Install Remote Starter help

[DanT118]

So far I've decided to install a remote starter in my car myself. I haven't run into any issues so far except for the fact that I have a tough time reading wiring diagrams. I want to connect an output wire for a rear defogger (to start the rear defogger when the car remotely starts) on my '00 Camry XLE but I can't figure out what harness and wire to connect to from the fuse panel. If someone could please help me understand some of these wiring diagrams I've found on camrystuff.com so that I can locate the correct wire I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,
Dan

[dc_98_cam]

If you look at p. 266 of the Gen 4 wiring diagram, you will see that the rear window defogger involves a timer, a light, and various other components. The problem is that it is not just an on/off switch. Apparently, the defogger is on only for a period of 15 minutes or so after you activate the switch. Maybe it would overheat and cause damage if it were left on continuously. ...So, to start the defogger from a remote starter, you would have to disassemble the defogger switch, and locate the correct terminal to connect to. Depending on whether the actual defogger activation switch is momentary, or a simple on/off activation, you might also have to install a relay of some type.
If you had a spare defogger switch from a salvage yard, you might be able to take it apart and see what is actually involved, before tearing up the one in your vehicle...just an idea. The difficulty here depends on what is involved in accessing the correct terminal within the switch. It would help if you could post a few pictures of the defogger switch.

[boost3dsupra]

Id have to say the rear defogger is not so hard to do. I have yet to do it in my car but i would reccomend probing the wires to see what happens when you turn the switch on and off. If i remember correctly you have to tap it at the switch which requires removing the switch itself to gain access to the wires. Most alarms can activate the defogger for a specific amount of time also to match what normally happens. If your not sure take it to a mecp or anyone who has done alarm installs.

[dc_98_cam]

Originally Posted by boost3dsupra

Most alarms can activate the defogger for a specific amount of time also to match what normally happens.

If your remote control pad has a timer function, then it would be a much easier job. The wiring diagram shows that you would have to install a suitable relay ... which would ground out the defogger relay activation coil. However, this is no major task. The defogger coil has power applied continuously, and what the normal defogger switch does, in effect, is to ground the defogger relay activation coil. So, what is required is to turn on a user installed relay to ground out the relay activation coil, for a given length of time... 15 minutes or so. ...If this sounds complicated, it's not.