GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2000 🢒 Seville 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Stationary Windows 🢒 Grid Line Repair

Caution: To avoid personal injury:

   • Do not allow the repair material to come in contact with skin or eyes and avoid breathing vapors.
   • Do not use near sparks or open flame.

The Rear Defogger Repair Kit GM P/N 12346001 contains all of the materials needed in order to repair the rear window defogger grid lines. You may also use an equivalent repair material.


    Object Number: 71186 Size: SH
  1. Disconnect the battery feed at the rear window defogger system.
  2. Inspect the rear window defogger grid lines (1, 3).
  3. Use a grease pencil in order to mark the grid line breaks (2) on the outside of the window.
  4. Complete the following steps in order to prep the grid line area to be repaired:
    5. • Buff the grid line to about 6.0 mm (0.25 in) beyond each side of the break using fine steel wool.
    • Wipe the area clean using a cloth dampened with alcohol.

    Object Number: 71187 Size: SH
  5. Complete one of the following steps:
    6. • Install a grid line repair decal.
    • Install 2 strips of tape (2):
       - One positioned above the repair area
       - One positioned below the repair area.
  6. Remove the clamp from the container of the grid repair material.
  7. Thoroughly mix the hardener and silver plastic.

    8. If the hardener is crystallized, immerse the packet in hot water until the hardener liquefies.

  8. Apply the grid repair material (1) to the repair area using a small plastic paddle (3) or equivalent.
  9. Carefully remove the decal or tape.

    10. Object Number: 71188 Size: SH

    Notice: The grid line repair material must be cured with heat. To avoid heat damage to the interior trim, protect the trim near the repair area where heat is to be applied.

  10. Using a heat gun, apply heat to the repair area in the following manner:
    11. • Hold the heat gun nozzle 25 mm (1 in) from the repair surface.
    • Use a minimum temperature of 149°C (300°F).
    • Apply heat for 1-2 minutes.
  11. Inspect the grid line repair for appearance.
    12. 11.1. If the grid line appears to be discolored, apply a small amount of iodine to the grid line using a pipe cleaner or a fine brush.
    11.2. Allow the iodine to dry for at least 30 seconds.
    11.3. Carefully wipe off any excess iodine using a lint free cloth.
  12. Allow the repair area to cure undisturbed for at least 24 hours.
  13. Test the defogger operation in order to verify that the grid line is repaired.