Rear Window Defogger?

Tiny
GARYAKOHL
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 61,000 MILES
Doesn't work, not sure but the side view heated mirrors may not be working as well bc there was snow on them that didn't seem to go away after 15 minutes of driving.

When the rear defogger button is pressed, it lights up, but I never see any defrost action at the rear window. The defrost grid seems to be intact. Tried looking for a fuse /relay diagram in my owners manual, but could not find anything. Checked the web but got some conflicting info as to which fuse and or relay controls the system. I am pretty good electronically, so if anyone can share insight or a schematic, it would be most helpful. Thanks!
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 AT 12:02 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,877 POSTS
So there are four fuses you need to check: MIR HTR, DEF, DEICER, in the fuse panel under the hood and the HTR IGN fuse in the fuse panel under the dash on the left side. There are also three relays that run the system as well, I don't think it is the defroster ribbon inside the rear window because the other features are not working as well. Here is a guide to help you check the fuses.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Here is the rear window and rear view mirror wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, January 1st, 2026 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
GARYAKOHL
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Hi Ken,

This is perfect! Just what I was hoping for! I will get to troubleshooting and let you know what I find. Many thanks!

G
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Thursday, January 1st, 2026 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nice! I am glad this can work for you.

Ken
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Friday, January 2nd, 2026 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
GARYAKOHL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hey Ken,

Again, thanks for your help on this! The short version of the solution was I found an open coil on the deicer relay.

Apparently Toyota uses a crappy crimp method to attach the wires to the terminals. The connection failed at one of the crimps, so I removed the relay cover, carefully tinned the wires and applied a little solder and problem resolved. All works fine now!

The schematics were invaluable and probably would never have found the issue without them. I will definitely be sending a contribution to the site.

Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Gary
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 AT 8:05 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,877 POSTS
Hi Gary,

Super cool you figured it out and got back to us with the fix, it will help others with the same problem. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Happy new year!

, Ken
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 AT 9:24 AM

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