77olds

The entire grid seems to be out.

Is this a common thing? If so, what's the usual cause?

I thought that if one grid gets damaged, the rest will still work... is it possible for the whole thing to fail if only one line gets damaged?

Donnie_K

What are you saying? A line is visually damaged?

Jamie57

Check where the wires go from the hatch to the body. I have 2 XJs where the wires to the defrost have broken right there.

77olds

That's specifically the answer I was looking for. I know that the driver's door wires can break from years of bending, so I figured it was probably the same situation here. Thanks, I'll check that today!

_StationWagon_

And there's a kit that you can buy to repair it. I did that repair some years ago on my '98.

Jamie57

Do tell! Where'd you get it. Still have to repair my 00.

_StationWagon_

Pretty much any auto parts store. This is going a few years back with the '98, but I had no trouble finding a kit & it worked. Don't remember the brand, but here's one kit and here's a link to a good repair tutorial. Just Google "rear defroster repair kit" and there's lots to choose from.

jeepcherokee99

Where do u find the wires? I have heated side mirrors also, and my driver side mirror and rear defrost are not heating up but my passenger side mirror seems to still b heating up. So where should I look for bad wires cuz iv called around and that sounds like thats the problem.

_StationWagon_

junk yard

Japple650

Hey 77olds, ever fix your rear defrost?
I just fixed mine the other day so if you need a hand let me know, I live in the area.