wiring rear defrost to rocker switch

[skep419]

The girlfriend drives a 96 escort. In order to get the rear defrost switch to work you would have to hold the button down. Switch is a crappy design and expensive.

here is the diagram. I am wondering how to wire it into a illuminated rocker switch so the light is on when the rear defrost is on. Also how many amp/terminal switch would be needed?

Thanks

 

[slantsixdan]

The switch is expensive because it contains a latching timer relay that operates the backglass defogger for ~10 minutes or so, then kicks off. This is important; you don't want to have a simple on/off switch, and the suckers draw a lot of current so you really do want the relay (not just a simple switch) for safety's sake. No need to tempt fate by making a Ford even more fire-prone than it already is, eh! Probably easiest and fastest just to spend the $35 on the last item on this page (new switch & timer relay with wiring).

 

[skep419]

I'm guessing there is already a relay to the old switch.

Would this 3 terminal switch work?

 

[skep419]

Or do I have to stick to the 5 terminal

 

[Romeo]

Does anyone have the origonal part number forvthe rear defrost switch?

 

[cudajim]

The switch is expensive because it contains a latching timer relay that operates the backglass defogger for ~10 minutes or so, then kicks off. This is important; you don't want to have a simple on/off switch, and the suckers draw a lot of current so you really do want the relay (not just a simple switch) for safety's sake. No need to tempt fate by making a Ford even more fire-prone than it already is, eh! Probably easiest and fastest just to spend the $35 on the last item on this page (new switch & timer relay with wiring).

Hmmm... you're right about that Dan. IMO, Ford tends to use switches barely rated for the job. They work for a while then crap out at the most inopportune time (I had a Ford Exploder). I'd use a new switch/timer/relay too.