2021-2026 Jeep Wrangler Rear Defroster Inoperative TSB

Owners of 2021-2026 Jeep Wrangler (JL) vehicles equipped with the Rear Window Defroster (Sales Code GFA) may experience issues with their rear defroster system. This document, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-133-26, outlines the symptoms, cause, and repair for this specific problem, addressing the Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperative condition. This TSB supersedes TSB 23-007-25, issued on February 13, 2025. The current revision includes important updates such as additional model years, a revised Market Applicability Note, a Repair Procedure Caution, an updated Diagnosis statement, and new Spare Parts and Claims Data tables. This bulletin applies to vehicles in North America, Enlarged Europe, China, India Asia & Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America markets.

Symptoms of an Inoperative Rear Defroster

Customers may notice one or more of the following issues with their 2021-2026 Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperative condition:

• "Rear window is not defrosting."
• "The rear window glass left or right side defrost solder terminal is detached from the defrost grid."

Cause of the Issue

The primary cause for the rear defroster malfunction is identified as the rear defroster electrical connector. This connector is designed for one-time use. If it becomes loose or is removed for any reason, it must be replaced to ensure proper function of the rear defroster system.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of a critical detail regarding the repair of the rear defroster system. The electrical connectors for the rear window defroster are designed for single use. This means that if these connectors are disconnected or become loose for any reason, they cannot be reused and must be replaced with new ones. The TSB explicitly states: "CAUTION! If for any reason the rear window defroster electrical connectors are disconnected or loose, the connector(s) will have to be replaced. Connectors are a one time use connector." This is a crucial step to ensure the long-term reliability of the repair for the Jeep Wrangler rear defroster inoperative issue.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 08-133-26 involves replacing the Electric Backlite (EBL) wire connector repair and then securely re-attaching the electrical connector(s) to the rear window. Technicians are instructed to perform the following steps:

1. Remove and replace the existing rear window defroster electrical connector(s).
2. Push the new connector onto the rear window glass terminal.

Detailed service procedures for this process are available to technicians in DealerCONNECT under the path: Service Info > 29 - Non-DTC Diagnostics / Circuit Testing Procedures / Standard Procedure > Wire Splicing. For vehicles in the South America (SA) market, it is noted that after applying this TSB, it is not necessary to send DID-I or DID-A reports.

Required Parts

To perform this repair, the following part is specified:

• Part Number: 68499001AA
• Description: Wiring, 1 Way - Pigtail (Connector, Rear Defrost - EBL, single use connector)

Warranty Information

This repair is reimbursable within the provisions of the vehicle's warranty. Dealers should use the following labor operation numbers for claims:

• Labor Operation No. 08-90-35-92: For repairing one side of the rear window electrical connector. This operation has a labor time of 0.2 hours.
• Labor Operation No. 08-90-35-93: For repairing both sides of the rear window electrical connector. This operation has a labor time of 0.3 hours.

Both operations fall under the skill category "6 - Electrical and Body Systems". The Failure Code to be used for claims is ZZ.

NHTSA ID: 11030413