95 Escort Rear Window Defroster Switch

[dwbailey]

For some reason my rear window defroster will only work if you hold down the switch. When you push it in, the light stays lit. When you let go tho it goes out. Will stay lit as long as you hold it in. Any suggestions? Replace the switch? Thanks guys.

[mightymoose_22]

Replace the switch.

[denisond3]

I had the same problem on my 92 Escort wagon. None of the auto parts places had the switch, nor did the Ford dealers where I asked. I found the few of them that were still in the salvage yards were like mine and yours - already busted. So if you find a source for that switch, let the rest of us know.
To solve my own problem, I got a 12 volt relay, & two momentary 'button' switches from ebay, and spent most of an afternoon making up a replacement setup. I used the original niche in the dash, with the relay stuffed behind the dashboard front. It worked fine; would either keep the glass heater on till I turned it off, or until I turned the ignition off.
Since then I have bought another Escort, a 94 wagon, whose defrost switch still works.
I have two Escorts because they get good gas mileage and are easy to fix.

[dwbailey]

Thanks guys for the info. I found a switch at a salvage yard for $10 and will go get it and see if that fixes it. Will post results. That's interesting that the dealer said they couldn't get one. Anybody know how to pull the steering wheel without setting off the airbag? I also have to replace my wiper switch.

[denisond3]

The airbags wont be set-off if you disconnect the battery and wait about 5 to 10 minutes before you start fiddling with the airbag. I havent taken the air bag off of my 94 Escort, and the 92 Escort doesnt have any airbag - so I dont know about undoing the electrical connection behind the airbag. But once you have disconnected the battery and the big capacitor in the 'control unit' has had time to discharge, I believe the airbag is 'safe' (wont inflate).
If you remove the steering wheel (and column cover) it may be possible to replace the heater switch without dropping the steering column. Otherwise to get the instrument bezel off you would need to undo the 4 bolts (12 mm I think) that hold the column up.
I always undo the negative battery terminal first, and before I put it back onto the battery post, I use a penknife and scrape the mating surfaces a little - to knock off any lead-oxide that would get in the way of good electrical contact.
I also advise putting a drop of oil onto your ignition key and putting it into the ign. lock. Helps to lube the mechanism.

[dwbailey]

Thanks for the good info. I ordered a service manual off of eBay and will wait for it to get here before I start screwing around with the steering wheel coming off. You mentioned the heater switch and I am actually replacing the wiper switch and from the looks of the pic (got it off of eBay too) the steering wheel has to come off to replace it.

[AzTumbleweed]

If I remember right the switch assembly wraps around the steering column. So the wheel does come off.

[chrisanthony]

yea i had the same problem to, the plastic clips at the back probably have broken. U did the exact samething i did, going to the car yard lols

[dwbailey]

Clips on back of defroster switch or wiper switch?