GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. Listen for an audible click when the relay operates. Command both the ON and OFF states of the REAR DEFOG relay. Repeat the commands as necessary.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Defogger Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List in Wiring Systems

1

Did you perform the Defogger Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Defogger

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Depress the rear defogger switch.
  3. Observe the rear defogger indicator on the HVAC control module.

Does the rear defogger indicator illuminate?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

Connect a test lamp between the rear defogger grid and a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 8

4

Connect a test lamp between the left side and the right side of the rear defogger grid.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 15

5

  1. With a scan tool, observe the Rear Defog Switch parameter in the body control module (BCM) switch Input data list.
  2. Depress the rear window defogger switch.

Does the scan tool display On?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the harness C2 connector of the BCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp between battery voltage and the rear defogger switch signal circuit of the HVAC control module at the BCM.
  5. Depress the rear defogger switch.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

7

Connect a test lamp between the rear defog switch indicator control circuit and the rear defog switch indicator supply voltage circuit.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

8

  1. With a scan tool select from the Special Functions, the Rear Defogger Relay under the BCM output controls.
  2. Command the REAR DEFOG relay ON and OFF.

Do you hear a click when you command the relay ON and OFF?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 12

9

Connect a test lamp between the supply voltage circuit of the REAR DEFOG relay switched input, at the under hood fuse block, and a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 19

10

Test the rear defogger switch signal circuit and the rear defogger switch ground circuit of the HVAC control module for an open or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 13

11

Test the supply voltage circuit of the rear defogger indicator of the HVAC control module for an open or short to ground and test the rear defog relay circuit of the rear defogger indicator of the HVAC control module for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 13

12

Inspect for poor connections at the REAR DEFOG relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 17

13

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the HVAC control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 18

14

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the BCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 20

15

Repair an open or high resistance in the ground circuit of the rear defogger. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 21

--

16

Repair an open, a high resistance, or a short to ground in the supply circuit of the rear defogger. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 21

--

17

Replace the REAR DEFOG relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 21

--

18

Replace the HVAC control module. Refer to HVAC Control Module Replacement in HVAC Systems - Manual.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 21

--

19

Replace the underhood fuse block. Refer to Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 21

--

20

Important:: Perform the programming or set up procedure for the replaced control module if required.

Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System for applicable replacement procedure.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 21

--

21

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2