I've never had to reattach a tab before, I am sure it is easy, but I'm still going to post this in hopes it helps others some day as well.


So, on my 2006 Grand Prix'* top of the window/centered rear windows tab came off, what is the best way to reattach it?
I see this stuff..
Permatex 21351 Electrically Conductive Rear Window Defogger Tab Adhesive

The grid where it attaches seems fine.
Does any of the old adhesive need removing, or the area cleaned in any certain way?

I see they list directions for the product.
They are as follows.. Pretty straight forward..

Important: Read Instructions Carefully.

Repair Only at temperatures between 50°F and 75°F (10°C and 24°C).

1- Ensure rear defogger unit is turned off. Carefully remove wire from tab.

2- Ensure tab is flat and makes complete contact with mounting surface.

3- Open Cleaner/Activator Towelette by pulling both sides of protective packet at the point at the top of package. Fold packet back to use. Towelette is attached to packet, do not remove.

4- Apply activator to lead attachment area on window and tab. Allow activator to dry for 5 minutes. Do Not Touch mounting surface of glass or tab.

5- Thoroughly knead the adhesive pouch until the adhesive is of uniform beige color. If pouch is not kneaded fully, you will not get the intended results. Cut top of pouch. Apply one drop of adhesive to center of mounting area.

6- Immediately apply tab to rear window; hold firmly in place for 1 minute. Allow 24 hours to cure before re-attaching wire or activating defogger.

Note: Do not mount tab on the same grid area if the grid has been removed from the glass. There must be grid so that a complete circuit can be made.

Pretty straight forward...
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I also see this product by Frost Fighter that says GM approved, and it gets good ratings, but it is pricey...

Oh yeah, I am guessing I could use a heat gun to carefully warm the area up before applying the adhesive?
I don't expect to see many days 50F until next Spring.

There'* a kit that glass guys use to rough up then clean the surface before applying the adhesive that holds the tabs on. Those usually work well enough.

Thanks, I'll look for something like a 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper.
I think that should do ok.

Those tabs are soldered in in the factory right?
I'm good with soldering, but I'm sure getting the solder to flow right for the tab is probably a pain.

They are glued in with some kind of magic goo. Get the kit, it will have everything you need. It'* a little all-in-one disposable kit, not something super expensive. Last one I bought was like eight years ago or I'd have a current recommendation for you.

Ahh ok, I'll go for the kit, it will be like 48.00 total, but it gets good reviews, and it has sand paper and all.
Plus the high silver content in it should make for better electrical conductivity.
Thanks for the replies.

Just had a thought, most of the time there are two tabs, one on each side, but this one is at the top center of my window, I wonder where the other contact is, I'll look tomorrow.

I see this kit says it works also, but some ratings are iffy, I'd try it if I already had the sandpaper, but I'm still leaning towards the expensive stuff, I don't want to have to do the job twice...
This is the cheap permatex stuff..

I'd pay extra for the good kit. Besides, they show a single unit of this cheap kit for $13.39 and a 6-pack for $102.59 :




I learned math in one of the more infamous school districts, but $13.39 * 6 = $80.34 . . . so what are they trying to pull here? That by itself gives me the eebie jeebies about this seller. Even at the supposedly pre-discount price of $15.99 , this 6-pack is over 6.9% more expensive.

What I am almost sure is my defrost tab has came off of the window.
I was going to soldier it back on, but I looked at it closer and seen it is like a rounded plastic housing with the wire made onto this tab, it looks like a rounded magnet that mounts to the window.
I cannot find info or any pics showing this unusual defroster tab..
Has anybody ever seen one off these, and or fixed it?

I will try to get pics tomorrow...

Damn, I just remembered I started a thread about this tab not long ago, I should have used that, my bad.
Somebody can combine them if they want, I would appreciate it.

I got some pics, it was hard to get pics off the grid part it attaches to because it is bright and sunny...

Having that plastic shroud on it eliminates me soldiering it....





Rear top of Window, looks to hook to defroster grid.