Rear Hatch defroster not working, 97 ST Options

[jess_i_74]

Well, the rear hatch defroster has never worked on my 1997 ST, so I decided to try and fix it. The light turns on and the relay clicks, but there's no power at the window. Here's what I've done:

1. Check all fuses related to the defroster, as described in the owner's manual. all fine
2. Checked resistance across the window, hot to ground: good.
3. Checked resistance ground terminal to ground: good
4. Located relay, tested by hooking up to a power supply and testing to see if it opens and closes the switch as it should. It's fine.


So, I guess I have two questions:

How do you remove the wire "clip" from the window? It didn't seem to come off easily, but I know they can be tight. I just didn't want to crack it off and have to solder to my window (no fun, I've had to do it before.).

Could anyone with a service manual tell me how the wire from the relay box in the driver's side dash/footwell runs to the window? In particular, whether there are any other junctions in the path, and also which wire-loom it runs through to the window (left, right, or middle, from the back of the car). I guess I could also use a description in how to remove the headliner/body panels around the driver's side rear window.

Any other ideas besides tracing the dang thing every inch of the way would really be appreciated.

[b1gr3d]

im getting pretty much the same thing with my 95 gt hatchback. checked the relay, checked the grid, power to all, 3rd brake light works....arg...oh and i live in wyoming where it gets frosty on the back almost everyday.

[mneal2_92788]

just a few lines on mine dont work, but i am going to get a new grid completly when i take off the crappy tint that is on there.

[BigAl_UK]

I had this with my import SS-II, power was being applied to the window but still it didn't work. I sourced (luckily for free) a complete tailgate from a friend in the correct colour. As an added bonus the new tailgate came with a Japanese tax disk as well If you go down this route though make sure you plenty of sealant on where the tailgate bolts to the body otherwise you end up with very wet seats like I did

[stud97023]

only 3 of my lines work. Is there anyway to purchase all new grid? If so, where can i find it and how much will it cost?