Honda CRX silhouetteCRX

Rear Window Defogger - Function Test / Defogger Wire Repair

16-131prose procedure

Function Test

  1. 1
    Check for voltage between the positive terminal and body ground with the ignition switch and the defogger switch ON. There should be battery voltage.
    Rear window defogger grid viewed from the rear, showing the horizontal heating wires with the positive terminal on the left side and negative terminal on the right side, and a dashed centerline.
  2. 2
    Check for continuity between the negative terminal and body ground. If no continuity, check for open in the defogger ground wire.
  3. 3
    Lightly touch the voltmeter positive probe to the center of each defogger wire, and the negative probe to the negative terminal. There should be approximately 6 V with the ignition switch and the defogger switch ON.

Defogger Wire Repair

  1. 1
    Lightly rub area around the break with the fine steel wool, then clean with alcohol.
  2. 2
    Carefully mask above and below the broken portion defogger wire with cellophane tape.
    Close-up of a broken defogger wire showing the open break, the broken portion, and cellophane tape masked above and below the break.
  3. 3
    Using a small brush, apply heavy coat of silver conductive paint extending about 1/8 in. on both sides of the break. Allow 30 minutes to dry.
    NOTE: Throughly mix paint before use.
    Applying silver conductive paint with a small brush over the break, with a magnified inset of the repaired wire section.
  4. 4
    Check for proper operation with a voltmeter (approximately 6 V at the mid-point).
  5. 5
    Apply a second coat of paint in the same manner. Dry 3 hours before removing tape.
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