bad defroster lines?

[bmwstephen]

are these defroster lines on my rear windshield shot based on the pic? I haven't really had a chance to test test them yet with the current weather.

[AndrewBird]

Looking at them won't tell you anything, unless there are obvious breaks in the line. Your do look a bit odd though, almost like they corroded and spread. Have you tried cleaning the rear window? An ohm meter will tell you a lot more.

[bmwstephen]

Looking at them won't tell you anything, unless there are obvious breaks in the line. Your do look a bit odd though, almost like they corroded and spread. Have you tried cleaning the rear window? An ohm meter will tell you a lot more.

how do i test it with an ohm meter? arent these fused sandwiched between the glass or can you actually feel them?

how should I go about cleaning them without the risk of ruining it further?

[AndrewBird]

They are painted on the interior side of the glass, not between it. Here is a pretty good how to on checking it:

http://autorepair.about.com/od/troubleshooting/ss/My-Rear-Defroster-doesnt-work.htm

On page two, they explain how to check it with a test light. Same way you would with an ohm meter.