slc rear defroster - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kip Foss · #1 03-19-2003, 12:43 PM

Does anyone know where the electric connection is for the rear window defroster. I need to remove the rear window and don't want to damage the wire. I have taken the package tray out and looked in through the trunk but can't see any wire going into the window. Can anyone help?

haasman · #2 03-19-2003, 04:42 PM

I beleive the wires are on both sides of the window. You access them by removing the interior panels adjacent to the window (left & right).

If this is correct, be extremely careful in removing the window and the gasket. The rubber gasket allows for the wire to run through it.

In attempting to replace a rear window rubber gasket I mistakenly pulled the wire off from the glass. There is virtually no way to reattach and have it work properly again.

Keep us posted,

Haasman

kip Foss · #3 03-19-2003, 09:07 PM

Hassman,
Thanks for the info. I looked at the wires and they appear to only go from top to bottom in about the middle 3/4's of the window. They didn't seem to go around to the sides. The bottom of the window is milky and since we don't have a lot of frost here in S. Texas I am not sure that the defrost even works. I guess I will have to ease the seal away from the glass on the inside and see if I can find the wire. Does that side panel just pop off like the door panels?

haasman · #4 03-19-2003, 09:30 PM

Kip

They do come off via clips, but it has been way too long since I have pulled them. Let's see if someone else knows exactly.

A milky window section means most likely a fogged glass. You might be heaed for replacement. This usually is from the rubber glass seal being so old as to let moisture in and to collect. Rule of thumb: If you pull or push on the rubber and it doesn't snap back immediately, its time to replace it.

If the wires run through the glass from top to bottom, it is my guess then the connectors are also top and bottom.

Keep us posted,

Haasman

kip Foss · #5 03-19-2003, 09:46 PM

Haasman,
I just checked the new seal and there doesn't seem to be any cutout where a connection might come through. I guess I'll just have to cut the seal away carefully and see. I am removing the rear window inorder to grit blast and repair some rust damage on the lower right corner of the window support. It will also give me a chance to repalce the package shelf which has suffered a great deal at the hands (or rays)of the Texas sun.

Luckily I have a Euro 350slc parts car with a farely good rear window. It too has some fogging but, although my car is in very good condition, it is not a show car.