I Need to Fix The Rear Defroster

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Kent10, Jun 29, 2025 at 6:49 PM.

  1. Kent10

    Kent10 Junior Member

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    I have a 2007 Prius and the rear defroster no longer works. I took it to Toyota and they said the connector has come off and needs to be put back on or the window needs to be replaced. They do not fix windows.

    I thought I would try this kit 1st and see if I could fix it myself.
    Permatex 21351 Electrically Conductive Rear Window Defogger Tab Adhesive



    I need to know how to get access to this connector. Where is it located? Do I simply pull off the side panels at the rear window? Is there one that needs to come off 1st? Any tools needed?

    Thanks very much, Kent
     
    #1 Kent10, Jun 29, 2025 at 6:49 PM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    #2 PriusCamper, Jun 29, 2025 at 8:38 PM
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I bet it's pretty visible and accessible once the hatch inside trim is pulled off. I've pulled off the hatch inside lower trim on a gen 2 (easily), the part that's behind the garnish piece that always breaks. But I don't remember if that was one piece for the whole inside of the hatch, or if other piece(s) go up the sides of the window.

    I suppose the tab adhesive might do the trick, looks like that's exactly what it's made for.

    I haven't ever reattached a tab. I did fix one or two rear defoggers with the silver paint for fixing where something scratched through one of the traces.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Jun 29, 2025 at 8:47 PM
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    The lil tang is off remove it file down pads this is important . Youcan use permatex but the real stuff is Atom you can buy on eBay it's what I use . Don't mess w glass clean pads take atom cement popsicle stick onto pad area on glass a dab on pads wait 25 or seconds apply pads of tang to glass hold a few seconds . Let stand overnight Before attempting to add wire connector done . Atom cement. Is the standard
     
    #4 Tombukt2, Jun 29, 2025 at 9:24 PM
  5. Kent10

    Kent10 Junior Member

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    Thanks PriusCamper. I'll take a look at the links.

    ChapmanF. Thanks. I'll just have to start pulling and see how it comes off. I am always worried about breaking something but it is probably quite rugged.

    Tombukt2. Thanks for the recommendation. I might just try the Atom. The Permatex gets mixed reviews. Is this the one you would recommend? Auto Glass Rear Window Defroster Defogger Grid Repair Kit -By Atom Adhesives 5g | eBay

    Thanks again, everyone. It will be nice to get this working again.
     
    #5 Kent10, Jun 30, 2025 at 1:33 AM
  6. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Atom adhesives . Clean posts w sanding whistle clean test feet pad angles dry get em flat they bend easy . that is all
     
    #6 Tombukt2, Jun 30, 2025 at 9:09 AM
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    It's an open-book test, you don't lose points for looking in the repair manual to see how many clips are holding it on and where they are:

    Toyota Service Information and Where To Find It | PriusChat

    Generally, the idea is the clips stay in the trim piece and pop out of the holes in the sheet metal.

    There are usually a few clips that get other ideas, and slip out of their notches in the trim piece and stay in their holes in the sheet metal. So then it's a matter of popping those out separately, and sticking them back into their notches in the plastic.
     
    #7 ChapmanF, Jun 30, 2025 at 9:24 AM
  8. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Yes in gen2v a scraper slips in black plastic trim the lower part the glue points are level with wiper in the corners with opaque plugs.you will see one hanging or you touch one and it loose gently rock it off .
     
    #8 Tombukt2, Jun 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
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