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Rear defrost isn't working well

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Trekker, Mar 1, 2021.

  1. Mar 1, 2021 at 9:37 PM
    #1
    Trekker

    Trekker [OP] Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2020
    Member:
    #15732
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    Vehicle:
    1997 3rz 5spd
    I got the defrost on the rear window working, it was completely non-functional before. I notice that of the 12 or so lines that make up the heating element for the back window, only 3 of them work.

    There are 2 near the bottom that work and one tear the top that works, the rest fail to clear fog at all. On closer inspection one of the heating wires was actually rusting! I didn't see rust on any other heating wire, but I assume that the heating wires are all suffering from a loss in continuity somewhere along their length.

    Is there anyway to restore these heating wires? Would those defrost repair kits work?
     
  2. Mar 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM
    #2
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Patrick
    OREGON
    Vehicle:
    1999 4Runner, bone stock
    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    Here's the How-To from the FSM. Hope it helps.

    Good luck! It's a tedious process, but it works well.
    Pat☺
     
    Trekker[OP] likes this.
  3. Mar 2, 2021 at 4:33 PM
    #3
    Trekker

    Trekker [OP] Regular Member

    Joined:
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    1997 3rz 5spd
    Ok thanks. Thats helpful
     
  4. Mar 3, 2021 at 4:50 AM
    #4
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 New Member

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    When all else fails put a bat through the wear window and get it replaced. :D
     
    PhantomTweak likes this.
  5. Mar 3, 2021 at 10:10 PM
    #5
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2019
    Member:
    #12402
    Messages:
    1,224
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Patrick
    OREGON
    Vehicle:
    1999 4Runner, bone stock
    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    The thing is, bats are just, in general, too small and light to put through the back window. They mostly just kinda go SQUISH against the glass.
    Now, if you like eating bats, smashing them on the rear window will kill them, but kinda ruins the meat.
    :der: :devil: :laugh: :wave:
    Sorry, I couldn't resist...
    Pat☺
     

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