Rear Defroster

[Mad_Trbo]

I am having rear defroster issues as in it is not functioning. I have checked the solder points both at power and ground located on the driver and passenger side of the rear window respectively. Both are in contact with the grid.

When I push the button, I don't get the light that typically comes on. Any ideas on how to trouble shoot this issue. I tried looking at my fuse block for a blown fuse but it is hard to troubleshoot because the letters are worn off.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DOUNVME]

This happened to me. I just pushed the button and held it for like 3-4 seconds, finally, it came on.

Hope this helps.

 

[turboman38]

If I had to guess I'd say your switch was bad.

 

[my85grandnation]

Mine just stopped working and the light wouldnt come on like in your situation. I exchanged the switch with one from my other cars and the sytem works now. The solder connections inside the switch can come loose causing your switch not to work. I have been told you can take an exacto knife and get the switch case apart and check the connections but I didnt try this with mine. The GM list price on the switch is $50 GM parts direct has the switch online for $29. HTH

 

[Mad_Trbo]

Appreciate the feedback, I'll look into a new switch or I mean a newsed one from the salvage yard first.

 

[salvageV6]

You need to check the power ACC circuit breaker which also runs the power door locks and seats and theft deterrant if you have those options and they work it should be okay. It's the metal 30A breaker on the far right side about half way up the fuse panel you can't miss it.

Also the ST BLT/ACC fuse must be working as well. 20A fuse midway up and all the way to the left in the panel. Right above the first IGN1 accessory hole. Just to the left of the tail lamp fuse also 20A.

If you pull the dash bezel off and take the two screws holding the timer/switch and pull it out, check for power on the top terminal. That's the main high current feed.

A quick test to see if the wiring to the back and the grid are working can be done. Take a large paper clip and bend it to a U shape or cut a piece off of it, then short the top and 2nd pins together that should heat the defogger.

Don't operate it this way for long only for testing. Remember that part. Use pliers to make the connection, it may get hot.

The two wires you are shorting should be the orange/black and the purple/wht on the connector.

Might be worth popping it forward out of the dash to verify that first.

Remember the power on the orange/blk from the circuit breaker is always live so if you leave the paper clip in there you will kill the battery in short time or else burn the car to the ground.

 

[Mad_Trbo]

Salvage v6, that is exactly what I was looking for in the form of diagnostics, thanks!

 

[Mad_Trbo]

Junk yard fix

Looks like the switch was the issue. Found a switch in the junkyard and at least the amber light is now lighting where it wasn't before.

I love these $1.50 fixes, now how long will it last.