Heated Window Grid Wire Repair: Material

Fig 1: Material Speechification Chart

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: A single break or any breaks which exceed 25 mm (1 inch) in one grid cannot be repaired. Install a new rear window glass.

NOTE: If the first layer of the heated rear window grid (brown) is damaged or missing, it will be necessary to apply touch-up paint on the glass prior to applying the silver rear window defroster repair.

Fig 2: Identifying Grid Wires Breaking

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Repair any inoperative grid wires using rear window defroster repair.
Bring the vehicle up to room temperature of at least 16° C (60° F) or above.
Clean the entire grid line repair area with a non-alcohol based window cleaner.
Mark the location of the grid break on the exterior of the rear window glass.

Fig 3: Marking Location Of Grid Break On Exterior Of Rear Window Glass
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using cellulose tape, mask the area directly above and below the grid break. The break area should be at the center of the mask.

Fig 4: Masking Area Directly Above And Below Grid Break Using Cellulose Tape
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: If the brown layer is not broken or missing, apply only the silver grid repair compound to the break.

NOTE: Allow at least five minutes of drying time between applications.

Fig 5: Applying Repair Coating To Grid Break Area

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply the repair coating to the grid break area in several smooth, continuous strokes. Extend the repair coating at least 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) on both sides of the break area.

NOTE: If both the brown and silver layers of the grid are broken or missing, apply a coating of the brown touch-up paint across the break area first. Several applications may be necessary to achieve a color match.

NOTE: Extend the repair coating at least 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) on both sides of the break area.

Fig 6: Applying Applications Of Grid Repair Compound

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply three applications of the grid repair compound.
After five minutes or after the repair area has dried completely, remove the mask.

CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the grid line with the razor blade. If this occurs, additional repair may be necessary.

Remove any excess repair compound above or below the grid line with a razor blade.

NOTE: The repair coating will air-dry in approximately one minute and can be energized within three minutes.

NOTE: Optimum adhesion occurs after approximately 24 hours.

After optimum hardness is achieved, clean the repaired area with a non-alcohol based window cleaner.