On-Vehicle Inspection [08/2013 - ]

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Lexus ES 300h. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CHECK REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER OPERATION
1. When the power switch is on (IG) and the rear window defogger switch is pressed, check that the window defogger system operates.

INSPECT BACK WINDOW GLASS (REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER WIRE)

NOTE:

When cleaning the glass, wipe the glass along the wire using a soft dry cloth. Take care not to damage the wire.
Do not use detergents or glass cleaners that have abrasive ingredients.
When measuring voltage, wrap a piece of tin foil around the tip of the negative tester probe and press the foil against the wire with your finger as shown in the illustration.

Turn the power switch on (IG).

Fig 1: Inspecting Rear Window Defogger Wire

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

TEXT IN ILLUSTRATION

*1	Tester Probe
*2	Tin Foil
*3	Rear Window Defogger Wire

Turn the rear window defogger switch on.

Measure the voltage at the center of each rear window defogger wire to check the wire as shown in the illustration.

Fig 2: Measuring Rear Window Defogger Wire Voltage

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

TEXT IN ILLUSTRATION

*1	Foil Strip
*a	At center

Result

Voltage	Criteria
4 to 6 V	Wire is not broken
11 to 14 V	Wire is broken between the center and ground side end
Below 1 V	Wire is broken between the center and auxiliary battery side end

HINT:

If the voltage is 11 to 14 V, the wire may be broken between the center of the wire and the wire end on the ground side. If the voltage is below 1 V, the wire may be broken between the center of the wire and the wire end on the auxiliary battery side.

Place the positive (+) lead of the voltmeter against the rear window defogger wire on the auxiliary battery side.

Fig 3: Measuring Rear Window Defogger Wire Voltage

TEXT IN ILLUSTRATION

*1	Foil Strip
*2	Broken Wire
*a	11 to 14 V
*b	Below 1 V
*c	Ground Side
*d	Auxiliary Battery Side

Place the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter with the foil strip against the wire on the ground side.
Slide the positive (+) lead from the auxiliary battery side to the ground side. The point where the voltage drops to below 1 V from 11 to 14 V is the place where the rear window defogger wire is broken.
HINT:

If the rear window defogger wire is not broken, the voltmeter should indicate 11 to 14 V at the auxiliary battery side. As the positive (+) lead is moved to the ground side, the voltage gradually decreases to below 1 V.