What the....
 

I don't get it. This seems a little strange. Before I go out in 20 degree weather and poke around in the fuse panel, I thought I'd see if I could get some insight.

When I was driving the 4Runner today, it was snowing/raining and a bit of fog on the windows, so:
I went to put on the rear window defroster....nothing.
Then I tried the rear wiper....nothing.
Tried shooting washer fluid on the back window....nothing.

I haven't been in the fuse panel yet (or recently), but if memory serves, the rear window defroster and rear wiper are two different fuses. Is there some sort of "integration relay" that controls both of these? BTW, my rear window still rolls up fine if that has any bearing.

Any ideas? I want to fix this before I catch frostbite tomorrow, so any insight would be appreciated.

Hmmm...maybe both fuses blew? I'll go check here in a sec and see if they are indeed on two different fuses or not.

Ok, it looks as though they are indeed two separate 20A fuses.

Duh
 

Jeez, I have a wiring diagram (forgot). I guess I need to dig that thing out. Will check the fuses tomorrow.

Thanks for the response.

Hey, how did you get a wiring diagram? I have a '98 and my car was rearended a long time ago. After the accident, my rear defogger has never worked. With a diagram, i might be able to find the problem. Do you have any suggestions?

Toyota Electrical Manual
 

I broke down and bought the Toyota Manual that covers electrical. It's for my 93, not sure if your wiring is the same.

I also had problems with my defroster before. Two things to look at: First, take off the inside panel and roll the window up half way. Check to see if the connection is attached to the glass. Second, (on mine anyway), the connectors aren't keyed, so it is possible to have them on backwards. There is a diode in the circuit, so if they are on backwards, the defroster won't work.

Hope that helps.

Cebby did you figure your problem out?

Not yet...
 

I'm watching the kiddies right now while their mom sleeps in (her once a week treat). I'm hoping to check it out in an hour or two.

Sounds good...let me know what happens.

Now I'm really confused...
 

I went out and pulled both fuses - they were both good. So I put them back in and wala, everything now works. I'm guessing the fuse for the rear defrost got loose? The wiper fuse I think is for all the wipers and my front ones still worked yesterday.

Beats me. I'm just glad I didn't have to tear anything apart for it to cure itself.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Glad to hear you got it fixed easily. Always better that way!