So I recently bought my first "Yota" which is a 97' 4Runner Limited. Love this rig but I have a question. What is the defroster type wire grid for in the right rear side window for anyway ? The manual has nothing on it that I could find and I have been told it may have something to do with the radio but that makes no sense. Even the salesmen at the local dealer had no idea.

Thanks,

Graywoulf

 

It's an extra antenna

 

Part of the radio antenna called a "diversity antenna". Supposed to help with reception. My aftermarket radio doesn't use that antenna and it works just fine...

 

I always thought it was a window defogger. I guess that shows you how often I use the window defogger.

 

It isn't a defogger? I was told at the dealer that it is a defroster/defogger. It did seem kind of weird on why it would be in that type of position. It does makes sense as a defroster though since you can turn to look out the right rear window but not the left rear, (you can see out, but very uncomfy to crane the neck to that position) and a frosted right rear window can be a problem. I'll pull out the ohm meter or wait till the next frost to see for myself.

 

If the dealer told you it was a defogger, better look for another dealer. It is part of the antenna system. The newer '03s and up have one on each side with a control box which selects which one to use based on signal strength.