1996 Rear window defroster question

[Mark Hart]

Hello,
the rear window defroster on my 96 only stays on for about one minute or less. I've replaced the switch/timer and still have the same results. The defroster works great for the minute or less it stays on. Shouldn't it stay on for a longer Period of time? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks, Mark.

[cuda_dude]

my car does the same thing...i dont know if its supposed to or not

[Mark Hart]

Interesting.
My owners manual says it should run for 10 minutes then shut off. If you press it again it should run for 5 minutes.

[cuda_dude]

well then maybe we both have a problem

[lckycharm713]

doesnt the timer work when the rag defrosters or on up front. i think they work whit each other? its seem like in my car that the rear defrost stays on longer when the up front ones are on.(heater defrostsers). dont hold me to that, i really never paid attention, but that was what it seems like, now ill have to pay attention and see how my car works it. mine is also a ford, so it may be different as well.

[cuda_dude]

i dont think it works that way with my car but i'll check some time

[BiggyD]

mine stays garaged, so I don't know.

[Mark Hart]

I tried using the rear defroster with the front defroster on at the same time and it made no difference.

[sosren]

My 96 does the same thing. and it IS suppose to stay on for 10 min. It use to stay on for 3 min, now it's down to 1 1/2 min. Haven't had it checked out yet though, will let you know.

[osucordell]

I have a 92 and there seems to be no rear defroster at all. I don't know really cause it hasn't gotten cold enough here yet to try it out, but there are no wires so I don't think I have one at all.

[Savage Messiah]

Maybe this problem is common? mine definately doenst stay on 10 min

[Chevyracincamaro]

mine might not stay on for 10 min, but it certainly stays on longer than five...

[89IROC&RS]

the button pops out, and you have to put a new unit in. i did this at work. the switch has an integrated timer, and sometimes the timer goes back.

[ergmail02]

I've had the same problem with my 96. It started 3 years after being new...I noticed the rear defroster didn't stay on more than a min. and did a lousy job of defrosting, so I'll hit the button numerous times. One of the items I didn't follow-up on since I thought it had something to do with the window tinting I did, but guess it's a bigger problem if others are having it.

[cuda_dude]

mine stays on for atleast 5 mins, i watched it one day but forgot to keep an eye on it after it got to 5 mins