YACT: help! rear window defroster

[Squisher]

I replaced the rear window defroster switch after the daughter seemed to have pushed it right through the dash, but it seems to be doing the same thing it was doing before she decided she didn't know her own strength.

The switch doesn't stay on. It acts as a momentary switch would. While you're pushing it, it stays on, but once you release it, it goes off, which it shouldn't.

There must be some sort of "timer/temp sensor" switch somewhere else in the circuit which keeps the circuit on until the defroster is up to temp.

Where is it?

What does it look like? What keeps a defroster circuit on?

Oger dodger wanna be's, point me right direction.

1996 Ford Escort


TIA

 

[thomsbrain]

i have no idea, but i think you're on the right track with the timer thing, since most defrosters come on for like 15 minutes and then shut themselves off again, for reasons i don't understand but which the auto industry must think are good.

 

[Evadman]

You need a new defroster switch. No biggie.

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Evadman
You need a new defroster switch. No biggie.

I already changed the switch, and it's doing the same thing it was before.

The switch had 5 leads running from it, so the timer circuit must not be internal to the switch.

 

[Analog]

Its probably some sort of time delay relay somewhere in the car. Without a wiring diagram, I'm at a loss, but if you can obtain a wiring diagram for your car, maybe a Chilton's book or similar, I'm sure the location of the relay would be quite apparent. Should be an easy fix one you know where to look. A time delay relay stays energized for a given amount of time, then releases. They are quite common. Sounds like yours is no longer timing.

 

[DurocShark]

What yellowfiero said. Well, similar. It's a relay that only stays on as long as the ignition is on. It will release as soon as the car is shut off to prevent draining the battery.

 

[Squisher]

The problem is I'll have to take the dash apart to chase those leads to find the timer if no one can point me in the right direction.

I'm going to look for an escort specific forum.

 

[Analog]

Originally posted by: Squisher
The problem is I'll have to take the dash apart to chase those leads to find the timer if no one can point me in the right direction.

I'm going to look for an escort specific forum.

No need to chase anything if you have a chilton's or similar book. The relay may be near the defroster.

 

[Squisher]

Don't have a Chiltons.

I haven't done enough work to that car to need one.

I posted the problem on www.automotiveforums.com, maybe I'll get a response.

Or, the local library might have a Chiltons.