2001 Buick Park Avenue Rear Defrost Issue

[santorop]

Are you having problems with you PA rear defrost not working? I have the resolution. There is a relay/module that is behind the rear driver side pillar that fails. Actually, the connection between the module and connector burns out and I guess this is pretty typical.

All you need to do is remove the plastic covering above/between the drivers side rear door and rear window. Be patient in removing this as you may break a piece of hardware that reconnects it to body. Locate the black module on the pillar. You will notice and connector going into this module and going out of the module. Also, the antenna is also connected to this module. Look for the burned connector. I suggest you purchase these items online since it is cheaper as opposed to a dealership.

I suggest ordering part numbers:
Part Number 25623688
Part Number 15305949

One is the actual module and the other is a new connector. It is very easy to replace yourself. I hope this helps out!

[82Stang]

Thanks, but been there done that.

It is called a RF modulator. It holds the connectors for the rear defrost and the radio etc. It burns out at that point every time. I would guess because it has such a long run time. Many people had this problem, just didn't know that it was so simple to fix. Thankfully, it is not a hard problem to solve. And we are all smarter for it now.

Thanks again,
Mike

[kawal]

If you know how to solder decently, there is an almost free fix for this. My son's '97 PA had this problem. The connector in that module is poorly designed for the amount of current it has to carry.

Rather than replace the module with the same design, we took out the module and opened it up. When the plastic is melted, it is obvious the connector is not up to the job. So we soldered a new #12 wire about 6" long to where the connector is located, then installed a new Delco connector (but could be any connector) on the end of the wire. The original defroster wire was also burned, so we trimmed that back and soldered a new mating connector on that wire, then connected them up.

No more problems and the fix was free.