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Defroster Tab Repairs
The most likely cause of a total defroster grid failure is a separated
main power clip/tab. Located on each side of defroster on the vertical
side bars, these critical tabs connect the defroster grid with
the vehicle’s high amperage defroster circuit.
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
tabs without damaging the back glass or the existing
defroster.
How to Reattach Tabs
It is easy to reattach these separated tabs. First pull the metal tab
out of its connector. Inspect the tab carefully, if damaged then replace
it with new tab. See 2300 Uni-Clip.
Next sand the base of the tab to bare metal using the sandpaper included
in the kit.
Now inspect the area on the defroster where the tab will be
bonded back. This area should be clean and relatively smooth. It
may be necessary to sand this area lightly.
TAPE TRICK FROM THE SHOP
If the defroster around the tab was damaged when the tab came off try
this trick. Mask off an area around the damaged bonding site with
masking tape. It is a good idea to use two layers of tape. Now mix the
bonding material and apply it to the inside of the masked off area. Now
use one of the kits mixing pads to squeegee the material smooth. Pull
off the masking tape.
Next, dip the end of the tab into the
adhesive and position it on the bonding material on the defroster.
Remember this adhesive starts to cure quickly (one minute).
Once the tab is in place the highly conductive silver
filled epoxy cures quickly and bonds aggressively forming both
the electrical and structural connection in one simple operation.
HOT TIP!
It is critical to heat the bonding site using a hair dryer, heat gun or electric heater,
heat lamp or other heat source to keep the bonding area warm during the repair and cure period.
Heat to between 100 F and 150 F for at least thirty minutes for the best results.
When heating the bonding
material will become less viscous (thinner) and then start
to cure quickly cure. It my be necessary to fixture the tab
in place using tape or one of the mixing sticks for the
first sixty seconds of heating.
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 can.
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