Hello,
Its an '87. The rear defroster doesn't work.
The button lights up from the dash glow, but doesn't turn on when pressed.
Its not the fuse, and I checked the line where it supposedly breaks commonly under the driver side footboard, but it was disconnected where it connects to the window.
So I re-did both leads, shoulda fixed it but no.
I guess, what do I do now? Part of the problem is my lack of volt meter and would rather not buy one, but we'll see.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

You need a volt meter to check things like this out, you can get a cheap volt meter for less than fifteen dollars.

 

So I got a voltmeter.
Testing showed that there is power across the fuse.
By bridging the red/black and the orange wires at the switch, I heard, what I assume is a solenoid click, but no power at the rear defrost wires in the rear door.
Maybe it is a bad ground in the back?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am getting pretty frustrated.
I also don't have a mechanics manual (i'm broke and again would rather not buy one), so maybe if anyone could point me towards a wire harness diagram?

 

Check and see that the wires connecting to the window aren't broken. They tend to split about a foot from the end.

 

Also search on here for links to download the fsm. They have a PDF version of the 88 4runner that works I have used it a bunch. And it's free.

 

The wire is solid, I see where you mean though.
Got an FSM which led me to test the switch through the battery directly. Pretty sure its bad which hopefully is the whole problem.
Any tips on where to get the rear defrost switch?
By the way, thanks kiyo, and I've spent the last 4 years in Tacoma going to school. Much love.

 

So the fffffin dealership wants to sell me a switch for $150!!!!!! ing crazy.
I'm new at this, so if anyone could point me in a good direction... I live in SLC so if you know a good pull apart or junk yard, hit me up please.

 

Might try Davez offroad, aka toyotaparts on pirate I think. Or you could just wire it up to a simple toggle switch if ya wanna be real cheap