Heated Glass Element: Description and Operation

Rear Window Defogger

How the Circuit Works

Voltage is applied at all times through fuse 53 (in the under-hood fuse/relay box) to the rear window defogger relay contacts. With the ignition switch ON (II), voltage is applied through fuse 3 (in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box) to the heater control panel (LX) or climate control unit (EX,EX-L) and the rear window defogger relay coil.

When you push the defogger switch (in the heater control panel (LX) or climate control unit (EX, EX-L)) once, a path to ground is provided for the rear window defogger relay through the heater control panel (LX) or climate control unit (EX, EX-L)).The defogger ON indicator light (built- into the heater control panel (LX) or climate control unit (EX, EX-L)) comes on and the rear window defogger relay contacts close. Voltage is applied to the defogger grid on the inside surface of the rear Window, and the grid heats the rear window to remove any fog from the glass.

You can turn the defogger off by pushing the defogger switch a second time or by turning the ignition switch to LOCK (0). A timer in the heater control panel (LX) or climate control unit (EX, EX-L) will automatically turn the defogger off after it has been on continuously for about 15 minutes.