DEFROST CABLE BROKE OFF REAR LIFT

[123schmoo]

My ford service dept sucks and they’re very lazy. I noticed my defrost cable detached from the glass and they immediately said ford won’t pay for it…and it’s not covered..and it would cost $1500?! I told them no way it’s obviously a soldering issue if it can just come off? I haven’t touched it obviously and only lifted the gate glass a couple of times since I owned it. The guy kept saying it won’t be covered. How is this possible and has anyone else dealt with it? I’m not paying for a product fault and def not $1500.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

My ford service dept sucks and they’re very lazy. I noticed my defrost cable detached from the glass and they immediately said ford won’t pay for it…and it’s not covered..and it would cost $1500?! I told them no way it’s obviously a soldering issue if it can just come off? I haven’t touched it obviously and only lifted the gate glass a couple of times since I owned it. The guy kept saying it won’t be covered. How is this possible and has anyone else dealt with it? I’m not paying for a product fault and def not $1500.

Frost Fighter Defroster Tab and Connector Replacements

Troubleshoot and repair automotive rear window defrosters, fix defroster tabs

frostfighter.com

A suggestion: If you post your year, make, and model - it would help others who may have specific information for certain years or models.

Also - this topic was recently discussed and a quick search would have revealed some good solutions.

 

[Bmac1955]

I live in area that doesn't get frost plus it's kept in the garage. To not have this problem I have unplugged the connector on both sides. Although I have read a post on repairs for the connector to the grid on the glass if a failure has happened.

 

[GlennSullivan]

If your truck is still under factory warranty, Insist on them fixing it or replacing the rear glass. I had the same issue with my Tahoe, went round and round with the dealer and they finally replaced the rear glass.

If not under warranty, look up the other posts on here on same subject and fix it yourself.

 

[DanBeauvais]

No soldering involved! Use electrically conductive adhesive, made for this purpose. https://a.co/d/1El0CBm
And get a new tab. https://a.co/d/1hIzstJ
I used a dremel tool to grind down the little nibs on the glass side of the tabs to insure good adhesion. I used 400 sandpaper to slightly scuff the edge of the grid near where the old tab stuck. Then followed the adhesive instructions. Works great! Super easy! I did this on my 18 XLT.

 

[jera0005]

I tried the electrically conductive adhesive, but it didn't hold. I bought a soldering iron and some solder. Fixed in 5 mins. It has held for two years now.

 

[Boobarf]

I finally had that exact issue (defroster cable connector pulled off from the left window) repair completed on my 2023 Expedition XLT. It took a year plus of going back and forth to the dealer until finally they got to the correct person at Ford. They authorized the repair (had to replace the entire window assembly) and fully covered under warranty. Fortunately, we live in Central TX, so I didn’t need the rear window defroster, but no way was I going to not have it repaired at Ford’s cost. Good luck.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

My ford service dept sucks and they’re very lazy. I noticed my defrost cable detached from the glass and they immediately said ford won’t pay for it…and it’s not covered..and it would cost $1500?! I told them no way it’s obviously a soldering issue if it can just come off? I haven’t touched it obviously and only lifted the gate glass a couple of times since I owned it. The guy kept saying it won’t be covered. How is this possible and has anyone else dealt with it? I’m not paying for a product fault and def not $1500.

What have you resolved with the matter?

 

[123schmoo]

My ford service dept sucks and they’re very lazy. I noticed my defrost cable detached from the glass and they immediately said ford won’t pay for it…and it’s not covered..and it would cost $1500?! I told them no way it’s obviously a soldering issue if it can just come off? I haven’t touched it obviously and only lifted the gate glass a couple of times since I owned it. The guy kept saying it won’t be covered. How is this possible and has anyone else dealt with it? I’m not paying for a product fault and def not $1500.

It’s a 2021 expedition

 

[123schmoo]

Frost Fighter Defroster Tab and Connector Replacements

Troubleshoot and repair automotive rear window defrosters, fix defroster tabs

frostfighter.com

A suggestion: If you post your year, make, and model - it would help others who may have specific information for certain years or models.

Also - this topic was recently discussed and a quick search would have revealed some good solutions.

It’s a expedition 2021 thank you

 

[123schmoo]

If your truck is still under factory warranty, Insist on them fixing it or replacing the rear glass. I had the same issue with my Tahoe, went round and round with the dealer and they finally replaced the rear glass.

If not under warranty, look up the other posts on here on same subject and fix it yourself.

Sadly it just ran out but I have extended warranty…I’m more angry that the guy didn’t even want to look at it and literally blamed me for it ‘breaking’ I mean how? How could I possibly break it off? Pretty sure they don’t make as much money on warranty’s

 

[123schmoo]

No soldering involved! Use electrically conductive adhesive, made for this purpose. https://a.co/d/1El0CBm
And get a new tab. https://a.co/d/1hIzstJ
I used a dremel tool to grind down the little nibs on the glass side of the tabs to insure good adhesion. I used 400 sandpaper to slightly scuff the edge of the grid near where the old tab stuck. Then followed the adhesive instructions. Works great! Super easy! I did this on my 18 XLT.

And the defroster works fine? That’s awesome I will look into that thank you.