2006 DTS Rear Window Defroster

[Kevin M. Parkinson]

When I use the rear window defroster on my 2006 DTS the top 6 (six) lines, or about 7 inches, do not defrost.  The manual says that the AM-FM antenna is "integrated" with the rear window defogger so it seems possible that the whole window should still heat and clear. 

The service department says that area is the radio antenna and will not defrost. 

Does anyone have a similar model that can confirm the window area that clears when the rear defroster is turned on?

Kevin M. Parkinson
CLC 20216

[Dan Marinola]

I have a 2000 DHS and the top 6-7 inches do not defrost only the center section does. I think the dealer is right on this.

[Bill Hedge CLC 14424]

Kevin:

Like you, I have a 2006 DTS.   It was snowing this evening when my wife and I went out.  When we came out of the theater, the car was covered with snow.  I cleaned off the snow on my windshield and side windows and not the rear window.  When I got back into the car my wife asked why I had not cleared the rear window.  When I explained, she reluctantly agreed to get out of the warm car and into the cold snow and wind to make sure that I did not back into anything.  Long story short, the rear defroster melted all the snow off the rear window except for a strip about three to four inches wide at the top of the rear window.  My wife said that it appeared that the top four wires did not do any heating.  It appears that your dealer was right.  I hope that this information is helpful.   

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Shouldn't the Owners Manual in the Glove Box explain the operation of the Rear Window Defroster?

Bruce.

[Bill Hedge CLC 14424]

Bruce:

Are you referring to that thick manual of over 400 pages that came with the car in the glove compartment that nobody reads?   The one the that tells you how everything works?  I actually read the manual when I purchased my car.  I reviewed the manual again this morning.  At page 3-50 the manual states: “The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog or frost from the rear window”.  Other than explaining how to operate the rear defogger, that is the extent of the explanation.   This explanation does not seem to answer Kevin’s question. 

[David Smith]

I have a 2007 DTS and the top grid lines do not melt the rear ice/snow.    Just the middle ones.

What is the nicest feature is that the rear defrost automatically comes on when you use the factory remote starter when the temp is below freezing.   Now THAT is handy.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Bill,

Yes, that's the one, but 400 pages?   Boy, never seen one that big.

It must have been an oversight when it went for printing not to mention the Aerial part, as it seems like it would have solved a few peoples problems, and probably saved a bit of time at the Dealerships as well.

Bruce.

[bcroe]

If the defrost conductors are on the inside of the glass (mine are), you can check them with a voltmeter.  Ground the meter -, and you should be able to measure about half the battery voltage at the center of each span with defrost on.  Bad spans will read 0V or full battery.  If a span is bad, move the meter + along it.  Where the voltage suddenly changes is a broken (scratched) spot on that span.  There are repair kits to bridge bad spots.  After all the spots are repaired, measure the centers again to see if there might be other bad spots.  Bruce Roe CLC #14630

[Bill Hedge CLC 14424]

Bruce:

   To be a bit more precise, the manual is approximately 7.5 inches by 5 inches by .75 inches thick and contains 442 pages.   However there are lots of illustrations so it is not that bad.   

   In the daylight one can see that the top of the rear window contains a grid that has four vertical lines and four horizontal lines.  I assume that this is the aerial.  Below that grid is another larger grid that has only two vertical lines.  I assume that this is the defogger.

[Kevin M. Parkinson]

Thank you Dan, Bill, David, and Bruce.  And Bill, thank your wife for helping as well.  I almost never use the rear defrost and thought it looked odd that an area that large did not clear.  I can let that factory warranty run out (into extended this coming week) without one final use.

[Dennis DiNorcia CLC 19071]

It amazes me how helpful this board can be. Just this weekend I was out cleaning my 2006 DTS and had the same issue with my rear defroster. The top section did not heat up. I thought to myself the next time it is in for service, I will let the dealer look at it. Lo and behold, I see this posting regarding other members comments on this. Now I know it is meant to be that way. Thanks for saving me the embarrassment of arguing with the dealer about it.