Defogger Grid Lines Diagnosis

This test is for reference only. A grid line fault requires the liftgate window replacement. Refer to Liftgate Window Replacement .

1. Start the engine.
2. Activate the rear window defogger system.
3. Connect a test lamp to a good ground.
Fig 1: Identifying Defogger Grid Line Zones
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The test lamp brilliance will decrease proportionately to the increased resistance in the grid line as the probe is moved from the battery positive bus wire to the ground bus wire. The test lamp brilliance may vary from one window to another.
4. Move the test lamp probe from zone 5 to zone 1 along each grid line.
   • If the test lamp shows full brilliance at both ends of the grid lines. Inspect for an open or poor connection in the ground circuit of the rear window defogger grid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .
   Fig 2: Identifying Grid Line Test Locations
   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   • If the test lamp goes out, test the grid line in at least 2 places (1,3) to eliminate the possibility of bridging the open (2) in the grid line.