How to Service a Rear-Window Defogger in a Honda Accord

Introduced in 1966, the rear window defogger lets you see out through the rear view mirror in cold weather and melts snow and ice from the rear window. Increasingly popular, it is now available for most cars, minivans and SUVs. Identify the problem and service the defogger in less than 30 minutes.

Instructions

Make Sure Current is Reaching the Defogger

1

Locate the fuse box to the left of the steering column. On models before 1998, the box is under the dash on the driver's side. Turn the knob on the door to open. On later models (1998-2002), the fuse box is on the two side dash panels; open the car door to access the cover, which you pull away to get to the fuses. On Accords made after 2002, the fuse box is low on the left panel, close to the emergency brake. Pull the door toward you to remove it. Remove the defogger fuse from the fuse box. Hold the fuse up to the light to check if it is broken and if so, replace.

2

Use an ohmmeter to make sure a current reaches the back window. If the ohmmeter registers current on one side of the defroster tab on the rear window and not the other, the tab may be broken. Tabs are easily knocked off and need to be reattached with an adhesive that conducts electricity. Repair kits are readily available in any car supply store.

3

Test the window side of the defroster tab with the ohmmeter to make sure current is conveyed to the grid filament area. If current reaches the window but the system will not work, the window filament has a break in it somewhere.

Fix the Filament

4

Examine the grid filament on the back window because any breaks cause the entire system to fail. From the inside of the car, start from the defroster tab and visually examine the filament for breaks.

5

Mask the broken section with masking tape. Paint with silver conductive paint to repair.

6

Check for a current on either side of the repair after waiting 10 minutes. Cure with a heat gun for 20 minutes.