Well after 16 Weeks of waiting my 2004 FX4, SC, Flareside finally showed up. It had been stuck in Kansas City because of the UAW Strike. I LOVE the truck... BUT!!!

I realized I missed something when I did my order with the dealer. I missed the fact that we accidentally omitted the Rear Defroster. I have the solid rear window... and the deluxe mirrors package.

So talking to the dealer today... I mentioned that I was a bit disappointed that I had missed that in the order process... and he commented that he would research the possibility of replacing that glass with a rear defrost rear window.

So here is my question:

Do you guys think that wire harness would already be in place near the rear window with necessary relays etc.? And if so... would the same button on the dash that turns on the mirror heaters work the rear defrost? Annnnddd for those with the rear deforst... where does the wiring hook to the glass (what position).

Just curious whether this is even remotely worth pursuing or should I live with no rear defrost (which by the way is the whole reason I chose the solid window). I also hate the thoughts of ripping into a brand new truck, replacing rear glass, seals etc.

Any info, assistance would be greatly appreciated... and I will get some pictures up ASAP! Ps... She is all Charcoal. Since you can't get a MONO-Tone FX4, SC, Flareside... you have to have the dark gray rocker panel... I figured I would be different and get a dark gray primary paint, now my truck is MONO-Tone!!!

 

RayoVac,
On my Lariat Supercrew, the rear defrost button ("R" with the defrost symbol) activates the rear defrost and the heated side mirrors together. There are two wires attached to the rear window: one at each lower corner.

Good luck,

 

Yeah, my button activates both mirrors and the rear window, I pulled my rear window out the day i got my truck and replaced it with a rear slider.

 

So what did you do with the solid glass with rear defrost??? And did you feel like the glass change was a big deal to do, any concerns with leaking etc.?

One other question... did it look like the wires that attach to the glass, would they be present in a truck without a defroster back there???

Thanks in advance...

Rayo

 

Well you're obviously going to have to pay for the new back window, number one. Number two, if you can change it out now, you can change it out any time. Only difference being that maybe now they won't charge you labor. You'll have to ask on that one.

But if they are going to charge you the whole kit and kaboodle, why don't you wait and see if you need the rear defroster, before you spend more money?

Plus, I never like anyone screwing with anything on my vehicle after it's been build, if it's not necessary.