Rear Defogger Switch: Description and Operation

Accessory Switch Bezel - Typical:

The switch for the rear window defogger (EBL) system is located in the instrument panel accessory switch bezel, which is mounted near the bottom of the instrument panel center bezel. When the rear window defogger switch is activated, the instrument cluster operates the rear window defogger (EBL) relay.

When the EBL relay is activated, current is directed to the rear defogger grid lines and the heated side view mirrors (if equipped). The grid lines heat the glass to help clear the surface of fog or frost.

An LED indicator will illuminate when the rear window defogger switch is activated. When the switch is activated, it energizes the timing circuit integral to the instrument cluster, which then activates the rear window defogger (EBL) relay. The EBL relay controls the current flow to the grids of the rear window defogger and to the heated side view mirrors, when equipped.

NOTE: The EBL system turns off automatically after 10 minutes of initial operation. Each following activation cycle of the EBL system will last five minutes.

The EBL system will initially be on for approximately ten minutes or until the rear window defogger switch or the ignition switch is turned off. After the initial time interval has expired, if the defogger switch is turned On again during the same ignition cycle, the EBL system will automatically turn off after about five minutes.

The rear window defogger switch and indicator lamp cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the defogger switch must be replaced.