Heated Glass Element: Description and Operation

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SYSTEM
An electrically heated rear window defogger is standard factory-installed equipment on the Viper Coupe. The defogger will only operate when the ignition switch is in the On position. When the defogger switch is turned On, an electric heater grid on the rear window glass is energized. This grid will produce heat to help clear the window glass of ice, snow, or fog.

The defogger system is controlled by a switch located in the accessory switch bezel, which is near the bottom of the instrument panel center bezel and next to the ash receiver. An amber indicator lamp in the switch button will light to indicate when the defogger system is turned ON.

The defogger system will be automatically turned off after a programmed time interval of about ten minutes. After the initial time interval has expired, if the defogger switch is turned on again during the same ignition cycle, the defogger system will automatically turn off after about five minutes.

The defogger system will automatically shut off if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, or it can be turned OFF manually by depressing the instrument panel switch. Refer to the owner's manual for more information on the defogger system controls and operation.

Following are general descriptions of the major components in the defogger system.

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID
The heated rear window glass has two electrically conductive vertical bus bars and a series of horizontal grid lines made of a silver-ceramic material, which is baked on and bonded to the inside surface of the glass. The grid lines and bus bars comprise a parallel electrical circuit.

When the rear window defogger relay is energized, electrical current is directed to the rear window grid lines through the bus bars. The grid lines heat the rear window to clear the surface of fog or snow. Protection for the heated grid circuit is provided by fuse 8 in the Fuse/Relay Block.

The grid lines and bus bars are highly resistant to abrasion. However, it is possible for an open circuit to occur in an individual grid line, resulting in no current flow through the line. The grid lines can be damaged or scraped off with sharp instruments. Care should be taken when cleaning the glass or removing foreign materials, decals, or stickers from the glass. Normal glass cleaning solvents or hot water used with rags or toweling is recommended.

A repair kit is available to repair the grid lines and bus bars, or to reinstall the heated glass pigtail wires.

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER RELAY
The rear window defogger relay includes the timer function.

Upon initial actuation signal, the relay will stay energized for approximately ten minutes, or until the ignition is turned OFF or the control switch is pressed again.

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH
The rear window defogger switch is mounted in the instrument panel center bezel next to the power window switches.

Actuating the switch signals the rear window defogger relay to turn ON or OFF. The switch assembly also has an LED that when lit signals the circuit is ON. The integral illumination lamp is not serviceable.