Window Grid Wire Repair

2010 Ford Focus S, StandardSECTION Window Grid Wire Repair
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Material

Item Specification
Lacquer Touch-Up Paint
(match color to exterior grid wire) PM-19500-XXXXX or PMP-19500-XXXXX
ESR-M2P100-C
Polypropylene Film Fine Line Tape
(commercially available)
-
Rear Window Defroster Repair
PM-11 (US); CPM-11 (Canada)
-
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner
ZC-23
ESR-M14P5-A
NOTE: The grid line material is not embedded into the glass but is baked to the glass surface and consequently can be scraped off. An undamaged grid line will have small ridges that project above the surface of the glass and can easily be felt when running a fingernail across them. Grid lines that have been "razor bladed" will feel smooth when a fingernail is dragged across the affected area. Inoperative lines may appear to the eye to be undamaged due to residue remaining on the glass and will require diagnosis with a voltmeter or 12V test lamp. For additional information, refer to Diagnosis and Testing in this article.
  1. Bring the vehicle up to a room temperature of at least 16°C (60°F) or above.
  2. CAUTION: Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments or abrasive window cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window glass as this may cause damage to the grid lines.
  3. Clean the entire grid line repair area with window cleaner and 0000 steel wool to remove all dirt, wax, grease, oil or other foreign material.
  4. Mark the location of the grid break on the exterior of the rear window glass.
  5. Fig 1: Locating Grid Break
    GF0000079Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Using a polypropylene film fine line tape, mask the area directly above and below the grid break extending the tape 26 mm (1.02 in) beyond the concern area in both directions. The break area should be at the center of the mask.
  7. Fig 2: Masking Grid Break Area
    G03999677Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.