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The rear window defroster in my 2001 chevy cavalier is not working. When the switch is pushed it lights up and you can hear it click on. But the window doesn't warm up.
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when you push on the rear defroster button does it light up if so then you will have to use a test light and check for broken window grid wires on the rear window. you ground one end of the test light and using the other end start at one side of the window that lights it up then follow the grid line from one side to the other at 2 inch increments, the light should light up but get dimmer as you test the length of the grid, then go to the next grid line and repeat. when the light stops lighting this is were there is a break in the grid is and needs to be repaired. you can get window grid repair kits for this.
If windows are electric, check switch and replace if needed. Check window motors wiring connections. If motors are bas, replace as needed. If manual, window could be off track or cranking mechanism may be broken. Replace as needed. If light fuses are good, replace bulbs to the lights.
If neither switch works it is a bad connection at the motor or bad ground or a bad motor. Remove the door panel unplug the motor push the switch and see if there is 12volts on the wires if there is the motor is bad There are small brushes in the motor that go bad tap on the motor while pushing the switch if it works that way replace it
you need to make sure the wires are on the glass on each side and there is no broken wires in the glass there is a repair kit at a auto store to fix if you have a volt meter test it and that way you can find the problem look for breaks in the wire in the glass and do not for get the wires on each side of the glass.
I had the exact same problem and I had determined that it was in the wires leading to the rear defrost. The main problem area is in a connector located under the footrest for the drivers left foot under the carpet. The wire leading to the rear defrost runs through the drivers side under the plastic moulding in the car frame, the wire is black and the thickest one in the bundle. A large green/blue connector usually melts the plastic around the connection causing it to fail. I fixed this by just getting a new connector similar to my old one from a junkyard and just rewired it, connecting the same wires the connector as before. It is in an awful location but it is possible to do. Be sure solid connections are made and soldered correctly to prevent this from happening again.
I have a 2002 Chev Cavalier that had the same exact problem. I replaced the bulb harness (purchased from a chevy dealership for around $5) which was fairly easy to do. I have had zero problems with it since.
The problem is the turn signal/headlight/hazard switch assembly on the steering column which the brake light wiring runs through. The part is easy to change and cost about $50 at most parts stores
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