SPECIAL OFFER: Defroster Repair Bundle
Everything you need to repair a rear window vehicle defroster!
For a limited time we’ve bundled our most popular defroster repair items to create an all-in-one defroster repair solution!
The Defroster Repair Bundle has everything you need to fix a broken rear window defroster including the defroster tab bonding kit, two universal replacement tabs and a connector. The tab bonding repair kit is easy to use, bonds aggressively to glass and defroster coatings, and makes the highly conductive bonds needed for high amperage defroster tab repairs. The two included defroster tabs are universal and are the ideal replacement for GMC, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles. The connector links the repaired tab to your vehicle’s electrical system.
A great value for only $61.99!
What’s Included:
- 2000 Frost Fighter Tab Bonding Kit – Two part silver tab bonding adhesive, complete instructions, sandpaper, stir sticks, mixing pads and enough material for multiple repairs.
- Uni-Con Replacement Connector
- 2300 – URX Uni-Clip Defroster Tab – Universal tab that fits most Ford & Chrysler vehicles.
- 2305 – FCF Uni-Clip Defroster Tab – Universal tab that fits most GM and Chrysler vehicles.
General Motors bulletin recommends 2000 Frost Fighter Tab Bonding Kit
New General Motors (GM) Bulletin 16-NA-171: Repair Information of Reconnection of Rear Window Defroster Contact or Tab. This bulletin recommends the 2000 Tab Bonding Kit for the reconnection of defroster terminals to the rear defroster.
How To Make Defroster Tab Repairs
Diagnosing The Problem
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 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 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 Uni-Clip Defroster Tabs.
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.
Restoring Damaged Defrosters
If the defroster around the tab was damaged when the tab came off it is easy to rebuild the damaged area on the defroster while at the same time re-attaching the separated defroster tab.
Start by masking off an area around the damaged bonding site with masking tape making sure some of the undamaged defroster is inside the masking area. Remember you are making an electrical connection to the undamaged defroster while restoring the defroster in the area where the defroster was removed.
It is a good idea to use two layers of tape. Now mix the 2000 Frost Fighter Tab bonding material and apply it to the inside of the masked off area. Use one of the kits mixing pads to squeegee the material smooth. Pull off the masking tape. Now you will have a nice wet pad on conductive epoxy that overlaps onto the undamaged defroster surface.
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 (five minutes). Once the tab is in place the allow 10 to 15 minutes for the adhesive to start to cure and then use heat for the final cure. The highly conductive silver filled epoxy cures quickly and bonds aggressively forming both the electrical and structural connection.
If the tab is damaged replacement tabs are here.
Hot tip for faster, more conductive cure
For the best electrical and structural properties heat the repair when curing. Use 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 and 130F (37-54C) or warm to hand for at least thirty minutes for the best results.
The Frost Fighter tab bonding kit is safe for all defroster tab configurations.