NicB

iTrader: (4)

Tried searching but I couldnt find what I was looking for. My rear defrost turns on but for only a short time (1-2min) then off. Then I cant turn it on again for bout 5 minutes. Then it will stay on for bout another minute then off. What do I need to look at for fixing this problem?

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Don't know if its normal, but thats what mines been doing for 13 1/2 years. It cycles on and off....so it doesn't burn up the elements......I guess.

.

wrencher

iTrader: (2)

Well if it goes out early & wont come back on for a few minutes I'd check the circuit breaker. It powers the circuit including the light in the switch when on.
other than that the timer relay might be an issue also.

85CamaroZ28

iTrader: (7)

Most likely it's the breaker (the ones with the shiny silver top) in the fuse panel that's in the dash. It wears out and trips early. Don't remember exactly which one it is but it's in your owners manual. Most people (including myself) replace it with a ? Amp fuse. You just have to make sure it cuts off in 10-15 mins or it could burn something up. I have had it like this for a year w/o any problem.

If you want to replace the breaker, its in the panel in the dash. Take it into the parts store and match it up. It will burn up again but some people just like having the piece of mind. Most of the time the timer will kick in and shut it off anyway.

Try the fuse. I don't remember what the correct amps are but it's whatever the breaker is rated too i believe. I'll take a look here in a min and post it up.

kyoytey1693

iTrader: (7)

I bought my 96 with 74k on it and it has done it ever since, I bought my 01 with 34k on it and it has done it ever since as well. I'm not sure if it is a known issue or if it is functioning as designed. Either way neither of mine are even worth turning on. I'd like to know how to fix it as well.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

This IS just your breaker getting old. (There are other posts on this.) Just put a new one in and you'll be set for another 10 years.

DON"T put a fuse in its place. The engineers put a breaker there for a reason... Fuses and Breakers trip at different time intervals.

85CamaroZ28

iTrader: (7)

They also put a timer in there for a reason. Plenty of people have put a fuse in its place and haven't had any trouble with it. Mine has been fine too.

OP put a replacement breaker in it. If that breaker wears out as fast as mine did, put a fuse in it. The timer will cut it off before anything bad happens.

NicB

iTrader: (4)

Ok. Thanks guys

NicB

iTrader: (4)

tried the breaker and a 30 amp fuse. still does same thing. doesn't burn up fuse though. what else should I check?

beyonddisturbed

iTrader: (5)

i have a similar issue where it shuts off after just a couple minutes. also only the top half of the hatch seems to be defrosted. it must be an issue with these cars in general

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Could be the electronics module that controls the defroster. It has a relay and timer circuit inside, which can also go bad.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

After owning 4 of these cars, ranging from brand new to 100k+ miles, I've never had this problem.

Whatever it is, it's not normal and isn't how they were when new. So something needs to be replaced somewhere to restore proper operation.

NicB

iTrader: (4)

Where is this located? can it be switched out?

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

I think its behind the dash. It can be switched out. There are threads somewhere on this site with more details. (I had a '90 Pontiac that went through two of these but it doesn't seem to be a recurring problem with F-Bodies.)

chrysler kid

iTrader: (14)

My camaro has this problem when the car is cold. If I warm the car up and then use the defrost it works fine.

My theory is that it's the switch. It won't fully click into position after its been on a while and my theory is the switch can sense resistance in the defrost

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

The switch doesn't work that way - the switch is a simple momentary switch. You are describing the function of the electronic module that controls the circuit. (I'd still switch out the breaker first, if you haven't already. Its also a heat-sensitive component and is cheap.)

NicB

iTrader: (4)

I have switched the breaker. same result. put a 30 amp fuse in with same result. I guess its just not gonna work. it car sit in the garage and think about it. haha

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Sure it can be fixed. Just replace the control module. (Its just a lot more expensive than a breaker.)

NicB

iTrader: (4)

I may fix it if i ever find the extra money for something that doesnt get used much. I have a few other things I have my eye on first.

chrysler kid

iTrader: (14)

Its just odd that only my camaros have had this problem and only when the vehicle isn't warmed up