Trunk release & Rear defrost not working?

[SoldMySS4a5.0]

I just found out that the trunk release button in the glovebox does not work and the rear window defroster does not work. I checked the fuses and they are good. What could be the problem? The trunk button doesn't click at all when pressed. The light on the defrost button comes on it just doesnt defog/frost on the window. thanks

 

[Saleen0679]

Trunk release problem is probably just the switch. You can test it easily enough with a meter or you could momentarily jumper the switch connector and see if the trunk pops open. The buttons don't click, they are just a momentary make/break connection when depressed.

If the problem isn't the switch then it will have to be with the wiring or the release solenoid located near the trunk latch. The circuit path starts at fuse 6 and goes along a w/p wire to the release switch. From the release switch there is a p/y wire that goes to the release solenoid. There should be 12v on the p/y when the switch is depressed.

 

[trents99]

Also remember for the trunk button to work the key has to be in the ignition and at least in the "on" position.

For the defrost you may have broken lines. Does any part of it defrost? Is the window tinted?

 

[Euphoric306]

my defroster works really slow and only does a few of the lines... im thinkin i need a new hatch glass??

~600 bucks for one with defroster or something terribly outrageous like that isnt it?

 

[SoldMySS4a5.0]

thanks guys--great info-- i'll get started right away on the trunk.

yes , the windows are tinted. could that be the culprit?

 

[sgarlic]

Does the little light on the switch come on when you press it? If not it could be the switch or wiring to the switch.

 

[trents99]

thanks guys--great info-- i'll get started right away on the trunk.

yes , the windows are tinted. could that be the culprit?

The tint itself will no cause it to stop working but the tinter could have damaged some of the lines. It'll be easy to see on a tinted window. From the outside your lines will look like a brightish orange color. Follow the entire routing pattern of the lines and look for breaks. A broken section will be a darker orange. If none of the lines work I would look at the connections where the wire runs to the male spade connector on the glass. If some of the lines work then there are some broken lines. I think there used to be a product to mend them but you'd have to take the tint off. Not worth it IMO

 

[Saleen0679]

Like trents99 said, the tint probably isn't the culprit unless the workmanship is shoddy or the tint was removed and replaced. Still, check the traces and the connectors at the ends. Other areas to check would be the fusible link at the starter relay (black 16 gauge) and the rear window defrost control relay near the fuse box.