Ford Fiesta (1995 - 1999) - 1998 - Heated rear screen not working

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Sat 16 Feb 2008 16:44
1998 - Heated rear screen not working - at a canter
Suddenly the heated rear screen in my 1998 Fiesta has stopped functioning, having checked the fuse which incidently was ok (replaced anyhow, incase this was at fault) the screen is still not working. The button lights up as if it should be on but the screen itself does not work.

Any ideas??

Edited by Webmaster on 16/02/2008 at 16:45

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 16 Feb 2008 17:00
1998 - Heated rear screen not working - mfarrow
If the button lights up then that's OK and your problem is not with fuse/relay/switch but usually connection between boot and body which can consist of:

  • Spring loaded contacts - certainly on Ka and Mk3 Fiesta these overheat/melt due to grime and your best bet is to replace from scrapyard.


  • Wire connection - wires bent/broke. Pull out rubber from boot and body and replace broken wire inside with new soldered section covered with heat shrink.

    • Edited by mfarrow on 16/02/2008 at 17:00

    Reply | Report as offensive | Link
    Sat 16 Feb 2008 17:18
    1998 - Heated rear screen not working - at a canter
    I have checked what seems to be an earth wire from the screen to the side of the boot lid and appears to be intact, will check the rest of the wiring and try and establish where the broken wire is!! At least its nothing too serious! Thanks for your reply!
    Reply | Report as offensive | Link
    Sat 16 Feb 2008 18:02
    1998 - Heated rear screen not working - elekie&a/c doctor
    Does the rear wiper work ok?If not ,then this may be an indication of the fault.
    Reply | Report as offensive | Link
    Sat 16 Feb 2008 20:32
    1998 - Heated rear screen not working - Screwloose

    Is the whole tailgate not earthed? Rusty hinge pins are not unknown on Fiestas.
    Reply | Report as offensive | Link
    Tue 19 Feb 2008 00:00
    1998 - Heated rear screen not working - Achilles
    The earthing is via third pin on the tailgate connector. Have you checked screen element for continuity? It is unlikely, though not impossible, that all the tracks have gone open circuit. If you need a screen, there is one on Ebay. Achilles.
    Reply | Report as offensive | Link
    Tue 19 Feb 2008 22:41
    1998 - Heated rear screen not working - at a canter
    thanx to all for helpful comments on here, it seems that cleaning contacts etc has done the trick. fingers crossed anyway Cheers!!
    Reply | Report as offensive | Link