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Dorothy

Member Since: 14 Sep 2020
Location: Rotherfield
Posts: 18

2001 Defender 110 Td5 HT Blenheim Silver

Rear Heated Window / High Level Brake Light - Electrics

Yep, me again!

A few issues with the rear heated Masai glass and high level brake light. Seller forgot to mention those too...

I decided to strip down and have a look, not knowing how the high level brake light functions. Initially I found a dud bulb, delighted. Then alas I found that neither of the two tabs were affixed to the window contacts. some evidence of failed solder attempts.

Not sure whether there is enough contact in place to reaffix these? Soldering wasn't happening so I assume I must use some conductive epoxy? If the tabs won't play ball could I just solder the wire direct to a good portion?

There is a side tab disconnected too, which will means rubber trim removal to access. Being Masai, the 'I'll replace the glass is a bit more complicated'.

Another option could be an LED high level brake light wired directly. No idea how the brake lights works in conjunction with the window elements

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge 2001 Defender Special Vehicles TD5 Hardtop (Ex Scottish an Southern) Side Lockers, Side Hatches - Poorly chassis and bulkhead. (SORNd)
2013 Defender Puma Utility XS

18th Apr 2024 9:30am

bankz5152

Member Since: 02 Feb 2017
Location: South London/North Kent
Posts: 2075

Bypass the heated screen and run cable directly to the lower brakelight on that side. Much more robust solution I dont know why anyone thought using the heater element for the high level brake was a good idea. Instagram @defender_ventures
Empire Tuning - Agent

18th Apr 2024 10:11am

jcw

Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 150

2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Stornoway Grey

I’ve tried soldering those connector tabs to the conductive film on the glass and failed to get any kind of joint between the two, despite being fairly competent generally in soldering. The film just pulls away from the glass with any heat applied.

As suggested above, I decided to run the high level brake wiring via a separate twin core cable, hidden behind the rubber seal and connected directly to the loom behind the door casing.

Luckily the heated glass connectors towards the bottom were all ok, so connected these up using the existing loom connectors.

18th Apr 2024 10:17am

Dorothy

Member Since: 14 Sep 2020
Location: Rotherfield
Posts: 18

Thanks chaps. That is clearly the simplest solution. Bewilderingly dreadful design... (AGAIN). 2001 Defender Special Vehicles TD5 Hardtop (Ex Scottish an Southern) Side Lockers, Side Hatches - Poorly chassis and bulkhead. (SORNd)
2013 Defender Puma Utility XS

18th Apr 2024 10:56am

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