GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

It is just lately that we have had noticeable frost in the morning. My wife who uses our 05 Vibe commented yesterday that she could see from the pattern of defrost in the rear hatch window that two of the heat strips/wires (or whatever they are called) were not heating. What is involved in getting this right? Does one need to replace the whole back window or is their an easier fix? This Vibe is still under extended warranty.

No need to replace the glass unless you are a tad (removed) and a repair is unacceptable.Is if covered by warranty? Maybe check it out.It isn't hard to fix, all you need is a voltage / ohm meter and check each grid.You might even be able to see the break, it happens due to carelessness about loading the car. If you load something that touches the glass and it rubs over many miles it will wear away the metal and create a break in the grid. Now you haven't a complete circuit and you have a non functioning line.Repair kits are available at any good auto supply store, they are cheap, just follow the directions.Dave

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Is if covered by warranty? Maybe check it out.Thanks for the reply Dave.I am for sure hoping that it is covered under our GMPP.

Quote, originally posted by 21Rouge »Thanks for the reply Dave.I am for sure hoping that it is covered under our GMPP. It may not be consider a defect but rather abuse. It doesn't just happen as I mentioned, it is caused by the owner.Not unlike a dent or scratch on the body.Dave

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »It may not be consider a defect but rather abuse. It doesn't just happen as I mentioned, it is caused by the owner.Not unlike a dent or scratch on the body.DaveSo if I look carefully I should be able to see evidence of the 'abuse'?

Yep, look at the wire / wires that aren't defogging very carefully, you'll see a break in the wire.In the future carry a blanket in the car. It is good for those chilly days, when your passenger wants to "snuggle" and also extremely good for impromptu romantic evenings or impulsive picnic with your significant other, but will most frequently be used to throw over your cargo so as not to damage the interior of the car or the defroster grids. Dave

Go to canadian tire and buy a Defroster grid reapir kit. You simply paint over the break in the lines.

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Quote, originally posted by djkeev »It may not be consider a defect but rather abuse. It doesn't just happen as I mentioned, it is caused by the owner.Not unlike a dent or scratch on the body.DaveJust a followup.I dropped the car off late yesterday afternoon and got a message early this morning that the defroster wires were now good. No charge (covered under GMPP)