re: Rear Defroster, Camry Wagon

[sfjen]

Aloha Folks-
Wanted to ask you if the rear defroster is like a sensor? Meaning if no moisture at all, clear then the defroster will not turn on? I was trying out the switch but the light would not stay on when trying to activate it. I am testing everything out since getting this car.

Am curious as how it work and if the switch is a known problem? Thanks.
Mahalo

[white90dx]

It should stay on for 20 minutes (some amount of time like that) or until the button is pressed again. There is not special sensor to check if the window is clear.

-Charlie

[sfjen]

Aloha Charlie-
thanks for the reply. Question: when you initially press the switch should the light in the switch stay on? Then after say 20 minutes the light would turn off? When I press the switch the light portion of the switch does not stay on. That is why I am concerned something maybe wrong.
Mahalo,
Glen

Originally Posted by white90dx

It should stay on for 20 minutes (some amount of time like that) or until the button is pressed again. There is not special sensor to check if the window is clear.

-Charlie

[atobe]

could be the timer circuit in the switch is broken or there's a open circuit with the defroster ... check if there's any open on the window. is the defroster working ? could just be a simple broken bulb in the switch

[sfjen]

Aloha Atobe-
thanks for your reply. I will check that out. When I press the switch and keep my finger on it, the light stays lit. But once I take my finger off and depress the switch it turns of immediately. So, maybe you are right about the switch being broken and I need to get a new one or used one from the yard!
Mahalo

Originally Posted by atobe

could be the timer circuit in the switch is broken or there's a open circuit with the defroster ... check if there's any open on the window. is the defroster working ? could just be a simple broken bulb in the switch

['88 All-Trac]

My factory defrost switch did this same thing. I removed it from the dash, separated the housing, and cleaned it with mild degreaser for electronics and then I rubbed all of the contacts down with a pencil eraser. (The eraser will remove fingerprints and carbon buildup like nothin'!) I thin applied a very thin coat of dielectric grease to all of the contacts inside the switch, put the switch back together, and tossed it back in. Works perfect to this day.

[sfjen]

Aloha 88All-Trac-
Thanks for your reply. I will give this a try too!
Mahalo

Originally Posted by '88 All-Trac

My factory defrost switch did this same thing. I removed it from the dash, separated the housing, and cleaned it with mild degreaser for electronics and then I rubbed all of the contacts down with a pencil eraser. (The eraser will remove fingerprints and carbon buildup like nothin'!) I thin applied a very thin coat of dielectric grease to all of the contacts inside the switch, put the switch back together, and tossed it back in. Works perfect to this day.