Rear window defroster fuse

[tommarbru]

2013 Le - Some have reported rear window explosions when engaging defroster and also recommended removing defroster fuse. In scouring my manual as well as fuse box, I find no clear description of which fuse this is. Any hints as to number in fuse block? Thanks

[SRT BILL]

2013 Le - Some have reported rear window explosions when engaging defroster and also recommended removing defroster fuse. In scouring my manual as well as fuse box, I find no clear description of which fuse this is. Any hints as to number in fuse block? Thanks

It has been posted that the #20 fuse, pink 30amp, middle row 3rd from top near cable is the correct one. Have not done this yet myself.

[blingnoring]

I have a 14 gts and used my rear defroster a few times. So its recommended we take the fuse out and don't use the defroster?

[BlknBlu]

if you used it once then your good, was a recall on 13's where the defroster imploded the rear glass almost as soon as it was turned on.

Bruce

[BlknBlu]

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...ight=defroster

Bruce

[Policy Limits]

It appears that nothing else is tied into the fuse. Is that correct?

[Bruce H.]

Why not just have the recall done and know it's okay rather than pulling fuses like it can't be fixed? You can also examine the hatch yourself to see if the carbon fiber is close enough to the defroster wiring to potentially cause a short.

[Policy Limits]

I believe the glass explosion has occurred in all 5 model years of the 5th generation

[Jack B]

Why not just have the recall done and know it's okay rather than pulling fuses like it can't be fixed? You can also examine the hatch yourself to see if the carbon fiber is close enough to the defroster wiring to potentially cause a short.

I believe the recall started with a dealer inspection, therefore, a quasi/gray recall.

[cubeman]

I believe the glass explosion has occurred in all 5 model years of the 5th generation

Correct, 16' ACR-E's have had it "explode". All that needs to be done is the gapping checked on the carbon and defroster wires.

[ViperGeorge]

Correct, 16' ACR-E's have had it "explode". All that needs to be done is the gapping checked on the carbon and defroster wires.

There is a TSB out on Gen 5 winged cars for this very issue.

[ACR Steve]

Mine exploded onto my buddys SLS Black Series at 85 mph- I still have glass in my car every time I vacuum, Fix is basically a rubber patch the put between the carbon fiber and electrical contacts.

Its a nightmare getting a dealer to replace the glass I shipped mine to Prefix - word tho the wise take the fuse out

[ViperSRT]

Anyone have a picture to show how to protect between carbon fiber and the wires? Dealer visit isn't in the cards.

[Rare Snake]

I have to laugh at just pulling the fuse. Push the damn button while parts are still available. It was one of the first things I did.

We bought Vipers. We take risks.

[CNU_Physics]

Anyone have a picture to show how to protect between carbon fiber and the wires? Dealer visit isn't in the cards.

I would like a picture of this as well. Only pictures I've seen so far here are blurry and difficult to see how we are supposed to fix it. I took mine to the dealership last year and they wouldn't do the fix since it was just a bulletin not a recall.

[Bruce H.]

I have to laugh at just pulling the fuse. Push the damn button while parts are still available. It was one of the first things I did.

We bought Vipers. We take risks.

Exactly...now can we move on to discuss owners who are afraid to drive theirs for fear of the engine blowing?

[CNU_Physics]

To say it's ok that this happens because its a Viper is ridiculous. Rear defrosters have been in cars, functioning as they should, for decades in vehicles. It's a stupid issue.

That being said I'd rather just fix this myself since the dealership is being annoying here, so I need a good picture of this tape fix. I'd rather not break the back window because parts are available, cleaning broken glass is a giant pain. There is always a hidden piece that you missed while cleaning, waiting to slice your hand up.

[Steve M]

To say it's ok that this happens because its a Viper is ridiculous. Rear defrosters have been in cars, functioning as they should, for decades in vehicles. It's a stupid issue.

That being said I'd rather just fix this myself since the dealership is being annoying here, so I need a good picture of this tape fix. I'd rather not break the back window because parts are available, cleaning broken glass is a giant pain. There is always a hidden piece that you missed while cleaning, waiting to slice your hand up.

Agreed on the first part...cycling the defroster should have been a part of every pre-delivery inspection before a Viper left the showroom floor, especially once they realized it was a problem (which was years ago at this point). There also seems to be some confusion about whether or not it was a TSB vs. a recall. Many people in this thread have called it a "recall", but to the best of my knowledge, this was a technical service bulletin only. Those are two very different things. My experience with TSBs is that dealers will try to wiggle their way out of dealing with a TSB any way they can. If your car is out of warranty, a TSB really does you no good since neither Dodge nor the dealer are under any obligation to pay for the fix, even if it is a manufacturing defect. As warranties run out and parts become scarce, this is going to become a much bigger issue IMO.

I'm sure you've read through this thread already:

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...efroster-Issue

According to that one, it seems like the tape will only work if the gap is large enough.

[CNU_Physics]

That's exactly right and how it was explained to me when I went to have it fixed at the dealership. It is a service bulletin, not a recall.

[BSLSK]

This is an issue with F150's as well. I believe the only way to get the manufacturer to change it to a recall is to report every occurence to the NHTSA.

[The Neighbor]

Attached are the instructions according to RRT 14-056 to protect the rear window defroster wires from contacting the carbon fiber. The dealership will most likely do just this if you bring your Viper to them. I just bought the tape and did it myself.

The Mopar anti-squeak tape that is mentioned is the same as UHMW tape and can be purchased here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00823J7E2..._d3arEb3TFXSVG

This fix takes about 5 minutes, if that, and whether you have a gap or not, it is good insurance to do this.
I hope this information helps.

[inquirer86]

Attached are the instructions according to RRT 14-056 to protect the rear window defroster wires from contacting the carbon fiber. The dealership will most likely do just this if you bring your Viper to them. I just bought the tape and did it myself.

The Mopar anti-squeak tape that is mentioned is the same as UHMW tape and can be purchased here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00823J7E2..._d3arEb3TFXSVG

This fix takes about 5 minutes, if that, and whether you have a gap or not, it is good insurance to do this.
I hope this information helps.

Thank you, will probably be doing this over the wknd.