stormin94

I have had the defroster switch on the dash since I've owned my 4Runner. Long story short, I bought my 4Runner, put grey interior in it (in place of NASTY brown) and replaced the rear tailgate(it was hit in the rear). The switch for the defroster lights up, so I figured the tailgate was wired for it, but maybe the window was different(replaced maybe). Since the dash and tailgate came off the same vehicle, I assumed it would have the defroster connections. It does not.

So, now I've replaced the rear window with one that DOES have the defroster lines. I also have the switch on the dash. The tailgate doesn't look to be wired for it, and I'm not sure if it has wiring going all the way back for the defroster. I am aware that they make aftermarket defrosters, but I have the OEM Toyota window already paid for and installed, and that's what I will be using.

Basically, what I need to know is what do I need to make the rear defroster work?

Also, has anyone added rear defroster?

stormin94

anyone?

myyota

The new tail gate that you installed in place of the damaged one might not have the wiring for the rear window defrost. You will need to look at the wiring from the old tail gate and compare it to the new tail gate to see if the wireing is there, if its not then you will need to add the wires for the defrost circuit to work.

stormin94

How many wires? Just a positive, and negative? Maybe a relay?

myyota

Im not sure how many wires there should be, but the relay for the rear window is located behind the trim panel next to the drivers door, it controls all the functions for the rear window.