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Defroster Tab Repairs
The most likely cause of a total defroster grid failure is a separated
main power clip/tab. These critical tabs connect the defroster grid with
the vehicle’s high amperage defroster circuit and are located on each of
the defroster grid’s vertical side bars. These all important main power
tabs can be knocked off of the defroster causing total defroster
failure. Look for dangling wires near the sides of the defroster as a
sure indication of this problem.
Once this problem
has been identified the challenge becomes reliably reattaching the
separated tabs without damaging the back glass or the existing
defroster.
To reattach these separated tabs, pull the metal clip out of
its connector and use the 2000 Frost Fighter Tab Repair Kit to repair
the problem. The kit uses a fast curing, two part conductive silver
epoxy to reattach the main power tabs to the vertical defroster bars.
Frost Fighter silver epoxy comes in two syringes for precise dispensing
and is mixed at a simple 1:1 ratio.
Dip the end of the tab into the
adhesive making sure to thoroughly coat the area to be re-bonded to the
defroster grid. The simple Frost Fighter tab repair system is safe for
all defroster tab configurations and will not cause additional damage to
the defroster as soldering or other methods of tab repair can do.
Replace the separated defroster tab over the area were it was originally
separated and rock gently to seat the tab. The highly conductive silver
filled epoxy cures quickly and bonds aggressively to glass forming both
the electrical and structural connection in one simple operation. Repair
are stable in 10 minutes but need 24 hours at 75° F. Tab repairs can be
made in 15 minutes when heated.
HOT TIP!
For best results you can use a
hair dryer, heat gun or electric heater to keep the bonding area warm
during the repair and cure period. Heating the bonding area is critical
if the repair is done in cold weather.
While the Frost Fighter Tab Kit
is generally recommended for 95% of tab repairs, there are instances
when soldering the Clip/Tab back to the defroster is preferable. When
the defroster has a metal pad in good condition the 2010 Frost Fighter
Solder Paste Kit is a good choice. Frost Fighter defroster solder paste
is a special no clean formulation safe for extended use on defrosters.
IF YOU HAVE THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT ON WHICH KIT TO USE - USE THE 2000 TAB
REPAIR KIT.
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