File in Section:

Service Bulletin

-

Bulletin No.:

16-NA-171

Date:

May, 2016

TECHNICAL
Subject:

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

Transmission:

2016

All

All

2012

2016

All

All

Tahoe
Models

2012

2016

All

All

Yukon
Models

2012

2016

All

All

Brand:

Model:

Cadillac

Model Year:

VIN:

from

to

Escalade
Models

2012

Chevrolet

Suburban
Models

Chevrolet
GMC

from

Additional
Options
(RPO)

Equipped With Electric Rear Window Defroster (RPO C49)

Involved
Region or
Country

North America and NA Export

to

Repair Suggestions
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.
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:
1. If it is winter, bring the vehicle into the service
garage and remove any snow from the back
window area. Time must be allowed for the glass
to warm to the temperature inside the building.
Caution: Heating the glass excessively, or repeatedly
without time to cool, may result in glass breakage.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses when performing this
repair!
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.

Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

4522803

2. Mask off a small area around where the terminal
was originally.

Page 2

May, 2016

4499215

3. Prepare the surface of the used defroster tab 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.
Lightly sand the area to prep the defogger grid.
The photo above shows a close up of a properly
prepared surface.
Important: Do not sand through the defroster grid.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-171

4499216

6. Apply a small drop of the Loctite 312 to the foot of
the terminal.
Note: Some defroster tabs have two feet.

4499217

2000238

4. Wipe the newly prepared contact areas with Kent
Automotive* Acrysol™ (or equivalent) to remove
any residual oil or dirt.
5. Spray the defroster grid and the terminal feet with
the Loctite 736 Primer.

7. Press the terminal onto the defroster grid and hold
for 1 minute. After releasing allow 5 minutes to
form a secure bond.
Note: If too much Loctite 312 adhesive was applied,
the Loctite Primer 736 can be reapplied while holding
the terminal in place.
Important: Try to align the new contact so that it is
positioned with the same orientation as the original
contact

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-171

May, 2016

4499218

8. Dispense equal parts of the tab bonding epoxy.

Page 3

4499222

10. Apply the epoxy to completely cover the terminal
foot/feet and the prepared area of the defroster
grid. Smooth out the epoxy for a good contact
between the terminal and defroster grid within the
two minute work time.

4499220

9. Mix the epoxy thoroughly for 45 seconds. There is
a 2 minute work time once the epoxy is mixed.
4499223

11. Remove the tape.

Page 4

May, 2016

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-171
Allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours at
approximately 75°F (24 °C) or at the temperature
inside the building, before reattaching the harness
connector and returning the vehicle into service.

Parts Information
Description

Part
Number

Qty

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

P20005

1

Loctite 312 Adhesive
Speedbonder Combination
Pack (contains Loctite 312
adhesive and Loctite 736
Primer)

03333

1

2000 Tab Bonding Kit Epoxy Kit **

1

*or equivalent product
**Available from Planned Products LLC,
www.frostfighter.com or by phone: (303) 682-0274
4499224

12. Apply light heat between 100-150° F (38-65° C)
not to exceed 150° F (65° C).
Note: Placing the opposite hand under the glass at
the terminal while heating the terminal will prevent
overheating the epoxy. Once the glass becomes hot to
the touch, remove the heat.
13. Recheck the epoxy in 10 minutes to verify the
epoxy has firmed up. If the epoxy remains soft
reapply heat while touching the opposite side of
the glass. The second application of heat only
needs to be brief enough to reach 100°F (38 °C).
Version

Warranty Information
Labor
Operation

Description

Labor Time

2080668*

Reconnection of Rear
Window Defroster Tab

0.6 hr

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.

1

Modified

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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