My rear window defroster stopped working.

[Benski]

My rear window defroster stopped working. When I push the button the lights don't come on and nothing happens. I have the window all the way up and the wiper works. I pulled the dash panel and checked the fuse. Everything seems fine. Is there another fuse somewhere or a relay I didn't see? Could the switch/button have gone bad?

 

[bradhannon]

This actually happened to me to. I took it to the dealer (under certified warranty still) and they took care of it. Looks like a connection was loose of some kind. Didn't push on it, just wanted to go home.

 

[Noshirtganshirt]

Check the wiring harness that runs from the roof into the lift gate. That rubber boot. It’s somewhat common for that wiring to rub through and break a couple wires

 

[TheDurk]

My rear window defroster stopped working. When I push the button the lights don't come on and nothing happens. I have the window all the way up and the wiper works. I pulled the dash panel and checked the fuse. Everything seems fine. Is there another fuse somewhere or a relay I didn't see? Could the switch/button have gone bad?

Could be lots of things. People have had bad limit switches, connectors can fall off inside the tailgate, or components like the switch and relay can fail. EWD for '96 attached.

If I were troubleshooting this one, I'd pull that switch and verify ground on the Red-Blue wire. This confirms limit switch is good. Then verify 12v+ on black-yellow with key on, confirming key on power from the GAUGE fuse. If both those are good, problem is likely in the switch, as those are all that is needed for the pilot light to come on.

My bet is on the limit switch or its connections, so that ground test is key. Post back your results and I'll tell you where to go next. Please be precise about describing your results.

 

[flyfishinguy]

Same here. Been out for years lol. Now that I’m back in rainy weather need to take ah look at mine. On a positive note my lift kit will arrive in the mail today!

 

[bandit4runner]

Check the wiring harness that runs from the roof into the lift gate. That rubber boot. It’s somewhat common for that wiring to rub through and break a couple wires

I had the same thing happen on my 3rd gen 2002. when I opened up and checked the wires, almost all of them were worn through. once I replaced the broken segments everything worked just fine.

 

[Benski]

I disconnected, checked and reconnected the wiring harness. It feels like there is no resistance when I push the button, and none of the lights light up. If the wires are broken, wouldn't the button still function and light up, but the window just not defrost? I'm not so good with troubleshooting electrical.

 

[TheDurk]

I disconnected, checked and reconnected the wiring harness. It feels like there is no resistance when I push the button, and none of the lights light up. If the wires are broken, wouldn't the button still function and light up, but the window just not defrost? I'm not so good with troubleshooting electrical.

When discussing electrical, you need to be SPECIFIC. I can't guess at what you mean and give a good answer.

-disconnected what harness where?

-checked it how?

I already explained what it takes for the button to light up. What about that was not clear?

 

[4Runner4Leon]

wouldn't the button still function and light up, but the window just not defrost?

No, the button lights up only when the defroster circuit is completed and the defroster actually turns on (i.e power is supplied, back window is closed and limit switch closed, relay turned on, timer circuit started, etc).

Look at the diagram that TheDurk posted, and take it one step at a time.

 

[Benski]

So it turns out I had broken red and green wires in the top of the tailgate. The 2 tiny bulbs in the defroster switch were burnt out and the switch was bad. I don't know if a short in the wires caused the others to fail, but that is a lot of things gone wrong. Anyway, thanks for the replies and the help!

 

[batex]

Just wanted to share my experience. My defroster was not working and after troubleshooting for a bit I realize my rear window was not fully up. It was may be down only a quarter of an inch, not visibly open, but enough to cause the circuit not to complete. Roll the window up and defroster worked fine.