Fixing Rear Defroster on a 240

Hi, I recently bought an '88 240, and I've got a question for you guys. The
rear defroster switch seems to have given out. It's a rocker switch that is
supposed to stay down after being pushed, but now it springs back up. And
even if I hold it down the rear window doesn't seem to defrost, and the
light for the switch doesn't come on. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
Is it just a worn out switch? If not, what can I do to diagnose the
problem? I'd really appreciate any help you can give me, so I can stop
driving around with a foggy window. Please CC my email address if you
reply. Thanks, Erik

Erik Douglas

 

The switch behavior is normal, '83 and newer 240's have a timer switch on
the rear demister so you press the switch and the light should come on and
stay on for a set amount of time. If the light doesn't come on the first
thing I would check is the fuse, even if the fuse is good they often get
corrosion on the ends. Also you didn't specify whether this is a sedan or a
wagon, if it's a wagon it's also *very* common for the wiring that runs
through the tailgate hinges to break from the repeated flexing. Also
sometimes the connector that plugs into the back of the switch develops some
resistance from oxide buildup which causes it to heat up and melt, sometimes
to the point that the wire falls out.