Heated rear window fails to work

[Paul Narramore]

Yes it's the cold damp weather in January and as expected the rear window is misted up in the mornings and the electrical heating doesn't work. I have checked the element using a small lead with a bulb and can see the area of the fault even though it's not visible. I think it was Mr Reno who told me that few of the heated windows actually work these days. I know that repair kits are available but are they any good? The adverts seem to show nice broad elements whilst the element on the R4 is minutely thin. A waste of money or worth trying?

Anyone remember those 'double glazing panels' that people used to fit to their rear windows>

 

[reidalpine]

Hi there Paul.theres a kit (tiny bottle) you can buy to mask and paint new elements on to the glass.
can't remember what it was called,you can also buy "liquid silver" meant for getting best poss.conduc-
tivety on connectors speaker and signal-cables on hi-fi equipment

Those plastic thingies seems hardly worth it as they are not clear enough to see through properly.
-I have a small fan mounted on a (inner!c",) roof-profile that makes enough circulation so rear-window
keeps nice and clear. -Reid.

 

[malcolm]

If it is misting on the inside try one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/DEHUMIDIFIER-REUSABLE-MOISTURE-ABSORBER-EATER/dp/B00AZZB5UY I use them in the winter for my cars, especially the modern one full of sensitive electronics inside. If you have two one can be drying on a radiator while the other is in the car.

 

[benchseat]

Beware if you buy a new one. I did so recently. It works wonderfully well but takes so much more current than its predecessor that the dashboard switch melted! I now use it in 30-second bursts only, which are short enough to keep the switch cool. Two of these are sufficient to clear any misting/frost.

 

[reidalpine]

in addition-your 4L should always be tucked in nicely with own duvee and own cozy-cloth..
should not be alloved to play outside when cold and damp.... -Reid.

 

[Paul Narramore]

Ah but my garage houses the 2CV, which I must get around to selling on. Thanks for the tips Peeps. I of course know of the painted on stuff to repair the elements but never heard of the dehumidifier.

(Later) Pair of dehumidifiers ordered!

 

[Piet]

I recommend the conductive silver paint- we used to use it in our lab at work and I was allowed to borrow it occasionally- fixed the heated screens on a Renault 16 and a Peugeot 505- no problem!

 

[JonathanT]

Renault Reborn did have a surplus heated rear screen they were selling .

Get in touch with Simon Pocklington

 

[petak]

I have repalired rear demister with silver conductive paint.

Look details here in my topic page 9. Pictures included.
http://www.renault4.co.uk/forum/threads/what-have-i-done-r4-gtl.3996/page-9

 

[Paul Narramore]

Malcolm, I went out to the car this morning and cleared off the snow. Guess what? The pair of dehumidifiers sat there on the rear parcel shelf, the crystals had gone from yellow to green, and the windows were steamed up as per usual. I just don't think they are up to the job. In their defence, the car STILL has a bloody leak from around the wind screen with an egg cup of water in the drivers footwell. Maybe in a dry car, they do work. I shall try the repair kit now.

On the plus side, we live on a private road and on a steep hill. An inch of snow and only the Range/Land Rover Brigade can get off the estate. I reversed our BMW118d into the road and it just sat there with it's wheels spinning. Even activating the special (Diff lock switch?) she wouldn't budge. Parked up the Beemer then got in the R4. After a bit of slithering, off she went like a good 'un. Good girl, Renée ;-)