File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

08 - Body and Accessories
03-08-48-006J
December, 2014

INFORMATION
Subject:

Repair Information for Reconnection of Rear Window (Defroster) Contact or Tab

Models:

2000-2015 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks (Excluding 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe,
Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade)
Equipped With Electric Rear Window Defroster (RPO C49)

This Bulletin has been revised to update the Global Labor Code (GLC) and the Models
section and add the 2015 Model Year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number
03-08-48-006I.

Repair Suggestions
Soldering Defroster Contact Tabs
In many cases the terminal tab will still be in the connector when you examine the vehicle. For 2007-2014 Chevrolet
Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade vehicles (with moveable glass), always replace the defroster
tab (GM P/N 25916031) and the defroster electrical power connector (P/N 12034110). For all other vehicles,
reconnect the original defroster tab.
In most applications it is preferable to create a new solder connection to reattach a separated rear defroster tab. If
you take note of the steps below, it is possible to create a new solder joint that is equal to, or stronger than, the
original. The generic procedure below is not very time intensive, but does include minor preparation work to create a
good bonding surface. Be sure to follow each of the steps, as combined they will produce the strongest bond
possible. Please consider the following before attempting the repair:
• Soldering introduces significant heat to the glass window of the vehicle. When performing the re-connection of
the tab, use only the heat required to do the job. Pre-heat the soldering iron and have the solder in your other
hand, ready to go, the moment you have enough heat to melt the solder.
• If it is winter, bring the vehicle into the service garage and remove any snow from the back window area. Allow
time for the glass to warm to the temperature inside the building. Soldering creates a “hot spot” in the glass. DO
NOT solder on cold glass.
Caution: Heating the glass excessively, or repeatedly without time to cool, may result in glass breakage. ALWAYS
wear safety glasses when performing this repair!
• You MUST use a silver-bearing solder to make the connection. DO NOT attempt this repair with conventional
tin/lead alloy solders. Silver bearing solder will adhere to the electrical buss bar, making a strong and lasting
repair.
• Protect surfaces under the area to be soldered. It is very easy to drip solder when performing this repair.
Placing a shop towel under the soldering area is sufficient protection.
Soldering Procedure
1. It is imperative to remove and replace the rear defroster electrical power connector by crimping a new connector
to the feed wire. The proper connector P/N 12034110 can be found in the Packard Electrical Assortment, Tray
18, Position 5.
• Insert Delphi pick 12094430 to depress the locking tab on the terminal.
• Insert Delphi pick 12094429 to release the secondary lock tab.
Important: DO NOT re-use the existing defroster tab on new-style full-size utility vehicles with moveable glass.
2. Connect the electrical connector to the defroster tab. Fully engage the connector. An improperly seated
connector may cause excessive resistance and impede the proper operation of the defroster. Add a small bead
of solder to mate the electrical connector tab to the defroster tab.

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3. Prepare the surface of the used defroster tab (not required for new tabs on new-style full-size utility models) and
the defroster buss bar with fine grain (500 grit) sandpaper or Emery cloth. It is not necessary to remove all of the
original solder, but it should be scuffed sufficiently so that no oxidation is present. The photo above shows a
close up of a properly prepared surface.
Tip: You may want to mask the glass around the contact area with tape. This is easy to do and will allow you to
safely prepare the contact surface without the risk of scratching the glass or the black painted shading.
Important: Most rear glass has a black painted masking around the edge of the glass. When cleaning up the
connection surface, be very careful not to damage the surface of the black shading or the surface of the glass.

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4. Wipe the newly prepared contact area with Kent Automotive* Acrysol™ (or equivalent) to remove any residual
oil or dirt.

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2000232

Important: You MUST use a silver-bearing solder to make the solder joint. DO NOT attempt this repair with
conventional tin/lead alloy solders. Most suppliers have this type of solder available and it is available nationally at
Radio Shack® (U.S.) or The Source® (Canada).* It is sold in several diameters and either are acceptable for this
repair.
5. For this step, it is permitted that two technicians be used if required. Heat the new connector on the surface of
the buss bar that is to be soldered. Long nose pliers are suggested to hold the electrical connector and the
defroster tab in place. Keep the solder ready and begin flowing out the solder as soon as the melting
temperature has been reached.
Tip: If a single technician is attempting this repair, it is beneficial to wrap one turn of the solder around the new
contacts base. In this manner, as the melting point of the solder is reached, a layer is deposited on the bottom side of
the contact.
Important: Try to align the new contact so that it is positioned with the same orientation as the original contact.

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6. The above illustrates an ideal finished solder joint. Additional stray solder will not harm the performance of the
bond; however, while it is unlikely that customers may refer to the appearance of the rear window defroster and
its components as a positive styling feature of the vehicle interior, it is easy to elicit the opposite reaction due to
a poor cosmetic application.
*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products/
materials. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for, or assume any responsibility for the
products or material from this firm or for any such items that may be available from other sources.

Parts Information
Acrysol™ can be ordered directly from Kent Automotive at 1-800-654-6333 (in Canada, 1-800-563-1717).
Radio Shack® products can be found nationally at retail locations, www.radioshack.com, or at 1-800-843-7422 (The
Source® in Canada, www.thesource.ca, or at 1-866-454-4426).
All other parts can be ordered through CC&A.
Part Number

Description

25916031

Tab, Defroster Power (2007-2014 full-size utility models)

12034110 (Tray 18, Position 5)

Rear Defroster Electrical Power Connector (Packard Electrical Assortment Only)

64-013*

Radio Shack® (The Source® in Canada) Silver Solder (0.022” dia)

64-026*

Radio Shack® (U.S Only) Silver Solder (0.062” dia)

P20005*

Kent Automotive Acrysol™ Solvent (32 fl oz) 946 ml

12377900* (U.S.)
10953529 (Canada)

GM Vehicle Care Dielectric Lubricant (2 fl oz)

*or equivalent product

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor
Operation

Description

Labor
Time

2080398*

Defroster, Electrical Connection – Reattach

0.3 hr

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.