Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 538

Operation of the electric backlight (EBL) system can be confirmed by the following: 

Fig. 3: Rear Window Glass Defogger Grid Test 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Use a scan tool and check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the A/C-heater control and the 

totally integrated power module (TIPM). If no DTCs are found, go to step 2. If any DTCs are found, 
repair as required, then proceed to step 2.  

2. Turn the ignition switch to RUN. Press the rear window defogger switch to the On position. Rear window 

defogger operation can be checked by feeling the surfaces of the rear window glass, or the heated outside 
rear view mirror glass when equipped with heated mirrors. A distinct difference in temperature between 

NOTE:

Illumination of the defogger switch indicator lamp does not necessarily mean 
that electrical current is reaching the rear window glass and/or the outside rear 
view mirror heating grids (when equipped).

NOTE:

For circuit descriptions and diagrams of the rear window defogger (EBL) and 
heated mirror systems, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS .

NOTE:

Typical heated rear window glass shown.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Heated Glass - Service Information - Nitro

  

the grid lines (5) and the adjacent clear glass or the heated mirror glass should be detected within three to 
four minutes of operation.  

3. If a temperature difference is not detected, use a 12-volt DC voltmeter and contact the rear glass heating 

grid terminal A (1) with the negative lead, and terminal B (2) with the positive lead. The voltmeter should 
read battery voltage. If the voltmeter does not read battery voltage, check the following: 

Confirm the ignition switch is in RUN.  

Confirm the rear window defogger switch is pressed to the On position.  

Confirm the EBL feed wire (3) is connected to the heating grid positive terminal and that there is 
continuity between the EBL relay terminal and the heating grid.  

Confirm the EBL ground wire (6) is connected to the heating grid negative terminal and that there 
is continuity to ground.  

Check fuse 13 and fuse 34 located in the TIPM. The fuses must be tight in the receptacles and the 
electrical connections must be secure.  

Check the EBL relay located in the TIPM. The relay must be tight in the receptacle and the 
electrical connections must be secure.  

When diagnosing a heater mirror concern, check fuse 54 located in the TIPM. The fuse must be 
tight in the receptacle and the electrical connections must be secure.  

4. If broken defogger grid lines or bus bars are suspected, use a 12-volt DC voltmeter and contact terminal 

A with the negative lead and each rear glass heating grid line at its mid-point C (4) with the positive lead. 
The voltmeter should read approximately 6 volts at each grid line mid-point. If the voltmeter does not 
read approximately 6 volts, repair the open grid line(s) or bus bar(s). See STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

5. If the EBL system operation has been verified but the rear window defogger indicator does not illuminate, 

replace the A/C-heater control. Refer to REMOVAL .  

GRID-REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER 

STANDARD PROCEDURE 

GRID LINE AND TERMINAL REPAIR 

Repair of the rear glass heating grid lines, bus bars, terminals or pigtail wires can be accomplished using the 
Mopar® Rear Window Defogger Repair Kit (Part Number 04549275) or equivalent. 

WARNING:

Materials contained in the Repair Kit (Part Number 04549275) may cause 
skin or eye irritation. The kit contains epoxy resin and amine type 
hardener, which are harmful if swallowed. Avoid contact with the skin and 
eyes. For skin contact, wash the affected areas with soap and water. For 
contact with the eyes, flush with plenty of water. Do not take internally. If 
taken internally, induce vomiting and call a physician immediately. Use 
with adequate ventilation. Do not use near fire or flame. Contains 
flammable solvents. Keep out of the reach of children. Failure to follow 
the warnings may result in serious or fatal injury.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Heated Glass - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 4: Grid Line Repair - Typical 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Mask the repair area with masking tape (3) so that the conductive epoxy can be applied neatly. Extend the 

epoxy application onto the grid line (2) or the bus bar on each side of the break (1).  

2. Follow the instructions in the repair kit for preparing the damaged area.  

3. Remove the package separator clamp and mix the two conductive epoxy components thoroughly within 

the packaging. Fold the package in half and cut the center corner to dispense the epoxy.  

4. Apply the epoxy through the slit in the masking tape or template. Overlap both ends of the break by at 

least 19 millimeters (0.75 inch).  

5. For a terminal or pigtail wire replacement, mask the adjacent areas so the epoxy can be extended onto the 

adjacent grid line as well as the bus bar. Apply a thin layer of epoxy to the area where the terminal or 
pigtail wire was fastened and onto the adjacent grid line.  

6. Apply a thin layer of conductive epoxy to the terminal or bare wire end of the pigtail and place it in the 

proper location on the bus bar. To prevent the terminal or pigtail wire from moving while the epoxy is 
curing, it must be wedged or clamped.  

7. Carefully remove the masking tape or template. 

1 - BREAK
2 - GRID LINE
3 - MASKING TAPE

CAUTION: Do not allow the glass surface to exceed 204°C (400°F) when using a 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Heated Glass - Service Information - Nitro

  

8. Allow the epoxy to cure 24 hours at room temperature, or carefully use a heat gun for 15 minutes. When 

using a heat gun, hold it approximately 25.4 centimeters (10 inches) from the repair and do not allow the 
glass surface to exceed 204°C (400°F).  

9. After the conductive epoxy is properly cured, remove the wedge or clamp from the terminal or pigtail 

wire.  

10. Connect the wire harness leads to the grid terminals or pigtail wires and verify EBL operation.  

RELAY-REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER 

DESCRIPTION 

RELAY-REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER 

Fig. 5: Rear Window Defogger Relay 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

The rear window defogger (EBL) relay (1) is an International Standards Organization (ISO)-type relay. Relays 
conforming to the ISO specifications have common physical dimensions, current capacities, terminal functions 
and patterns (2). The EBL relay is a electromechanical device that switches fused battery current to the rear 
window defogger grid and to the outside rear view mirror heating grids, when equipped. The EBL relay is 
energized when the relay coil is provided a ground path by the control circuitry within the totally integrated 
power module (TIPM). 

The EBL relay is located in the TIPM inside the engine compartment. 

OPERATION 

heat gun, or the glass may fracture.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Heated Glass - Service Information - Nitro