HELP!!! 08' No rear window defroster....

[frldyz]

I have an 08' T4R sport.

Today in MN it was -4 temps. On the way home my rear window would NOT defrost. And I have a 50 min. commute.

Anybody have any ideas? Loose connection? Blown fuse? (where???)

I did some searching on here. And it sounds like this could be an issue of "normalizing"? Could this be the issue?

Just roll down the window halfway. Stop. Roll back up and hold down?
If this sounds like the issue does it matter if the car is started or just the ignition power on?
Does the window need to go halfway or all the way down?

*** Yes. My rear wipers are working. Yes my rear washer is working. And yes my rear hatch lock is working.

 

[Refined]

The process you are describing is essentially resetting all of the electronics on the hatch. This needs to be done whenever the battery is disconnected/dies. You slide the window down a little so it is open (how much doesn't really matter) then hold the up button for a couple of seconds after it is closed.

If your rear wiper is working and the light on the defrost button comes on when the button is pressed then it is more likely an issue with the wiring. The only time you need to do the reset is if nothing on the rear hatch works. Since your wiper works it shouldn't be the issue.

 

[frldyz]

Could this be a fuss issue?
Is there a fuse for rear window defroster?

The process you are describing is essentially resetting all of the electronics on the hatch. This needs to be done whenever the battery is disconnected/dies. You slide the window down a little so it is open (how much doesn't really matter) then hold the up button for a couple of seconds after it is closed.

If your rear wiper is working and the light on the defrost button comes on when the button is pressed then it is more likely an issue with the wiring. The only time you need to do the reset is if nothing on the rear hatch works. Since your wiper works it shouldn't be the issue.

 

[Minnesota Yota]

It could be a fuse issue but I'd look for something more obvious like a loose wire. That being said, fuses blow for a reason and If that is the case then you need to find the source of the problem (ie:electrical short) or replacing the fuse is just a bandaid for a broken leg. owners manual will point you to the fuse location. use the little plastic tweezers under the cover to pull the fuse and check it out. you will know right away if it's blown and if you have any doubts there should be a correct sized spare under the cover as well to check it against. good luck!

 

[zerowkul98]

This is pretty common from what ive read,...and sometimes it isn't as easy as a fuse or a reset.

Mine barely works...BARELY! It's always been that way. I had an auto starter installed by a very well-renowned shop here in my town, and he called me after the install was complete and told me "there wasn't much voltage going back to the defroster and he wasn't sure why" and that I should get it looked at before my warrantee runs out. Well, too late for that...im used to it.]

Good luck, and keep us updated!

 

[frldyz]

We did purchase the "Full" warranty. For 5 years.
They told me it covered everything.

But said that when I call or bring car in to let them know right away we have the warranty.

That makes me a little fishy.....

Why not have them diagnoss 1st. Then inform thm about the warranty.

Why does it matter...............

 

[Refined]

If the fuses are good and you still have the full warranty then you're probably better off bringing it in and having them deal with it. Just make sure they don't charge you for nonsense and you'll be fine.

 

[frldyz]

What if its a wiring issue?

That is not covered under warranty?

When I purchased the warranty I was told it DOES NOT cover regular wear and tear in the vehicle.
To me this is not regular wear and tear

 

[DRC]

Mine barely works...BARELY! It's always been that way.

I have an 08 v6 Limited which I bought brand new and the rear defroster never really worked either. I agree with zerowkul98. It just barley defrost the window and the colder it gets the less it works. If there is snow or ice on the window, forget about it, it’s not doing anything. It’s been like this since day one. If all your power windows are functioning normal, e.g. you don't need to reset them as others have suggested, then I would hazard a guess that this is just the normal operation. At least it is on mine.

 

[Ask10]

For what it's worth, my 03' defogger doesn't work either and "never has" according to the previous owner. I obviously don't encounter snow though in Hawai'i, but even light fog and I can't see a thing out the back.

 

[frldyz]

I don't know why either of you have not fixed the problem. To me this is a safety issues. Not to start a rant or create a problem. But why would you just life with it. What does Toyota sAy about it. I can't imagine every 4runner rear defrost does not work. That would be a safety issue with touota

 

[zerowkul98]

My 2003 SE V8 (the other one in the picture, gave it to my ex, bought a Sequoia,.,..long story) had one that KICKED ASS and when that rear window was covered in snow, it would cook through it like it was frying an egg!

Miss that thing....

...the 4runner...not the ex. :der:

 

[truckmike26]

I've got a question too and I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. My rear window defroster works fine and will melt through anything but I'm curious about the rear quarter glasses -- they look to have defrost filaments in them yet nothing happens. Is this common?

 

[fozzie84]

I have an 08' T4R sport.

Today in MN it was -4 temps. On the way home my rear window would NOT defrost. And I have a 50 min. commute.

Anybody have any ideas? Loose connection? Blown fuse? (where???)

I did some searching on here. And it sounds like this could be an issue of "normalizing"? Could this be the issue?

Just roll down the window halfway. Stop. Roll back up and hold down?
If this sounds like the issue does it matter if the car is started or just the ignition power on?
Does the window need to go halfway or all the way down?

*** Yes. My rear wipers are working. Yes my rear washer is working. And yes my rear hatch lock is working.

I too live in MN and the cold sucks! My defroster is working but have you noticed your windows fog up pretty easy? Also, my heater doesnt seem to want to heat up very quickly......does yours?

 

[nevada]

I've got a question too and I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. My rear window defroster works fine and will melt through anything but I'm curious about the rear quarter glasses -- they look to have defrost filaments in them yet nothing happens. Is this common?

I believe those are actually antennas, not a defrosters.

 

[truckmike26]

I believe those are actually antennas, not a defrosters.

That makes perfect sense. I'm glad I asked. The way the antenna is arranged in the glass looks like it should be a defrost thing. Not like Grandpa's '80 LeMans with the antenna embedded around the perimeter of the windshield.

 

[homielee]

my 00 4runner does the same...the defogger fuse 15a keeps blowing out everytime i replace it and turn on the switch. I checked every wire from the rear hatch to behind the dash console no fray at all. I was thinking its the switch but not sure. All of this started happening after i disconnected the battery to disconnect my day time running lights, it defogged the rear before not anymore. So if any of u find out what your problems are please lemme know thanks

 

[Net4n6]

I installed a new stereo system and now the rear and side mirrors defroster stopped working. There was no light at the defroster either. I planned to take the console apart to check the cables.