GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The R/DEFOG relay supplies voltage to the outside rearview mirror heater elements based on the current state of the rear window defogger. The replay supplies B+ through the driver/passenger mirror heating element supply voltage circuit when a request is seen.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Outside Rearview Mirror Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Mirror Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Outside Mirror Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, press the rear window defogger switch. Verify the rear window defogger turns ON and the rear window becomes warm.
  2. If the rear window defogger does not turn on, refer to Rear Window Defogger Malfunction .
  3. Press the rear window defogger switch. Verify both the left and right outside mirror glass become warm.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the outside rearview mirror.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the ground circuit terminal E and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the B+ circuit terminal F and ground.
  5. Ignition ON, command the rear window defogger ON and OFF with the rear defogger switch. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the B+ circuit for a short to voltage.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the outside rearview mirror face.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Outside Rearview Mirror Glass Replacement