[salvatore]

Hello again, I have a 1997 Rodeo and noticed that when I press on the brake the rear defroster light on the switch comes on and no brake light outside. The defrosted doesn't seem to be working either. If I press the defroster buttom the top brake light comes on and stays on. Anyone that can help me would be great! Thank you.

 

[¡Oracle!]

Sounds like a fun one.

I wouldn't play around with those switches if at all possible because you might fry something out.

It sounds to me like the wires for the defroster and brake light on the rear window somehow got reversed.

I have never played with them myself but they are right next to each other and IIRC they are even in the same harness on my '99.

If you have a voltmeter and an assistant you should be able to figure out which wire goes where.

You will need to verify that the wires are hooked up incorrectly by checking with your fuses as well. I wouldn't go ahead and assume they have been swapped without checking at the fuse box.

 

[wrenchmonster]

Howdy folks. Just a word of caution. If possible, disconnect your battery while checking out your wires. I say this because many defrosters are run through the ECU on timers so they are not on all the time eventhough your switch may be on all the time. My volt meter has an audible continuity tester which is ideal for this situation. If you don't have a volt meter yet, try to purchase one with this function. If your defroster is run on a timer, be very careful. If you tap the wrong wire with the battery hooked up you can damage your ECU (although I admit this is unlikely to happen). Or if you do your repair wrong and then hook up the battery. In any case, sounds like a simply crossed wire situation, should be easy to isolate and fix. Good luck.

-Kevin

 

[salvatore]

Thanks! I'll try that today, hopefully it'll work.

 

[salvatore]

I looked at the wires, but they only connect one way and also the same with the defroster switch. One thing I did notice is that after I pulled the two fuses for the "RR Derfost" I still had the switch light come one when I pressed the switch in. Also I still had power going to the top brake light even when the brake was NOT pressed. I have no idea! :?

 

[Canucklehead]

Salvatore, you want me to send you wiring diagrams for the rear defrost and brake systems?

 

[salvatore]

Hello,
Sure if you could that would be a big help. I tried all day yesterday with no luck. Please send it to [email protected]. Thank you very much!

 

[salvatore]

The wiring diagram you sent me work!! Thank you very much!!
Problem solved!!!