I bought a used 2007 Skoda Roomster 1.4TDi.  I always expect some teething problems when buying second hand so here I am....

 

I love the car, it drives well etc but I noticed when it rained naturally with slightly damp people in the car, the rear window fogged up pretty quickly.  I switched the heater for the rear window on.....nothing.  Eventually, I rectified the problem temporarily by switching the AC on and setting it to 22 celsius on full blast until I could get a dry day to have a look at it myself.

 

Someone suggested it maybe a blown fuse, checked the fuse, its fine, at least it looks fine to me anyway.

 

Another forum suggested it maybe a nick or break in the element, I've checked it over thoroughly and there doesn't seem to be any kind of damage at all.

 

Now I'm stuck.

 

Any idea's gratefully accepted!

I had exactly this problem with my Fabia a few weeks ago.  Turned out to be a bad spade connection where the feed cable connects to the element.  Pulled the spade connector off then put it back on again.  Problem solved.  Hope yours is as easy.

I had exactly this problem with my Fabia a few weeks ago.  Turned out to be a bad spade connection where the feed cable connects to the element.  Pulled the spade connector off then put it back on again.  Problem solved.  Hope yours is as easy.

 

 

I did have a quick look at these while checking the element and they look to be soldered connections....I could be wrong on this as I didn't pull the rubber cover back to look at them?!

On mine, the spade connectors are covered in a rubber or plastic cover but they just pulled off from the metal connector that goes to the window element very easily.  Have a go at pulling them apart but just be careful.  Thanks.

Could also be a broken cable where they enter at the top of the hatch, through rubber conduit.  These obviously bend every time the tailgate is opened and closed.

I have had problems with the wiring breaking down where it enters the tailgate (56 reg 1.4TDi). They have been repaired twice, ironically the rear demister has not been affected at all, even though nothing else worked (rear wash/wipe etc.).

 

Check for a 12 volt supply when switched on to see if there is any power. If there is powr then it could be a faulty earth. I think that might be doubtful as the heater uses a lot of power and should earth out OK.

Right.  I've not had a chance to check the demister, I have no way of checking it now until i get a bunch of wet soggy people in the car!  I haven't a clue when it comes to electrics other than I know when a wire is broken, change a plug or replace a fuse and thats the extent of my knowledge!  Wilbur, I'm sorry I seem thick but your whole post sounded like gobbledegook to me and I have no idea about 12 volt anythings or earths or where they should be etc?!!

 

However, it seems to have developed a leak on the front passenger side, its not oil and I don't think its coolant.  I'm taking a guess at a leaky washer bottle as its only started happening since I filled it up.  The water is coming through a gap in a panel under the car right at the front.  I've popped the bonnet and tried to see where the washer bottle goes but its nigh on impossible to see it.  Is there an easier way to check like colouring the water without also colouring my car every time I need to wash the windscreen?!!

Could also be a broken cable where they enter at the top of the hatch, through rubber conduit.  These obviously bend every time the tailgate is opened and closed.

 

 

It was indeed a totally snapped in half wire.  What's the best way to fix this?

The easiest way to repair is to use something like these;

 

Crimping pliers and Butt connectors.

 

Remove about 5mm insulation from the end of each wire, insert into each end of the butt connector, and crimp with the pliers, using the colour coded (ie, blue 2.5) section.  Make sure to crimp where the wire has entered the metal section inside the connector.  You can also crimp the plastic ends to further secure the fitment.  Job done.

I have the crimping pliers....I guess now I need to get some butt connectors.  Am I right in saying the rear washer tube also feeds through this same loom?  Theres a connector in there that appears to be leaking slightly which is mildly worrying......ah the fun of buying a pre-owned car lol!