I have a 1987 240DL Sedan with 236,000 plus miles. My rear defroster is not working. The switch on the dashboard does not lite up nor does it stay in position? Has anyone had experience with this similiar problem?

Living in Northern New York State this is almost a neccessity.

Thanks for any advice!

Steve Goodman

1987 240DL 236,000 miles

1995 850GLT 47,000 miles

Steve --

My daughter had the same problem in her '86 245 (in Syracuse -- must be that NY chill). I resoldered the defroster timing relay, and it's been fine since.

Incidentally, the rocker switch is a momentary-contact type. When you push it, it activates the timer relay. The only way to shut it off (early) is to turn the ignition off and on again.

Where is the rear defroster relay. I've looked for it using Haynes but can't find it.

83 DL wagon b21a M46

249,000km

Ron --

I overlooked the obvious.... you have a wagon, and a "veteran" at that. If you're having trouble with the rear defroster (and maybe the license plate lights, or maybe the rear wiper) then you need to consider that the wiring harness going through the tailgate hinge (probably the right side) may be broken.

Is the right hinge starting to look worn? The hole egg-shaped?

I have (currently) three 245's in the family (2-'82s and an '86) and all 3 have needed to have the tailgate harnesses repaired or replaced.

Ron --

On the '86-'87 240's, the relay is (I think...) one of several hiding behind the center console side panel on the left side, up high, right near the ignition switch. There are several relays up in there, and I don't remember which one is which. My solution would be to resolder every relay in sight -- sooner or later, they'll all need it!

I noticed on your posting you have an '83. I think the '83 has a normal "click-on, click-off" rocker switch (not the momentary type). And to the best of my knowledge, no relay.

BTW, my old '83 GL has a B23F engine. 'Course, things may be different in Canada.....