Rear Defroster - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SumDude · #1 01-05-2006, 09:34 PM

The rear defroster on my 77' 300D doesn't work because the wires on the side of the glass were cut. They were because the window needed a new seal. What is the best way to reconnect these wires so it will work again. It gets very cold in the morning and the window gets iced over and makes it hard to see. I tried to solder the two wires together but it still doesn't work. The light on the switch works so I believe it is getting power so I don't see the problem.

pberku · #2 01-05-2006, 10:10 PM

Don't solder, you will ruin it, and possibly shatter your glass.

There are repair kits available to repair these wires, Should be available at Autozone or similar

SumDude · #3 01-05-2006, 10:15 PM

Quote:

There are repair kits available to repair these wires, Should be available at Autozone or similar

I've looked and found nothing, that is why im asking here. But thanks anyway.

pberku · #4 01-05-2006, 10:19 PM

I am in Canada and they do have them here, so I am sure that they have them in the US as well.

I'll go tomorrow to our equivalent of your Autozone (Canadian Tire) and see who makes them. I'll let you know.

Phil

JimmyL · #5 01-05-2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumDude

I've looked and found nothing, that is why im asking here. But thanks anyway.

Perhaps somebody could provide a link to the appropriate or similar kit so he knows what to look for...

pberku · #6 01-05-2006, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

Perhaps somebody could provide a link to the appropriate or similar kit so he knows what to look for...

If you do a Google on "Defroster repair kit" you will find many. I just did. Here is one link I found: http://www.frostfighter.com/ff_products.htm

There are many more

SumDude · #7 01-05-2006, 10:24 PM

That would be nice.

SumDude · #8 01-05-2006, 10:33 PM

ok the replys are nice and thanks. But my wires are solid metal straps not just wires with connectors. do I have to pull at interior off to put new "metal strips"?

#9 01-05-2006, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SumDude

I've looked and found nothing, that is why im asking here. But thanks anyway.

I found one of those kits at a NAPA store a couple of years ago.

Zerohour3k · #10 01-06-2006, 02:47 PM

Since we're on the topic..

I have a slight problem with my defroster, as well.. maybe one of you can help me troubleshoot it. When I press the button, it usually stays on (and flickers..) for about 15 seconds, before shutting off. Press it again after that, and it refuses to go on at all. The defroster itself is fine, because if I hold the switch in the on position, it works without a problem (granted, two of the grid lines are dead, but thats an easy fix).

My guess, is that the relay is shot. I removed the switch when I first encountered the problem, and gave it a thorough cleaning.. and the problem persisted as if I hadn't done a thing. So my question is.. where can I buy one of the defroster relays for a 1984 300D Euro. I assume it's the same relay as the US model.. but even that, I cannot find anywhere. I'd go to a junkyard, but I don't trust relays that have been sitting out in the elements for 20 years.

Thanks in advance for any help.. am I right with my suspicians?

dannym · #11 01-06-2006, 03:26 PM

This might work:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104395&cp=&kw=conductive&parentPage=search

Actually it says "Repairs most window defrosters".

I'm sure these repair kits can be found at auto part stores. If you don't find it at one try another.

Danny

dannym · #12 01-06-2006, 03:31 PM

call Phil......his number is on the home page here.
He'll hook you up.

Danny

pawoSD · #13 01-06-2006, 04:30 PM

Aren't the defroster lines on these windows inside the multilayered glass? Thats what I thought......the only way they can get damaged is at the sides, or if the window shatters.....

Zerohour3k · #14 01-06-2006, 06:09 PM

I keep hearing things about the defrosters shattering the rear window. Is this at all common? Any tell-tale signs that it's about to happen? Something about having a rear window shatter out on you, is slightly unnerving.

pawoSD · #15 01-07-2006, 12:55 AM

I've never heard of them just plain shattering, mine hasn't....

I think the biggest danger is when installing or removing the window and applying uneven pressure to the curved glass, then they have been known to shatter, quite often....especially if they are old and the layers are separating...

I shattered the passenger door window on my car trying to get the jammed regulator/seal to come undone, all the sudden I heard a "BSSSHHH" and all of the glass discentegrated into little ball bearing size pieces, and they were rounded!! It was both cool, and sad, at the same time. Thankfully autoglass specialists came and replaced it two days later for a total of $128, not bad! They happened to have one in stock in their GR warehouse.