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So I took my Tiguan in for routine maintenance for the first time since buying it used 6 months ago. I've noticed that the rear defroster doesn't work so I mentioned that to the mechanic when I dropped it off. According to him, there is some wiring that was broken or cut connecting to the defrost grid and they would need to replace the entire rear window to fix the issue at a cost of almost $900. Luckily, I live in North Carolina where the defroster is only necessary occasionally in the winter so I opted to pass on that repair.

However, as a very amateur car mechanic (I've done a few spark plugs, oxygen sensor, and other small things), it seems to me that if wiring is the only issue, there must be a cheaper way to reconnect broken/cut wiring to get this fixed for a lot cheaper than $900.

I haven't gotten the car back yet so if pictures are necessary, I can provide those later. But my question is -- does anyone have any experience with this sort of repair that could provide a cheaper alternative to replacing the entire rear window? Or should I just live without it and use a scraper when necessary?

fred_dot_u
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Steve-o169
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1 Answers1

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If it is the thin “wires” on the glass then I have had success in the past with silver conductive paint.

You have to find the breaks and clean them back to metal - I used a razor or scapel but be careful they are very very thin. Then mask each side and coat over the break. Follow the instructions for the paint.. remove the masking and test only when dry.

Tough to make look neat, especially if the window is tinted with a film...

Solar Mike
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