REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

My 2003 hilux has a rear window defogger switch on the dash. The switch lights up when I operate it, but I don't think my truck has a defog grid on the rear window. The window is clear with no lines running through it, and after leaving the switch on for 15 mins or so, the window is still cool to the touch (I checked it at night.) The truck has Toyota glass, and it is etched with the vehicle's license plate number, so I don't think it's been replaced. Should the defogger grid be visible?? Just wondering. I will never use this thing because if it ever got cold enough here to frost up the truck's windows, I think it would be the first time in recorded history.

- JAMES

 

I'm just guessing since you have a Hilux and Toyota has never sold a Tacoma with a window defogger... but if you don't have the defrost grid on the window it may just activate a heater coil in the door mirrors.

 

Did you buy it new? Any chance the glass had been replaced?

 

Since us american gringos aren't allowed to own any of the best vehicle's toyota has to offer there prolly wont be too much knowledge to go around in here for anything hilux unfortunately.
With that said i too would guess the rear glass dosent offer any defrost feature without those thin heating elements/wires visible in the glass...pretty strang it has a labled switch wired up for it though...

 

Hola -

I didn't know that it wasn't available on a Taco. Turns out that the rear defogger is part of the Hilux Hi Rider package

The truck was a one owner. I called the guy and he said it was never replaced, but that they had removed the heating grid when the window tint was installed.

Actually the Hilux and the Taco are very much alike. Only real difference is the Hilux front suspension, which is torsion bar ... not coil spring. Frame is boxed, and the truck is rated as 1-ton capacity. That's the minimum cap permitted for 4x4 pickups sold in Colombia. They should call it a "Rough Rider" ... not Hi Rider. The interior on mine is exactly the same as the one in my '98 Taco. The 2RZ-FE in my Hilux is exactly the same as the Tacoma's, but the Hilux ECM system is much less complex than the US version.

I've checked out a lot of forums, both Tacoma and Hilux. TW is light-years ahead of any of the others. You guys are the most knowledgeable about your trucks, and so willing to help. Thanks for the replies. Be safe.

- JAMES

 

You guys also have the honor of having Toyota trucks with Diesel engines. Toyota doesn't manufacture diesel vehicles in the United States.