Heated Window Grid Wire Repair

Fig 1: Material Specification 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: Repairing Inoperative Grid Wires Using Rear Window Defroster Repair

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 and 0000 steel wool.
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 gride break. The break area should be at the center of the mask.

Fig 4: Masking Area
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: If both the brown and silver layer of the grid are broken or missing, apply a coating of the brown touch-up paint across the break in the grid line first. Do not overlap the silver grid line with the brown paint. Several applications may be necessary to achieve a color match.

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

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

Fig 5: Applying Grid Repair Compound

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply the repair coating to the grid break area in several smooth, continuous strokes.
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 no 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.