Crossland X Rear Window Heating Issue

Hi, hoping someone can give me a pointer here. I've got a 2017 Vauxhall Crossland X with a gasoline engine, mileage is around 122610 km. Recently, the rear window heating has stopped working. By rear window heating I mean the auto defrost, you know, the heating coil that removes condensation. I've also noticed the windshield heating isn't performing as well as it used to. I scanned for error codes and there's definitely something stored in the error memory. Could a heavily discharged or defective battery cause this kind of issue? Anyone experienced something similar?

4 comment(s)

I drive a Crossland X too. Yes, I had very similar symptoms last winter. Rear window defroster and windshield heating underperforming. Did you check the battery's voltage? A weak battery can cause all sorts of electrical gremlins in these cars.

Thanks for the quick reply! No, I haven't checked the voltage directly yet, but the car starts fine. I was under the impression that if the starter motor turns without issue, the battery should be OK, even though maybe not perfect? Or is the Crossland X particularly sensitive to voltage drops for things like the rear window heater?

The starting current requirement is different from the current required by the heating coil. Even if it starts, a marginal battery can cause problems with other systems. Considering the error code and your symptoms, I'd advise getting the battery professionally tested. It might save you from chasing other potential faults.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I had the battery tested as you suggested. Turns out it was heavily discharged, basically defective. Replaced it, and the rear window heating is working perfectly again! The windshield heating is also back to normal. Total repair cost was 290€. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

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