2002 sebring convertible rear window defroster does not defrost. the light indicates it is on. Chrysler mechanic, without looking at it, said you will need to replace whole window (about $800 including labor). Then i went on line and started to educate myself and now i see it could be less of a problem and less costly, i.e., defroster kits!! i am a female who does have to learn an little before approaching car mechanics so they do not feel so inclined to rip us off. no matter, please confirm that there is a less costly way out of this $800 dilemna, or not! thank you
I have had this same problem with my 2000 Sebring Convertible. I was told that the rear defrost is often a problem in convertibles and hatch-backs. My problem is very obvious though. When I turn the rear defrost on - the light does turn on (as if it was working), but the power does not get through. There are small 'clips' on each side of the window that hold the wires. After time and putting the top up and down, the clips can come off. My passenger side clip is currently hanging - very visible. Many mechanics are afraid to fuss with putting it back on for fear that they cause more damage than good. Look on the sides of the rear window and you may see the problem. Good luck.
Have a chrysler dealership ref. TSB 08-001-02 for proper repair
Your rear defroster has a relay that controls the current sent to the back window.
Question: When you turn on the defroster and the light goes on, does it eventually go off? The relay should have a timer in it that limits how long the defroster runs. If the unit isn't shutting off you may want to check and replace the relay.
If the relay is ok check to see if electricity is getting to the back window. Get a friend who has a multi meter to check for voltage at the back window. There should be contacts somewhere in the vicinity of the window to check. If you have electricity going to the back window and still no defrost. Its probably a short in the tracing on the window. You can look to see if the tracing is visibly broken somewhere on the window. Sometimes when you put stuff in the back seat or on the window ledge it could hit this tracing and break it in a spot. The break causes an open circuit so the tracing doesn't make heat. There are metalic paints designed to repair these breaks without replacing the whole window.
Good luck! And be careful.
Finding a break can take minutes for someone with a good eye and a working multimeter.
The repair kits are sold online! Check it out!
http://www.frostfighter.com/
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Yes you can go to any auto parts stores and buy a rear window defogger repair kit.it dont cost much.
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THanks - Potentially, how long should it take for a good electrical mechanic to diagnose the ultimate problem, and to repair using the "kit" method?
I have a 2005 model and the exact same thing happened to me as debiw, where the clip attached to the window for the lead wire to clip onto has broken off defectively in my opinion, go to your dealer and also call crysler corp. and lodge a complaint and if enough of us do it they'll have to do a recall. Otherwise take it to apple auto and pay about 150.00 and they'll reattach the clip to the window and put on a longer lead wire so it hopefully won't happen again.
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