rear defrost

Just bought a used 1999 Escort ZX2 - this car has no bells and whistles other than AM/FM stereo. It looks like the original console, but I cannot find the rear defrost control! There is a "blank" on the console right next to the airflow selector knob, which I assumed was where the A/C switch would go if the car had air. Is it possible this is where the rear defrost button belongs? If the answer to that is yes, is it possible that everything is wired up and I just have to install a switch? Is it poosible at all that rear defrost was "optional" on this model???

Just bought a used 1999 Escort ZX2 - this car has no bells and whistles other than AM/FM stereo. It looks like the original console, but I cannot find the rear defrost control! There is a "blank" on the console right next to the airflow selector knob, which I assumed was where the A/C switch would go if the car had air. Is it possible this is where the rear defrost button belongs? If the answer to that is yes, is it possible that everything is wired up and I just have to install a switch? Is it poosible at all that rear defrost was "optional" on this model???

It is possable. I personally thought it was standard. My nova is so old it was an option.

[thanks - your radio removal walk thru is very good! I was going to wire a toggle switch under the dash for the rear defrost (it was an option btw), now I will use your instructions to remove the consle and wire it up that way.

[thanks - your radio removal walk thru is very good! I was going to wire a toggle switch under the dash for the rear defrost (it was an option btw), now I will use your instructions to remove the consle and wire it up that way.


great let us know how you make out.

Another thought: The rear window defroster pulls a lot of current, and I suggest you hook the (+) side of your switch to the wire harness connector meant for the (optional) defroster. Normally the (+) wire branches off from a fusible link.