Rear window heating

The rear window defroster is switched on and off directly by the switch on the instrument panel. With the ignition on, power reaches the switch through the fuse via the white-yellow wire from the X-contact load-relief relay. From there, in the appropriate switch position, power goes to the rear window through multiple plug connections in the white wire.

Troubleshooting
If the heated rear window stays cold, the cause may be one of the following faults:

PROCEDURE

Faulty fuse.

Faulty switch. Remove it (as described in this chapter) and check with a test lamp whether current flows through the white wire with the ignition on and the switch pressed.

Remove both trim panels from the pillars next to the rear window.

Check the rear window wiring: use a test lamp to check whether power reaches the glass on the left through the white connecting wire. (Proceed the same way on models equipped with a rear window antenna.)

Check the ground connection of the defroster grid on the right pillar.

If the heating elements are damaged and the electrical circuit is interrupted, silver conductive paint can be used. It is manufactured by, for example, Doduco and is available from auto parts stores.