[94dragonwagon]

94 wagon, when i hit the breaks my defrost light switch comes on (illuminates "on") i know the rear defrost does not work, but it is annoying to have the light come on everytime i hit the breaks. Why does it happen?

 

[dcorwin822]

short some where... good luck.

 

[MadBrad]

Did someone plug the *BRAKE* light wire into the defog grid? That'd be a first!

 

[94dragonwagon]

hmm, all the lights seem to function properly, i'm guessing it may be a short or something is backfeeding, i was wondering if it is a typical failure/ common ford problem

 

[MadBrad]

haven't heard of it. some wires could've got chafed and are touching each other somewhere. There's no easy diagnosis though.

 

[highanddry]

Well your rear defrost probably doesn't work because of the switch (c'mon Brad, that was your chance). Replace the switch. At least then the defrost will work.

Or, pull the bulb from the switch so it doesn't bother you any more.

 

[MadBrad]

Well your rear defrost probably doesn't work because of the switch (c'mon Brad, that was your chance). Replace the switch. At least then the defrost will work.

Or, pull the bulb from the switch so it doesn't bother you any more.

But I was just talking about the brake thing. I don't think he was asking about the defroster. It seemed like he didn't care. But that's a good point. Maybe if you change the crap switch it won't do that weird thing.

 

[94dragonwagon]

well, i plan on pulling the dash this weekend and replacing the burnt out lights anyways. At least i'll be able to see how fast/slow i'm driving at night.
I'm not worried about the defroster, the light is just an annoyance. no big deal, it's just a winterbeater

 

[highanddry]

Seriously...I'd replace that switch. Sometimes rear defrost is essential.

 

[TurboSupra12]

Seriously...I'd replace that switch. Sometimes rear defrost is essential.

Agreed. when i got my GT, the switch didn't work.. i pulled the fuse to check it,., it was good. i plugged it back in, and it worked. wooo.

 

[MadBrad]

Anytime anything at all is wrong with your 2nd gen Escort, The problem is the defrost switch. Change it. This evil piece of equipment is responsible for malfunctioning defrosters, blown fuses, melted dashboards, mysterious warning lights, rough idle, yellowed headlight lenses, broken rear springs, worn liftgate shocks, erratic power shoulder belt operation, noisy speedometer cables, the '87 stock market crash, the Quebec Ice Storm, and the collapse of society. everyone do your part in saving the world and CHANGE YOUR DEFROST SWITCH!
Wrecker supplied switches have been exorcised so go with those, although they too might eventually allow Satan to influence them.