Window Defogger System Test

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Rear Window Defogger in Wiring Diagrams.


Rear Window Defogger System Test
The operation of the electrically heated rear window defogger system can be confirmed in one of the following manners:
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. While monitoring the instrument panel voltmeter, set the defogger switch in the ON position. When the defogger switch is turned ON, a distinct voltmeter needle deflection should be noted.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Set the defogger switch in the ON position. The rear window defogger operation can be checked by feeling the rear window glass. A distinct difference in temperature between the grid lines and the adjacent clear glass can be detected within three to four minutes of operation.

Rear Window Glass Grid Test:

- Using a 12-volt DC voltmeter, contact the rear glass heating grid terminal A (right side) with the negative lead, and terminal B (left side) with the positive lead. The voltmeter should read battery voltage.

The above checks will confirm system operation. Illumination of the defogger switch indicator lamp means that there is electrical current available at the output of the rear window defogger logic and timer circuitry but does not confirm that the electrical current is reaching the rear glass heating grid lines.

If the defogger system does not operate, the problem should be isolated in the following manner:

1. Confirm that the ignition switch is in the ON position.

Rear Window Defogger System:

2. Ensure that the rear glass heating grid feed and ground wires are connected to the glass. Confirm that the ground wire has continuity to ground, and that there is continuity between the electrical contacts in the rear door hinge pillar when the rear door is closed.
3. Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) and in the fuse block module. The fuses must be tight in their receptacles and all electrical connections must be secure.

When the above steps have been completed and the rear glass heating grid is still inoperative, one or more of the following is faulty:
- Defogger system control
- Rear window grid lines (all grid lines would have to be broken or one of the feed wires disconnected for the entire system to be inoperative).

If setting the defogger switch to the ON position produces a severe voltmeter deflection, check for a short circuit between the rear window defogger system control output and the rear glass heating grid.