2021-2025 Jeep/RAM Rear Defogger Terminal Detachment TSB

Symptoms of a Non-Working Rear Defogger

Owners of 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, and RAM 1500 vehicles might experience a rear defogger that is not working. The primary symptom is that the "Rear backlight is not defrosting." This issue is often caused by a "Terminal Detached From The Glass," specifically the rear window glass left or right side defrost solder terminal detaching from the defrost grid.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Technical Service Bulletin S2323000004 Rev. A indicates that the connector for the rear defogger is designed for a single use. If this connector becomes loose or is removed for any reason, it must be replaced to ensure proper function. This detachment prevents the rear defogger from operating correctly, leading to the "Rear backlight is not defrosting" symptom.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the detached rear defogger terminal, a specific repair procedure is outlined in TSB S2323000004 Rev. A. The process involves preparing the wiring, soldering the connection, and securing it with heat shrink tubing. Technicians will strip approximately 25 mm from the ends of both wires, ensuring not to twist the strands. A shrink tube is then slipped onto the wires.

The strands of both wires are aligned and evenly interweaved before being carefully twisted. A soldering iron is used to position the solder onto the center of the splicing area, feeding solder directly into the stranded wire. Heat is generously applied to evenly distribute the solder along the splice, allowing it to cool. Finally, the shrink tube is centered over the splice and heated to shrink it in place, and the connector is pushed into the Electonic Backlight (EBL) glass.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will need several specific materials and tools:

• Soldering iron
• Rosin core solder filler wire
• 68499001AA Pigtail replacement wire/connector
• Wire stripping / snipping tool
• Heat shrink tube 50 mm x 3/16" diameter
• Heat gun

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

It is crucial to note that this document, identified as STAR Online Publication S2323000004 Rev. A, does not authorize warranty repairs. It serves as a record of past experiences and does not provide conclusions about the root cause of a vehicle's problem. Technicians are considered the experts responsible for determining the appropriate course of action.

If a solution is not found through the outlined procedure, technicians are advised to contact the STAR Center or their Technical Assistance Center via TechConnect, eCONTACT, or Service Library entry for further assistance.

NHTSA ID: 11014266