Rear Window Defogger Circuit Short to Ground
There's a short in the circuit for the rear window defogger.
Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.
What it means (plain English)
The rear window defogger system is designed to clear moisture from the rear glass. A short means the wires in that system have touched something they shouldn't, causing them to malfunction.
What the computer is actually seeing
The vehicle's computer is monitoring the current in the rear defogger circuit and detects an unusually low resistance indicating a short to ground, which prevents the defogger from functioning.
What a healthy reading looks like
Normal resistance in the rear defogger circuit should be close to 0 ohms when off and less than 5 ohms when on, depending on vehicle design.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Inspect the wiring and connectors for the rear window defogger for damage or corrosion. If found, repair or replace as needed.
- 22. Measure the resistance in the rear defogger circuit. If it reads less than expected values (under 5 ohms), proceed to the next step. If it reads as expected, further diagnose the control system.
- 33. Disconnect the rear defogger element and recheck resistance. If the short is gone, the element itself is likely faulty. If the short is still present, investigate the wiring further.
- 44. Repair the wiring as needed and clear the DTC. Test the defogger operation. If it works, the issue is resolved.
Common causes
- Damaged wiring harness
- Corroded connectors
- Faulty rear defogger element
Typical repair cost
$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code?
Yes, but the defogger won't work, which could impact visibility in certain conditions.
Will this code come back after resetting?
If there is still a short in the circuit, the code will return.
Why do I see this code with others?
Often, multiple codes will appear if multiple circuits or components are involved in the same system.
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