Hi,

Just wondering if anyone else has had problems with the rear screen heater on a '97 Felicia 1.3?

For a while, the switch illumination(?) didn't seem to be working but the heater was okay.

Now the heater doesn't work at all. I've changed the fuse and the relay, but there is no power getting to the heater element.

Any suggestions before I set about the dash with a crowbar to check the switch!

Thanks

Catman

A wire broken within the rubber sleeve between the body and tailgate, maybe.

Check the element is 100% in tact, if it is scratched somewhere power will not go through. These issues can be resolved with silver electrical conductive paint.

A wire broken within the rubber sleeve between the body and tailgate, maybe.

ditto on this one, ive repaired a couple before

It's probably also worthwhile to stick your ear as close as possible to the fusebox. Turn on something that works, i.e. headlights and you will hear a click. Now, with key turned to on position try the heater switch, again you should hear a click in the fusebox. This will eliminate any faults at that end.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. If I measure the resistance across the element terminals it is near enough zero so I dont think there's a break but I will check again.

Hope it's not a broken wire in the tailgate - sounds like a major hassle if it is.

Will keep you posted.

Catman:)

Hope it's not a broken wire in the tailgate - sounds like a major hassle if it is.

Nah, it's an easy fix, like rigsby, i've had to do this a couple of times, on a feli and a favorit. Gently pull out the rubber sleeve from the tailgate and tailgate opening, it's concertinaed, so easy to push back and check the wiring, there is a bit of slack in the wires, mend any breaks (usually where it comes through the main body hole) with straight crimped connectors or similar.

An update!

Had a quick look at the wiring inside the rubber boot this afternoon. One broken and one with insulation gone and copper exposed! There may be others in a similar state:(

Now where did I put those crimps? To be continued...........

Catman

RESULT!

Wires are repaired and the heater is working - yet another good result, thanks to BRISKODA members!

Many thanks to all who offered assistance.

Catman:)