would try it BUT in the long run I probably would have issues and end up removing the tint and fixing it and then haivng it re tinted.

Take it back to the tinter. He might give you a deal on it being he did the tint the first time. He might give you 1/2 off or something.... WISHFUL thinking i know

hope this helps
Michael

[burnout09]

I think the tint film might broke one of the bar going across. It could be from the guy who installed it and pressed too hard on the film which broke the electrical bar or the heat from the sun which shrunk the film.

[157db]

Originally Posted by burnout09

I think the tint film might broke one of the bar going across. It could be from the guy who installed it and pressed too hard on the film which broke the electrical bar or the heat from the sun which shrunk the film.

Nope, the bars are tougher than that.
Its more likely he cut one of the resistance traces
with a razor blade than shrinking tint being
the culprit....

[07 Stang]

I had my windows tinted last month. Is there anyway to make sure the defroster is working properly? It will be a while before we actually get frost here to test it that way.

[ODDYSEY]

I had mine tinted 3 years ago and my rear defrost works fine. The only time it won't work is if the person tinting your windows was careless.

[157db]

Originally Posted by 07 Stang

I had my windows tinted last month. Is there anyway to make sure the defroster is working properly? It will be a while before we actually get frost here to test it that way.

Get an IR temperature guage from Lowes/Home Depot $100.
Turn on the rear defroster and take readings.
The temps should be almost the same around the
individual heating traces.
Or the cheaper route, wait until the first frost of winter...