rear defogger not working

[CaeSly]

Hello All,
I've had an ongoing problem with my rear defogger intermittently not working. Amber light comes on, fuse and relay are fine (I replaced anyway). I do not have any electric current across the rear window. No scratches or obvious break in the wire. Does anybody know where the plug/harness is that routes back to the rear defogger? I haven't found answers on this forum. Searching the problem abroad I've seen that others have experienced this issue and discovered it was a bad/burnt "plug" under the carpet or behind a pillar somewhere. Has anyone experienced this and might know where this plug is for the sonic? Thanks in advance.

 

[Natesriv]

hmmmm...I guess trace it back. There's a plastic surround on the rear hatch which comes off (with carefuly prying, make sure you don't force it too much...some clips are actually directional)...just to see if there's a disconnect there...

Guys?

 

[CaeSly]

Thanks. I should've specified this is on the sedan, not the hatch. I plan on tracing if need be, was hoping not to have to. It was hard enough pulling back the rear window pillars to test the voltage. However, it's at the point where I may have to spend a Saturday fixing this, or take it to the dreaded dealership..

 

[Natesriv]

ohhhhhh... then I'd doubt it's there as there's no reason to suspect vibration caused a disconnect.

 

[CaeSly]

I tackled the issue last night and it was easier to diagnose than I thought. My passenger side tab was loose and broke off the grid with a tap of a finger. That was the reason behind the issue being "intermittent". Before, I just pulled back the pillars to attach alligator clips to each tab and did not notice it being loose. Lesson learned. I was able to solder the tab back on the grid and all is well.

Others who read this: if you discover a broken defogger tab and are not comfortable soldering it back on, search "window defogger repair kit". Most automotive stores carry a kit which uses a conductive epoxy to glue the tab back to the window. Don't use conventional superglue. Always check the fuse and relay in the engine fuse box. Search "how to test an automotive relay" if you have never done that before.

 

[Natesriv]

Wait , so my 1st suggestion was correct ?