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wiring for rear window defroster

W

wildowl

New CEG'er
Joined
Dec 23, 2006
Messages
9
Location
Freeport, Texas
My 1998 Contour LX was damaged by hail and the front and rear windows were replaced. The new rear window does not have the heating grid in it, so I have purchased an aftermarket rear window defroster with a 12v cigarette lighter plug. The rear defroster switch on the instrument panel is active and if possible I would like to connect the new defroster to that wiring, which has a 10 minute time out built in. Can anyone help me find this wiring? I looked in the trunk under the rear deck panel, but all I could find was the wiring for the rear window brake light. I'm also reading posts and threads about finding leaks in my rear deck vents, etc.
Thanks,
wildowl
 
Welcome :) . The wire goes into the rear left (driver side) quarter trim panel (where the top of the seat belt goes into). If you have split fold down backseats, when you push the backseat down, you should see a wire loom with a wire going up to the rear left quarter trim panel. I can't confirm the color as the 1996 is supposed to be different. In addition, it is too cold for me to go out to the car and check. ;)

From 1996 Ford CD,

Trim Panel, Quarter

Removal and Installation
1. For conventional rear seats, remove rear seat. For rear folding seat back, remove side bolsters.

2. Remove lower bolt retaining rear safety belt retractor and tongue.

3. Remove package tray trim panel as outlined.

4. Carefully pry quarter trim panel away from quarter panel to release retaining clips.

5. Feed rear safety belt retractor and tongue through quarter trim panel. Remove quarter trim panel.

6. To install, reverse Removal procedure.


Trim Panel, Package Tray--Conventional Rear Seat

Removal and Installation
1. Remove rear seat back.
2. Remove four pushpins retaining package tray trim panel to package tray.
3. Disconnectrear hi-mount lamp .

4. Slide package tray trim panel forward. Remove package tray trim panel.

5. Remove two screws retainingrear hi-mount lamp topackage tray trim panel. Removerear hi-mount lamp.

6. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

Trim Panel, Package Tray--Split Bench Rear Seat
1. Fold down both sides of rear seat back.

2. Remove rear seat back latch covers.

3. Remove four pushpins retaining package tray trim panel to package tray.


4. Disconnect rear hi-mount lamp. Slide package tray trim panel forward. Remove package tray trim panel.

5. To install, reverse Removal procedure.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Tony

Thanks Tony

Thanks for your quick response. This is a great forum. My Contour does not have the fold down rear seat, I don't think. It is a bifuel model, and has the CNG tank immediately behind the rear seat in the trunk. But everything else is the same. I have used the Ford Technical Maintenance website, maybe I should go ahead and buy the CD, or paper copy. I have to admit I need explicit instructions when it come to mechanical work. It's one of my hobbies and I like to get it right...on the first time if possible!
wildowl
 
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