LaCrosse V6-3.8L (2009)
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A small ball of fine steel wool Type 00 or equivalent
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Optional - A strip of liquid crystal heat sensitive paper, 51 mm x 305 mm (2 in x 12 in) or similar size (Contact Edmund Scientific for part number
CR30723-70 or go to www.scientificsonline.com), or
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Optional - A portable infrared thermometer, GE-46819, available from Kent-Moore, or equivalent.
Correction
There are three distinct zones across the back window that must be checked. They are:
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the driver's side outboard of the two vertical lines
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the passenger side outboard of the two vertical lines
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the central zone that falls between the two vertical lines
To detect a broken grid line in any of the above three zones and to isolate the exact location of the break, perform the following:
Caution
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Approved safety glasses and gloves should be worn when performing this procedure to reduce the chance of personal injury.
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Cover the rear shelf area to prevent damage to the interior trim material.
1. Start the engine and turn on the back window defogger.
Important
The first place to check should be the driver side segment 2 to 3 lines up from the bottom about 380-385 mm (15-15.2 in) from the buss
bar.
2. Take the ball of fine steel wool and twist one end to a point. Move the point slowly across each grid line. Be sure to start at the far side of the zone
and move it to the opposite side of the zone. When you bridge the grid line break with the steel wool, you will see a small spark. Repeat the test
over the same area to be sure you have accurately located the break. Mark the exact location of the grid line break. Repeat this portion of the test
for each grid line. If you do not see a spark at any point, it is possible that there are two breaks in the same line and zone. Close visual inspection
using a magnifying glass may be the only way to locate breaks in this case.
3. The following are provided as a alternative way to detect a non-functional grid line. If available, use in addition to the steel wool.
1. Method using liquid crystal heat sensitive paper.
Important
The first part of the test must be completed quickly before the entire surface of the back window becomes warm.
1. From outside the vehicle, place the heat sensitive paper (dull surface in contact with the glass) against the top driver side grid line. Start the
engine and turn on the back window defogger. A distinct color change will take place at each conductive grid line. Repeat for the bottom
grid lines until they have all been checked in the driver side zone.
2. Repeat the process for the passenger side and center area zones.
3. If no color change is noted for a grid line, place a crayon or china marker check mark beside it. Mark each grid line in the zone where it is
non-conductive and therefore not heating up. More than one broken grid line may be found.
2. Method using a portable infrared thermometer.
1. Start the engine and turn on the rear back window defogger.
2. From inside the vehicle, start at the top driver side grid line and slowly run the portable infrared thermometer vertically down the rear
window contacting each grid line. You should be able to see a district variation in temperature readings.
3. Mark each grid line in the zone where it is non-conductive and, therefore, not heating up. More than one broken grid line may be found.
4. Repeat the process for the passenger side and center area zones.
4. Use Permatex Quick Grid, P/N 12346001, or equivalent, to repair each broken grid line. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Wait 24 hours before turning the defogger on, or the repair can be fast cured using a heat gun, 260°C-371°C (500°F-700°F). Hold the heat gun
within 25-51 mm (1-2 in) from the repair point for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Recheck the grid line with the heat sensitive paper or a portable infrared thermometer to ensure that the line is now functional and that the repair
was successful.
Warranty Information
