Derrick9196

Hello.

So earlier last summer, I changed my hatch shocks because the hatch needs to stay up to pass safety where I live. I ended up using Jeep Wrangler shocks. I don't remember what year I used, but I followed the thread that was posted on here a while ago.
The rear defrost worked earlier in the winter, but now doesn't work anymore. The red light on the switch doesn't come on either. I was going to switch the end caps on the old shocks to the Wrangler shocks, but I didn't end up doing that because the Wrangler shocks had the tabs so the wire could plug in anyways. A little after that, my rear wiper stopped working. It used to work sometimes, but like kind of stutter? If that makes sense? Now it just doesn't work. It's stuck in the bottom position. I've checked fuses, and they're fine.
I don't think the two are related, but just though I should mention that.
I appreciate any help.
Thank you.

944Time

I did the same thing! Replaced my shocks with the Jeep ones.
And then I discovered the same problem as you.

What I ended up doing is wiring bypass wires so the shock does not carry the defrost grid current.
Because the stock shocks are conductive, the replacements are not.

The defroster light should still light up tho. And the rear wiper has nothing to do with this.

pfarah7

Rear strut with connector for defroster...

Derrick9196

Should i put back in the old shocks? Just for ease? I don't care if the hatch stays open; I barely use it. I do need my rear defroster though. I live in Canada (the prairies) and it gets really cold here. Ice freezers on the rear window constantly. How easy was it to bypass the wires for the defrost grid? I hate doing electrical, in any car, haha.
My light does not come on, which I also thought was weird, which is why I checked the fuses.
Since you've done the same thing as me, I'll love to know what your opinion is on me changing back to the old shocks or bypassing the defrost grid current.
I appreciate you reply alot.
Thank you.

mahoney944

Maybe order working replacements from 944online.com

Derrick9196

i had no idea 944online had those, and I frequent that website often.
Thank you.

Tiger03447

Whatever you do be REALLY careful with the defroster tab. If it comes unglued from the glass, you must use an electrical conductive epoxy to put it back on with. Most have a heavy silver content and are EXPENSIVE for what you get..AND they don't stick worth a hoot. They take a long time to cure as well and getting any type of tape or clamp on them is a real time waster...at least while the back hatch is installed..Let me know how you fare in all this..Thanks.

944Time

>Whatever you do be REALLY careful with the defroster tab.

I soldered a wire to where the tab came off. It has held up for decades.