Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Rear Window Defogger Operation
When you turn the ignition to the ON position, battery positive voltage is supplied through the HTD MIR DEFOG fuse to the rear window defogger relay switched input. Ground is for the rear window defogger relay coil is provided by G302. Battery positive voltage and ignition voltage is supplied to the HVAC control assembly for rear window defogger operation. When the rear window defogger switch is depressed, the HVAC control assembly energizes the rear window defogger relay by supplying battery positive voltage to the rear window defogger relay coil. This allows battery positive voltage from the relay switched input through the switch contacts and out the relay switched output to the rear window defogger grids. The HVAC control assembly also illuminates the rear window defogger indicator upon this request. Ground for the left rear window defogger grid is provided by G401. Ground for the right rear window defogger grid is provided by G402.
When you turn ON the ignition and press the rear window defogger switch for the first time, the defogger cycle lasts 10 minutes. Further operation results in 5 minute defogger cycles. The defogger cycle resets to 10 minutes when you cycle the ignition to the OFF position and then back to the ON position.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.