Window Defroster problems

[sfm7315]

Gentlemen, This will be the first winter in my 98 Limited. I have noticed the rear window defroster is very slow to defrost compared to most other cars I've driven in the past. Also I've noticed that the passengerside rear window has defroster lines , but does nothing to remove any frost/ humidity. The defroster button works but like I've said, it's so slow at defrosting
Can anyone offer any advice or troubleshooting help?

 

[KellyJ]

Gentlemen, This will be the first winter in my 98 Limited. I have noticed the rear window defroster is very slow to defrost compared to most other cars I've driven in the past. Also I've noticed that the passengerside rear window has defroster lines , but does nothing to remove any frost/ humidity. The defroster button works but like I've said, it's so slow at defrosting
Can anyone offer any advice or troubleshooting help?

Well the heating elements may be loose on the read window which causes it to clear off slowly. As for the "defroster lines" on the rear right window, that is actually an antenna for the AM radio or the FM radio, I'm not exactly sure which, but I think its AM. I thought those were defroster lines too when I got my Limited

 

[Mr. Dabadina]

The top half of my rear defroster doesn't work. So only the bottom gets defrosted. Any clues on a quick fix?

 

[sfm7315]

Where do I find the "read window " to check for loose wire?

 

[KellyJ]

Oops I meant rear window, not read. The contacts are inside the rear door assembly I think, which requires you to get access to them by taking off the panel that covers your rear hatch

 

[Bob_VT]

The top half of my rear defroster doesn't work. So only the bottom gets defrosted. Any clues on a quick fix?

NAPA Autozone Whatever parts store is local sells repair paint for the defroster lines.

You need to look for breaks in the lines where the line is scratched off. The tinest break will prevent one entire line from working.

Sounds as if the top lines all have scratches. Get inside and start looking ...... If half the grid is working then the entire grid should have power.

 

[Mr. Dabadina]

So its just a paint. Excellent. I'll check it out.

 

[gapboi210]

mine is forever slow also.

 

[sfm7315]

OK I'll look into the contacts soon
Thanks for the advice!

 

[Bob_VT]

So its just a paint. Excellent. I'll check it out.

Yes it is a metal paint that conducts the power. Once you get the lines working then you can coat the metal paint with a small amount of clear nail polish to prevent future damage.

The lines get scratched and cut from stuff inside the 4runner and sometimes by dirt on the rear window gasket.