Quick tailgate question

[dabber]

If my tailgate switch does not work, does that automatically mean that my defrost will not work?

[Wag Rookie]

Shouldnt the systems are run seperatly unles your whole electrical harness if you can call it that is broken apart

[dabber]

Wag Rookie,

I know the defrost and tailgate key switch are related but I need to know if I should be looking for a defrost problem AND a key switch problem, or if fixing the key switch will make the defrost work aswell.

[Terry Mc]

Dabber,

Does the inside window switch not work or does the outside window switch not work, or both?

IIRC the outside window switch and the defrost are on the same "always live" circuit. In which case, having a disconnect somewhere in the electrical system would cause both the window switch and the defrost to be non-operational. Check at the bottom of the tailgate where the wiring enters the body of the truck.

Good luck.

[Terry Mc]

ACK!

I just re-read. It is the keyed switch that is not working. The two (defrost and key switch) are on the same circuit. I seem to remember that the power seats and door locks are on the same circuit as well. My problem was in the power seat wiring under the passenger side rear carpeting.

[dabber]

Terry Mc,

My dash switch works, my key switch doesn't, my defrost switch doesn't. I tested the wires into the tailgate and the large orange is hot so the connections at tailgate entry seem fine. The orange into the defrost relay is hot so it's fine. Really the only thing I haven't done is removed the window assembly to get a look at the key switch...I can't get the screws out that hold the assembly on as they are too tight. I have recently re-soldered the defrost wires to the window, replaced the window channel and reinstalled the tailgate window with windshield adhesive. I am not looking forward to removing everything but will try it if all that is left is checking the little plastic switch on the key mechanism. Any suggestions?

[Terry Mc]

Dabber,

Sorry bub. I was lucky (relatively speaking) I *didn't* have power to the tailgate at all, so I knew the problem was somewhere else in the system.

Best,

Terry