I have a defroster grid on a 94 VW golf that doesn't seem to work. I am getting 12V to the electrical attachment points and drawing 2 amps when switched on. Still it doesn't defrost or not heating things enough to defrost.
Is there some amperage it should be at or a way I can check the condition of the lines? Does age come into play with these systems?
You most like have a break along the grid. This could be as simple as a scratch that interrupts the electrical continuity. The grid is usually made up of electrically conductive paint, often gold based.
A few years back, I broke one of the metal electrical connectors for the defroster off the back window of a Miata hard top. I needed electrically conductive adhesive to repair it. As I recall, it came from Permatex.
if its drawing 2 amps something should be hot...
They have a paint at the parts stores for fixing the brocken area looks like nail polish but as stated above it conductive.
It should draw a lot more than 2 amps. I believe it is around 20.
You should be able to see broken lines, but you could do a continuity test across each line. A broken line only keeps that line from heating up.
There should also be a relay somewhere; you may want to remove it and try jumping the socket with a fused jumper wire and check the amperage again. Age should not be a factor on the grid performance. Have you tried removing the connectors to the grid to make sure there is no corrosion?
BMW sells a repair kit with the paint and stuff in it.
If you don't see a break, go down the grid wih a test light. It will go off when you hit thebreak
Permatex makes a defroster repair kit. About $13 at your local PepAdvanceZone.
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