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Car rear window heater: how a defroster works and what to do if it is not working

Table of Contents

  1. How does a defroster work?
  2. What to do if the heated rear window is not working
  3. Rear window heater maintenance

If you live in a climate where it gets cold in winter, you know how important it is to have a rear defroster in your car. It is a necessary feature that helps you see more clearly by removing frost, ice, and condensation from your rear window. This feature is essential to improving your safety and driving comfort by ensuring you have a clear view behind you, reducing the risk of accidents and improving your overall driving experience. In this article, we will discuss how this important feature works and the potential problems you may encounter.

How does a defroster work?

Car rear window defrosters work by using electrical resistance to generate heat. The rear window of your car has thin, electric heating elements or wires embedded in the glass. When the rear window heater button is activated, electricity flows through these conductive elements, causing them to heat up.

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HERTH+BUSS ELPARTS 75898211 Relay, rear windscreen heating
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  • HELLA: Relay, rear windscreen heating
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As the elements heat up, they transfer heat energy to the surface of the rear window, melting any frost or ice that may have formed and evaporating moisture. This process helps to clear the window, improving visibility for the driver. The heat also helps to prevent further condensation on the window, ensuring clear visibility in cold or humid conditions.

What to do if the heated rear window is not working

There are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and possibly fix the problem if the rear defroster is malfunctioning or stopped working altogether.

  • Check the fuse associated with the rear window heater to ensure it has not blown. If you discover that it has, you’ll need to buy a car fuse.
  • Check the wiring connections to the defroster grid for damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
  • Repair or replace any damaged wiring or connections if necessary.
  • Visually inspect the defroster grid for any visible breaks or damage to the conductive elements embedded in the glass.
  • If you notice any breaks or damage, consider replacing the rear window glass or having the defroster mesh repaired by a specialist.
  • If the fuse, wiring. and grille are in good condition but the defroster still doesn’t work, check the car window heater relay or defroster switch for problems.

Note: The performance of the rear window defroster can be affected if the car battery is weak or doesn't provide enough electrical power. A weak or discharged battery may cause it to stop working altogether or reduce its heat output. Therefore, it's crucial to make sure that the car battery is in good working condition and properly charged for the component to work effectively. If you suspect that your car battery is causing a faulty defroster, it's advisable to have the battery tested and perhaps buy car batteries online if necessary to ensure optimal electrical performance.

Rear window heater maintenance

Maintaining your defroster involves simple but essential steps to ensure its continued effectiveness. Cleaning both inside and outside of the rear window regularly can prevent dirt build-up and ensures that it works properly when you need it most.

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