REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

PL ELECTRICALLY HEATED SYSTEMS 8N - 1

ELECTRICALLY HEATED SYSTEMS

CONTENTS

page page

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION GRID LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH . . . . . . . 3
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH . . . . . . . 1 SERVICE PROCEDURES
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING GRID LINE AND TERMINAL REPAIR . . . . . . . . . 3
DEFOGGER SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION NOTE: This group covers both Left-Hand Drive
(LHD) and Right-Hand Drive (RHD) versions of this
INTRODUCTION model. Whenever required and feasible, the RHD
For proper operation of the Rear Window Defogger versions of affected vehicle components have been
system refer to the Owner’s Manual. constructed as mirror-image of the LHD versions.
The system consists of a rear glass with two verti- While most of the illustrations used in this group
cal bus bars and a series of electrically connected represent only the LHD version, the diagnostic and
grid lines fired on the inside surface. A control switch service procedures outlined can generally be
and a timer relay combined into a single assembly is applied to either version. Exceptions to this rule
used on all models (Fig. 1). have been clearly identified as LHD, RHD, or Export
Circuit protection is provided by a maxi fuse, if a special illustration or procedure is required.
located in the Power Distribution Center, for the
heated grid circuit and by a fuse for the relay control
circuit. REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH
When the switch is turned to the ON position, cur- The rear window defogger switch is a control
rent is directed to the rear defogger grid lines. The switch and timer relay integrated into a single panel
heated grid lines heat the rear glass to clear the sur- mounted assembly. Actuating the switch energizes
face of fog or frost. the circuit which allows current to flow through the
grid lines. Upon initial actuation for approximately
CAUTION: Grid lines can be damaged or scraped eight to ten minutes, or until either the switch or
off with sharp instruments, care should be taken in ignition is turned off. An indicating lamp illuminates
cleaning glass or removing foreign materials, a lens inlaid in the control switch.
decals or stickers. Normal glass cleaning solvents
or hot water used with rags or toweling is recom-
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
mended.
DEFOGGER SYSTEM
Electrically heated rear window defogger operation
can be checked in vehicle in the following manner:
(1) Turn ignition switch to the ON position.
(2) Connect an ammeter in series with the battery.
Push the defogger control switch to the ON position.
A distinct increase in amperage draw should be
noted.
(3) The rear window defogger operation can be
checked by feeling the glass. A distinct difference in
temperature between the grid lines and adjacent
clear glass can be detected in three to four minutes
of operation.
(4) Using a DC voltmeter, connect negative lead to
Point B, and the positive lead to Point A (Fig. 2). The
voltmeter should read 10-14 volts.
Fig. 1 Rear Window Defogger
 GROUND PARCEL
MID-POINT
“B’’
REAR
C.H.M.S.L.
SHELF
DEFOGGER
“C’’
WINDOW
TRIM COVER
PICK-UP
LEADS VIEW
BUS BARS
VOLTAGE
FROM FEED
INSIDE
VOLTMETER
“A’’ VEHI-
CLE POWER
TOHEADLAMP
IGNITION
CONNEC-
FUSE
TO
TOR
BATTERY
POINT
SWITCHA REAR
MIDPOINT
WINDOW(TYPI-
STRUCTURE
CAL)
GRIDON/OFF
LINE POINT
ONGROUND
SWITCH
INDICATING
B NECTOR
RELAY
LED
CON-

8N - 2 ELECTRICALLY HEATED SYSTEMS PL

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
(5) Step 2, Step 3 or Step 4 above will confirm occur in an individual grid line resulting in no cur-
system operation. Indicator light illumination means rent flow through the line. To detect breaks in grid
that there is power available at the output of the lines the following procedure is required:
relay only, and does not necessarily verify system (1) Turn ignition ON and turn control switch to
operation. ON. The indicator light should come on.
(6) If turning the switch ON produced no distinct (2) Using a DC voltmeter with 0-15 volt range,
current draw on the ammeter the problem should be contact terminal B with negative lead of voltmeter.
isolated in the following manner: With positive lead of voltmeter, contact terminal A
(a) Confirm the ignition switch is ON. (Fig. 2). The voltmeter should read 10-14 volts. A
(b) Ensure that the heated rear glass feed wire lower voltage reading indicates a poor connection in
is connected to the terminal or pigtail and that the the feed or the ground circuit.
ground wire is in fact grounded. (3) With negative lead of voltmeter, contact a good
(c) Ensure that the maxi-fuse and control circuit body ground point. The voltage reading should not
fuse are OK and all electrical connections are change.
secure. (4) Connect negative lead of voltmeter to terminal
(7) When the above steps have been completed and B and touch each grid line at Mid-Point with Positive
the system is still inoperative, one or more of the fol- lead. A reading of:
lowing is defective: • Approximately 6 volts indicates the line is OK
(a) Control switch/timer relay module. • 0 volts indicates a break in line between Mid-
(b) All rear window grid lines would have to be Point C and terminal A
broken or one of the feed wires are not connected • 10-14 volts indicates a break between Mid-Point
for the system to be inoperative. C and terminal B
(8) If turning the switch ON produces severe volt- Move the lead toward the break and voltage will
meter deflection, the circuit should be closely checked change as soon as break is crossed. Refer to (Fig. 2)
for a shorting condition. and (Fig. 3).
(9) If the system operation has been verified but
indicator lamp does not light, replace the switch.
(10) For detailed wiring information, refer to group
8W, Wiring Diagrams.

Fig. 2 Rear Glass Grid Line Test

GRID LINES
The horizontal grid lines and vertical bus bar lines
printed and fired on inside surface of rear window
glass (Fig. 2) comprise an electrical parallel circuit.
The electrically conductive lines are composed of a
silver-ceramic material which when fired on glass Fig. 3 Systems Electrical Circuit
becomes bonded to the glass and is highly resistant
to abrasion. It is possible, however, that a break may
 “ON” INDICATOR LED BEZEL
1 - TO
2
3
4
5 SYMBOL
GROUND
IGNITION
BATTERY
BACK LAMP
GLASS REAR
REAR
WINDOW
“ON”
5FOG
-1 TO
-INDICATOR
SYMBOL
LAMP
BACK
43
2DEFOGGER
- BATTERY
IGNITION
GROUND
SWITCH
GLASS
BEZEL
LAMP
LED

PL ELECTRICALLY HEATED SYSTEMS 8N - 3

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH MASKING
BREAK
TAPE GRID LINE
The rear window defogger switch may be tested in-
vehicle or bench tested. In vehicle testing is accom-
plished in the following manner:
(1) Remove the switch from the instrument panel
but leave the switch connected, refer to Group 8E,
Instrument Panel and Systems for removal proce-
dures.
(2) Turn the ignition switch ON.
(3) Using a voltmeter, check for battery voltage at
Pin 3 and Pin 4 (Fig. 3), (Fig. 4) and (Fig. 5).
(a) If OK, go to Step 4.
(b) If NOT OK, check fuse 8 in fuse block and
the 30 Amp maxi fuse in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC). If fuses are OK, check wiring cir-
cuit. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(4) Check Pin 5, with switch in the ON position Fig. 5 Rear Window Defogger Switch - Export
there should be battery voltage and no voltage in the SERVICE PROCEDURES
OFF position.
(a) If OK, go to Step 5. GRID LINE AND TERMINAL REPAIR
(b) If NOT OK, no voltage in the ON position or
voltage in the OFF position. Replace the switch/re- WARNING: REPAIR KIT MAY CAUSE SKIN OR EYE
lay module. IRRITATION. CONTAINS EPOXY RESIN AND AMINE
(5) Press switch to ON position. The indicator TYPE HARDENER, HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED.
lamp should come on and remain on for approxi- AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES. FOR SKIN,
mately 10 minutes. If the indicator lamp fails to light WASH AFFECTED AREAS WITH SOAP AND WATER.
or no voltage is present for approximately 10 min- DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. IF TAKEN INTER-
utes. Replace Rear Window Defogger Switch. NALLY, INDUCE VOMITING; CALL A PHYSICIAN
(6) To bench test relay: IMMEDIATELY. IF IN CONTACT WITH EYES, FLUSH
(a) Using a jumper wire connect a 12 volt batter WITH PLENTY OF WATER. USE WITH ADEQUATE
supply, apply voltage to Pin 3 and 4. Ground Pin 2. VENTILATION. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR FLAME.
(b) Follow the above procedures except Step 2 CONTENTS CONTAIN 3 PERCENT FLAMMABLE
SOLVENTS.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

The repair of the grid lines or the terminal is pos-

sible using the Mopar t Repair Package or equiva-
lent.
(1) Mask repair area so conductive epoxy can be
extended onto the line or the bus bar (Fig. 6).

Fig. 4 Rear Window Defogger Switch

Fig. 6 Grid Line Repair

8N - 4 ELECTRICALLY HEATED SYSTEMS PL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
(2) Follow instructions in repair kit for preparing vent terminal from moving while the epoxy is curing,
damaged area. it must be wedged or clamped.
(3) Remove package separator clamp and mix plas- (8) Carefully remove masking tape from grid line.
tic conductive epoxy thoroughly. Fold in half and cut
center corner to dispense epoxy. CAUTION: Do not allow the glass surface to
(4) For grid line, mark off area to be repaired with exceed 204°C (400°F), glass may fracture.
masking tape or a template (Fig. 6).
(5) Apply conductive epoxy through slit in masking (9) Allow epoxy to cure 24 hours at room tempera-
tape. Overlap both ends of the break by 19 mm (3/4 ture or use heat gun with a 260°to 371°C (500° to
inch). 700°F) range for 15 minutes. Hold gun approximately
(6) For a terminal or pigtail replacement, mask 254 mm (10 inches) from repaired area.
adjacent areas so epoxy can be extended onto line as (10) After conductive epoxy is properly cured
well as bus bar. Apply a thin layer of epoxy to area remove wedge from terminal and check out operation
where terminal was fastened and to adjacent line. of rear window defogger. Do not attach connectors
(7) Apply a thin layer of conductive epoxy on ter- until curing is complete.
minal and place terminal on desired location. To pre-