To the top of the document
Orlando
   
GMDE Start Page Load static TOC Load dynamic TOC Help?

Rear Window Defogger Malfunction

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.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Rear Window Defogger Relay Switch B+

1

1

--

--

HVAC Control Serial Data

U1510 00

U1510 00

U1510 00

-

Rear Window Defogger Relay Control

B0283 02

B0283 05

B0283 05

--

Rear Demister Grid Control

1

1

2

--

Rear Window Defogger Relay Coil Ground

--

B0283 05

--

--

Rear Window Demister Grid Ground

--

1

1

--

1. Rear Demister Inoperative

2. Rear Demister Always ON

Circuit/System Description

When the HVAC control module receives a rear window demist request from the HVAC control faceplate, the HVAC control module will supply voltage to the relay coil. Battery positive voltage is supplied at all times to the relay switched input and the relay coil is always grounded. This allows battery positive voltage from the relay switched input to flow through the switch contacts and out the relay switched output to the rear window demister grid.

Diagnostic Aids

The rear window defogger indicator will still function when the rear defogger switch is pressed, but any of the following conditions may cause the rear window defogger grid not to function:

    • The battery state of charge is out of range causing the HVAC control module to suspend the rear window defogger operation.
    • The Remote Start Enable ambient temperature is greater than 5°C (40°F).

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Defogger Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Rear Window Defogger Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, observe the scan tool Rear Demister Switch parameter while pressing the heated rear window switch. The parameter should change from Inactive to Active.
  2. If the value does not change, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.
  3. Observe the operation of the rear window demister indicator while pressing the heated rear window switch. The indicator should turn ON or OFF each time the heated rear window switch is pressed.
  4. If the indicator does not turn ON or OFF with each switch press, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.
  5. Command the E18 Rear Demister Grid ON and OFF with a scan tool, the E18 Rear Demister Grid should turn ON or OFF while changing between the commanded states.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the KR5 Rear Defogger Relay.
  2. Test for less than 30 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 85 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Engine running, verify a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 87 and ground.
  5. If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
  6. Verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  8. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the E18 Rear Defogger Grid.
  9. Test for less than 30 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  10. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  11. Connect the X2 harness connector at the E18 Rear Defogger Grid.
  12. Engine running, connect a 40 A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control circuit terminal 87. Verify the E18 Rear Demister Grid is activated.
  13. If the E18 Rear Demister Grid does not activate, and the circuit fuse is good, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the E18 Rear Defogger Grid.
    If the E18 Rear Demister Grid does not activate, and the circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the E18 Rear Defogger Grid.
  14. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 86 and the ground circuit terminal 85.
  15. Command the E18 Rear Demister Grid ON and OFF with a scan tool, the test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  16. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.
  17. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the KR5 Rear Defogger Relay.

Component Testing

Rear Window Demister Grid Test

  1. Engine running, turn on the E18 Rear Defogger Grid.
  2. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between each rear window demister grid line and ground. The test lamp should be off when testing at the ground side of the grid and get brighter as the test lamp moves closer to the voltage supply side of the grid. The test lamp should be dim when testing each grid line in the middle.
  3. If the test lamp remains bright at the middle of the grid line, test for an open between the test point and the ground side of the grid.
    If the test lamp remains off at the middle of the grid line, test for an open between the test point and the voltage supply side of the grid.

Relay Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the KR5 Rear Defogger Relay.
  2. Test for 60-180 Ω between terminals 85 and 86.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the KR5 Rear Defogger Relay.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:
  5. • 30 and 86
    • 30 and 87
    • 30 and 85
    • 85 and 87
    If not the specified value, replace the KR5 Rear Defogger Relay.
  6. Install a 25 A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 V. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 Ω between terminals 30 and 87.
  7. If greater than the specified range, replace the KR5 Rear Defogger Relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Liftgate Window Replacement
    •  Relay Replacement : Within an Electrical Center → Attached to Wire Harness
    • Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming
   


© Copyright Chevrolet. All rights reserved