Heating, A/C - Defogger Connector Detaches From Glass

No: TSB-02-54-008
DATE: October, 2002
MODEL: 2001-03 Eclipse Spyder
SUBJECT:
DEFOGGER CONNECTOR TAB DETACHED FROM REAR GLASS

PURPOSE

This bulletin contains instructions for reattaching rear window defogger tabs which may
have detached from the rear glass.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The defogger terminal tab may come loose from the rear glass. In most cases the tab can
be reattached using a special conductive epoxy, eliminating the need to replace the
complete top cover.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
2001-03 Eclipse Spyder
PROCEDURE

1. Cover the rear seat back with a drop cloth.

2. Locate the detached terminal/tab and remove it from the defogger harness connector.
3. Using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, thoroughly clean the tab and the defogger grid in the
area where the terminal/tab will be reattached. If the original tab is lost or damaged, use
a new tab. The new tab has a pink solder flux for use when the tab is soldered onto the
grid during topstack production. If using a new tab, use isopropyl alcohol to clean off
this pink flux.

4. Mix the conductive epoxy using the instructions on the package.

5. Apply the mixed adhesive to the area on the defogger grid where the tab will be
reattached. In some cases, grid material may be missing and the glass visible. The grid
material may have torn loose from the grid when the tab detached. If you are mounting
the tab in the same place, make sure to apply enough epoxy adhesive to cover the hole
in the grid material completely, spreading the adhesive out around the hole so there will
be a good electric connection from the tab to the grid material.
6. Place the tab onto the adhesive. DO NOT ATTACH THE DEFOGGER WIRE AT THIS
TIME. THE ADHESIVE MUST CURE FIRST. Position the terminal so the connector
tab points away from the grid (toward the outside edge of the glass).
NOTE: If excessive grid material is missing from the glass, you may also remount the
tab at an angle or in an area of the grid where there is sufficient material.
7. Hold the tab onto the glass for at least 2 minutes so the adhesive will begin to set.
Apply a piece of masking tape over the tab to hold it securely to the glass while the
adhesive cures. The adhesive must cure for at least 4 hours before the defogger harness
wire can be reattached.
8. Remove the tape after the adhesive has cured for the required time. Check the defogger
wire harness routing to make sure there is no binding which might pull the defogger
wire or tab, then reattach the defogger wire.
9. Check the rear window defogger for proper operation (make sure the grid gets warm
when the ignition switch and defogger switch are ON).

PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION