Disable Rear Window defog /defrost?

[toku58]

Is there any write up on disabling the rear window defroster?
I want the make sure it can't be turned on because it will mess up the tint on the window.
Most cars that I owned I always unplug the element to avoid heating the tinted window.
Just wondering if anyone else has done this?

If not I might do a write up when I do mine.

 

[oljedi11950]

Is it after-market tint or factory ?

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Does the window defroster actually get hotter than the sun beating down on it during summer? Inside of my truck will hit 140 degrees here in Vegas. My windows are all tinted on all my vehicles and have never run into an issue. Tint shop said nothing either.

 

[Saker]

Is there any write up on disabling the rear window defroster?
I want the make sure it can't be turned on because it will mess up the tint on the window.
Most cars that I owned I always unplug the element to avoid heating the tinted window.
Just wondering if anyone else has done this?

If not I might do a write up when I do mine.

Try the fuse?

 

[Yoderguy]

Unplug it from behind the switch. The fuse may tie in other functions.

 

[RAD4Runner]

unplug it from behind the switch. The fuse may tie in other functions.

this.

 

[toku58]

Is it after-market tint or factory ?

It's after-market tint.

Does the window defroster actually get hotter than the sun beating down on it during summer? Inside of my truck will hit 140 degrees here in Vegas. My windows are all tinted on all my vehicles and have never run into an issue. Tint shop said nothing either.

The lines on the window heat up and cause distortion or bubbling. I'm sure you must see some cars that the rear window looks messed up. That's because the accidentally turned on the defroster.

Try the fuse?

Unplug it from behind the switch. The fuse may tie in other functions.

I don't want the disable the mirror defroster. The switch is tied into both mirrors and the rear window.
I only want to dis-connect the rear window the prevent damage to the aftermarket tint.


.

 

[-JD-]

pull the interior panel and get in there and physically disconnect the wire from the glass?

 

[sntryplt]

Who did your tint, and where did you get your information? I've been having aftermarket tint done to vehicles for over 20 years, and this has never been an issue. This has been on a Ford Expedition, 3 Hondas, and now our 4 Runners. I'd find another tint installer. I suspect the bubbling and distortion you see are poor quality materials or installation. I use AltaMere in Oklahoma (as a reference) and their work has been great. I just keep scratching it. Hope this helps.

 

[4Runner2Go]

Why not just put some duck tape across the button so you don't hit it by mistake?
That's what I did when I had my windows tinted over the summer.
Only 4 days to properly cure though I waited a full week to take the tape off just to make sure it was cured properly...

 

[e60ral]

I've always run defroster with aftermarket tint and I've never had an issue and they never told me not to run the rear defroster

Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

 

[barryhiram]

Who did your tint, and where did you get your information? I've been having aftermarket tint done to vehicles for over 20 years, and this has never been an issue. This has been on a Ford Expedition, 3 Hondas, and now our 4 Runners. I'd find another tint installer. I suspect the bubbling and distortion you see are poor quality materials or installation. I use AltaMere in Oklahoma (as a reference) and their work has been great. I just keep scratching it. Hope this helps.

I've always run defroster with aftermarket tint and I've never had an issue and they never told me not to run the rear defroster

Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

^^^ agree with both posts, been tinting my vehicles for 20+ years and never had any issues with rear defogger causing bubbling or lifting. If anything tint actually increases defogger efficiency.

I'm coming up on 5 years of ownership, my tint looks as good now as it did the day it was installed. Quality tint, properly applied is key!

 

[barryhiram]

Try the fuse?

But wouldn't that also disable side mirror defrosters as they are controlled by the same switch :noidea:

 

[barryhiram]

pull the interior panel and get in there and physically disconnect the wire from the glass?

If OP wants to disable, this would be the best way to achieve the outcome he is looking for IMHO.

 

[Engineer]

A) As already said, disconnect and take care of the wires were they attach to the back glass so your side mirror defrosters will still work
B) I think this need is bogus
C) You tinted the back glass? Its already dark...
D) You live in hawaii......how often do you need defrosters?

:jump:

 

[ic0517]

I thought the rear window defogger was disabled if you crack the rear window a smidge. The rear wiper for sure is disabled.

 

[4FL]

I have never had my tint messed up from the rear window defogger. You must have a piss poor tint job to have that happen.

 

[Sunman48]

My TR4 has factory tint and it has never been a problem but I don't know about aftermarket tint.

Sunman

 

[toku58]

Thanks for the replies!
I'll call the tint shop and check if there would be any issue.
But I paid for the top of the line tint. ($690) for the entire runner with a transferable lifetime warranty.
It's actually the best tint shop on the island.
As unusual as it may sound with the humidity and unusual cold winters (Rare but it happens) the mirrors do fog up and having the heater would definitely help.
I believe that the best way would be to remove the back panel and disconnect the wire from the glass.
I was just checking if anyone had done it before?

If the tint shop says they will cover it if the tint distorts from the heat them I'll st leave it.
We'll see?

Again thanks for all the replies!

 

[adaml]

Thanks for the replies!
I'll call the tint shop and check if there would be any issue.
But I paid for the top of the line tint. ($690) for the entire runner with a transferable lifetime warranty.
It's actually the best tint shop on the island.
As unusual as it may sound with the humidity and unusual cold winters (Rare but it happens) the mirrors do fog up and having the heater would definitely help.
I believe that the best way would be to remove the back panel and disconnect the wire from the glass.
I was just checking if anyone had done it before?

If the tint shop says they will cover it if the tint distorts from the heat them I'll st leave it.
We'll see?

Again thanks for all the replies!

Like everyone else said, if it's quality tint installed by a quality shop, you shouldn't have a problem. Others (as evidence above) and myself run the defrost on tinted windows all the time without problems. Also, like others have said, I know the element heats up but I don't believe it gets as hot as my wife's black car with black interior and dark tinted windows does when it bakes outside in the Central Valley California Sun.

If your shop tells you that you can't run the defroster, I would be pretty suspicious of their work.