Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting ANY repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in RESTRAINTS.

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, information in this article applies to both Escort and ZX2 models. Escort may be referred to as Sedan, and ZX2 may be referred to as Coupe.

Rear window defogger system is comprised of a series of grid filaments baked on inside surface of rear window glass, rear defogger switch and light incorporated into the Integrated Control Panel (ICP), rear window defogger relay in relay box, and related wiring. System power is supplied through DEFOG fuse (30-amp) in Battery Junction Box (BJB). Power to DEFOG relay coil and warning chime module is provided by METER fuse (10-amp) in Central Junction Box (CJB). Rear defogger grid ground wire terminates near trunk lid.

Rear window defogger system is activated by rear window defogger switch (also referred to as defrost switch) which is incorporated into ICP. Defogger switch directs current through rear window defogger grid (also referred to as defrost grid) filaments on window glass, keeping window clear of fog and thin ice or frost.