Hello,

The rear window demister is not working on my RRS HSE, 3.6 TDV8, 2009, 200K kms.
Took it to my local LR dealer, as had a host of other problems, and they say nothing can be done as the heated wires are inside the glass itself and if there is a break, cannot be repaired. Is this correct? Suggested a completely new rear window for 3500 EUR. My initial response rhymed with clucking bell!

I have read several good posts about poor-quality connectors in the tailgate. The vehicle is still at LR dealer but will check when I get it back ( needs 2 new EGR valves, 2 new front parking sensors, new elbow air hoses...... blah blah blah...... ) and will check fuse, connectors, continuity test and so forth.
Anywhere or anything else I can take a look at? I am not so good with electrical stuff so may take it to a local electrical car specialist to have a look around.
Cheers for any further advice.

I think you need to remove the upper boot spoiler.
Look for the 2 thick wires and plug.

Check pins look ok.
With engine running and switch on, check 13v in one side. Turn engine off
Then measure resistance on opposite connector. Should be a low value

I certainly would not take their word for it. An hour with a multimeter will quickly determine whether the screen is faulty or whether it's something else such as the connector behind the tailgate spoiler. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Agree with Wayne on that one, way back main dealer said they had thoroughly checked front screen out on mine as one side not working, and needed new screen at £600.00+ turned out to be £1.25p fuse blown so much for their expert diagnosis.

Cheers
Col

If there is a bad connection that can not be fixed surely you have a part out yards where you are that you can get a second hand tailgate from...hopefully one that the rear demister works in.

Unless it's deep in the loom, the only connection is the plug that connects tailgate to car. The bonded in screen might lose a wire or two across the screen but it's pretty rare to lose the whole lot.

There's a thread (or two) on here about how to take the relevant bits apart and check / clean them. I had this same issue and it was just the connector that was corroded. Local LR dealer had charged me £100 "investigation fee" to then tell me that the screen was faulty. When I eventually got around to looking at it, I found that they hadn't done a single thing to look at it, but it was far too late to go back and demand my money back. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed