Circuit/System Testing

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LS, 4D Sedan, StandardSECTION Circuit/System Testing

Rear Window Defogger Switch Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the HVAC control module.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal A5 and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Rear Defog Relay Cmd parameter is Off.
    • If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal A8 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A8 and ground. Verify the scan tool Rear Defog Relay Cmd parameter is On.
    • If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the HVAC control module.

Rear Defogger Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the REAR DEFOG relay.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal 86 and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  3. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 30 and ground.
    • If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
  4. Verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 87 and ground.
    • If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit 30 for a short to ground.
  5. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the rear window defogger grid.
  6. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal A and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  7. Connect the harness connector at the rear window defogger grid.
  8. Ignition ON, connect a 40A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 87 and the control circuit terminal 30. Verify the rear window defogger grid is activated.
    • If the rear window defogger grid does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the rear window defogger grid.
  9. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 85 and the ground circuit terminal 86.
  10. Command the Rear Defog Relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
    • If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    • If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the REAR DEFOG relay.

Rear Defogger Indicator Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the HVAC control module.
  2. Disconnect the REAR DEFOG relay.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 85 and ground.
  4. Ignition ON, command the Rear Defog Relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
    • If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    • If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the HVAC control module.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.