rbailey3711

I added text to you picture. You need to reattach the contacts in your right hand to the slider. If you can get the plastic piece off of the contacts in your right hand, those metal pieces touching your right thumb. Those need to be re-soldered to the vertical silver looking bars on the slider.

Rockjock3

Wrap a credit card with sandpaper and easy-peasy.

Ynot4me2

When I did mine a while back I only sanded and cleaned the driver side as I was able to un snap the contact cover and re-swap into place. I'm now really curious to see if your project on the slider side will worked. Keep us posted. Like I've said before, I couldn't care less about the defroster working on my rear window since my mirror defroster is still working. I just want my dash indicator light back.

FX4EchoScrew

So i soldered it back using a soldering gun. took about 5 mins per tab after unsnapping the plastic piece. Well for some reason i pushed the defrost button, the light flashed and no longer works. I checked the contacts with a meter. They pass current with 0 resistance. I open and closed the window and watched the meter open and close. So that circuit works fine. No sure what to look at next. I have replaced the relay a few days ago. I will play with it again tonight. I wonder if there is a bad section in the grid?

rbailey3711

My window section that wasn't working was the driver's side. If you check the voltage to ground on the slider, with the slider closed, and the switched closed on the dash you should read 12VDC. Way back in this thread there are a couple of schematics inserted that will show you how each section of the window is connected. Also, with the light not working, the heated mirrors should still work. If you open the slider and check the voltage at the two contacts on the driver's side window to ground, if memory serves the upper contact to ground is the passenger side and the lower to ground is the driver's side. At the connection behind the passenger seat, the resistance for the circuit is around 398 ohms, with the slider closed. Again, some of what I just said is back in the previous comments for this thread. Hope this helps.

rbailey3711

Just wanted to add that the posts for this thread with the schematic and pictures are #46 and #72.

Kyle Lopez

So I just bought a 2013 FX4 and when I try out the Rear Defroster, the light doesn't come on and nothing heats up. Had no idea this didn't work when I bought it. Didn't think to test it.

I have done the open/close on window. Nothing changed.

Should I just take it to a dealer?

Hammer65

On many post about this, the mirrors still will defrost. Mine does.

Ynot4me2

I would since the only fix seems to be replacing the entire rear window. About $1,200 here in Canada. I've been having this same problem for over a year and haven't found an easy fix. But, my mirror still defrost even if the dash light doesn't come on.

rbailey3711

Did you get a warranty when you bought the truck? If you are handy with a meter and can check to see if your contacts are dirty on the slider and driver's side window, you could make sure it isn't just a cleaning it needs. There are previous posts that have the schematics and pictures of the contacts.
Otherwise, take it to your Ford Dealer and see what they say. Ask for the number for their Ford Rep, especially if they want to charge you over $400. I had no warranty and was able to get mine replaced for $386 plus tax.