Rear defroster not working, where is the relay?

[LeSabre97mint]

Hello

My rear defroster quit working on my 95 Windstar. I have a chiltions and a wiring diagram from AllData and I can't find the location of the relay that powers the rear defroster. Does it have a relay? I'm preaty sure it does because the wiring diagram shows one.

Nothing happens when I push the button for the rear defroster. What used to happen is the light on the button would come on and the rear defroster would heat up.

Also, what does the leters "IP" by some of the fuses mean?

Thanks for the feed back.

Regards

Dan

[kahjdh]

I would check the wires going across the windows for breaks if you cant find the fuse.

[wiswind]

"IP" stands for Instrument Panel Fuse box....which is on the driver side.....above your left foot...up under the dash.

The other place a number of fuses are located.....is in the fuse/relay box in the engine compartment.

For my '96...it lists fuse M in the engine compartment fuse/relay box as involving Rear defrost, outside mirror defrost, and some IP fuses.


Then the IP fuse diagram lists Fuse 21 (10 amp) for the rear window defrost...shiftlock actuator, and a bunch of other stuff...

Rear defrost relay is in the Instrument Panel fuse box (IP). It is next to fuse 36....as installed in my car....it is above Fuse #36....

In Alldatadiy.... Go into "Power and Ground Distribution" and then select "Instrument Panel Fuse Panel" and you will see the layout of the fuse panel as is is situated in the car.

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by wiswind

"IP" stands for Instrument Panel Fuse box....which is on the driver side.....above your left foot...up under the dash.

The other place a number of fuses are located.....is in the fuse/relay box in the engine compartment.

For my '96...it lists fuse M in the engine compartment fuse/relay box as involving Rear defrost, outside mirror defrost, and some IP fuses.


Then the IP fuse diagram lists Fuse 21 (10 amp) for the rear window defrost...shiftlock actuator, and a bunch of other stuff...

Rear defrost relay is in the Instrument Panel fuse box (IP). It is next to fuse 36....as installed in my car....it is above Fuse #36....

In Alldatadiy.... Go into "Power and Ground Distribution" and then select "Instrument Panel Fuse Panel" and you will see the layout of the fuse panel as is is situated in the car.

Thanks guys

I'll look at the areas that you suggest.

Regards

Dan

[PumpItUp]

Originally Posted by LeSabre97mint

Hello

My rear defroster quit working on my 95 Windstar. I have a chiltions and a wiring diagram from AllData and I can't find the location of the relay that powers the rear defroster. Does it have a relay? I'm preaty sure it does because the wiring diagram shows one.

Nothing happens when I push the button for the rear defroster. What used to happen is the light on the button would come on and the rear defroster would heat up.

Also, what does the leters "IP" by some of the fuses mean?

Thanks for the feed back.

Regards

Dan

Hey there LeSabre <<bet you wished you didn't get a Windstar now eh!
If you havent found it already then the power comes from a 60 AMP fuse from the power dist box under the hood/in the engine compartment The heaters controlled by the switch and the generic electronic module (GEM).. MAke certain the switch isn't at fault as well I have had a sticky switch for a long time and it jambs up on occasion. Do a simple circuit continuity test of the switch or wires and I believe you can get at it from behind the ashtray area. Good luck

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by PumpItUp

Hey there LeSabre <<bet you wished you didn't get a Windstar now eh!
If you havent found it already then the power comes from a 60 AMP fuse from the power dist box under the hood/in the engine compartment The heaters controlled by the switch and the generic electronic module (GEM).. MAke certain the switch isn't at fault as well I have had a sticky switch for a long time and it jambs up on occasion. Do a simple circuit continuity test of the switch or wires and I believe you can get at it from behind the ashtray area. Good luck

Well Pump....I don't have any regrets on getting the Windstar. I bought it broken. It needed headgaskets.

Thanks for the heads up on the switch. I'll check it out. I supected rely right away because I've had others fail.

Regards

Dan

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by wiswind

"IP" stands for Instrument Panel Fuse box....which is on the driver side.....above your left foot...up under the dash.

The other place a number of fuses are located.....is in the fuse/relay box in the engine compartment.

For my '96...it lists fuse M in the engine compartment fuse/relay box as involving Rear defrost, outside mirror defrost, and some IP fuses.


Then the IP fuse diagram lists Fuse 21 (10 amp) for the rear window defrost...shiftlock actuator, and a bunch of other stuff...

Rear defrost relay is in the Instrument Panel fuse box (IP). It is next to fuse 36....as installed in my car....it is above Fuse #36....

In Alldatadiy.... Go into "Power and Ground Distribution" and then select "Instrument Panel Fuse Panel" and you will see the layout of the fuse panel as is is situated in the car.

WisWind

I took my son sliding. (now I know someone is thinking.."what does this have to do with rear defrost"). While I was waiting for him I thought I'd check out the relays. I was able to feel where the relay was by hitting the rear defrost switch and could hear the relay clicking. I replaced that relay and my light on the rear DEF. came on. There is joy in the rear defrost dept.

I took the cover off of the relay. The points were totally burned away.

Next time you're in the bone yard pull some relays/fuses out of a late model. I've done this twice and haven't been charged either time.

Thanks

Dan