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1998 Mitsubishi Montero Rear Defogger Guide

The document provides detailed information about the rear window defogger system for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero, including its operation, component locations, and troubleshooting steps. It describes the defogger's heating filament grid, control mechanisms, and timer functions, as well as tests for diagnosing issues with the defogger relay, switch, and timer. Additionally, it includes instructions for grid filament repair and removal/installation procedures for the defogger switch across various Mitsubishi models.

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George Gamble
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14 views17 pages

1998 Mitsubishi Montero Rear Defogger Guide

The document provides detailed information about the rear window defogger system for the 1998 Mitsubishi Montero, including its operation, component locations, and troubleshooting steps. It describes the defogger's heating filament grid, control mechanisms, and timer functions, as well as tests for diagnosing issues with the defogger relay, switch, and timer. Additionally, it includes instructions for grid filament repair and removal/installation procedures for the defogger switch across various Mitsubishi models.

Uploaded by

George Gamble
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

DEFOGGER - REAR WINDOW

1998 Mitsubishi Montero

1998 ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT


Mitsubishi - Rear Window Defoggers

Diamante, Eclipse, Galant, Mirage, Montero, Montero Sport,


3000GT

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION


Rear window defogger is a heating filament grid bonded to
inside of window. Rear window defogger is controlled by defogger
switch on instrument panel and a defogger relay.
On Montero, a timer relay controls defogger operation for 9-
11 minutes, then turns defogger off. On Eclipse and Galant, defogger
timer circuit is integral with Electronic Timer Alarm Control System
(ETACS) ECU. Timer will operate defogger for 11 minutes then turn off,
even with defogger switch in ON position and indicator light
illuminated. On Diamante, timer will operate defogger for 20 minutes,
then turn off.

COMPONENT LOCATIONS
COMPONENT LOCATIONS TABLE

Component Location

A/C ECU
Diamante ......................... Behind Center Of Dash
Data Link Connector (DLC) ....... Under Left Side Of Dash,
Near Steering Column
Defogger Relay
Montero Sport ....................... Under Left Side Of
Glove Compartment
Except Montero Sport ................... On Relay Block,
Behind Left Side Of Dash
Defogger Timer
Diamante ......................... Integral With A/C ECU
Eclipse & Galant ............... Integral With ETACS-ECU
Montero ...................... Behind Left Side Of Dash,
Behind Speaker
ETACS-ECU ......................... Above Left Kick Panel,
On Junction Block


TROUBLE SHOOTING

* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *


NOTE: For additional trouble shooting information on Eclipse and
Galant, see SYMPTOM TESTS.

DEFOGGER DOES NOT WORK


Check for blown fuse, poor contact, defective defogger
switch, poor connection or open wire.

DEFOGGER TIMER INOPERATIVE


Check defogger switch or defogger timer. See COMPONENT TESTS.

INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT WORK


Check for burned out bulb, open circuit or poor connection.

INDICATOR LIGHT IS DIM


Check rheostat or indicator bulb.

SYMPTOM TESTS

INPUT SIGNAL INSPECTION


NOTE: The following information only applies to Eclipse and Galant.

NOTE: Perform input signal inspection before proceeding with


SYSTEM TESTS.

Eclipse & Galant


1) Input signal inspection can be performed using scan tool
or an analog voltmeter. To perform inspection using scan tool, go to
next step. To perform inspection using an analog voltmeter, go to step
3).
2) Turn ignition off. Connect scan tool to Data Link
Connector (DLC). Turn ignition on and then off. If buzzer on scan tool
sounds when ignition was turned on, ECU input signal is normal. If
buzzer did not sound, go to SYSTEM TESTS.
3) Turn ignition off. Connect DTC Check Harness (MB991529) to
DLC terminals No. 4 or 5 (ground) and terminal No. 9. See Fig. 1.
Connect voltmeter leads to check harness leads. Turn ignition switch
on, then off. If voltmeter deflects once when ignition was turned on,
ECU input signal is normal. If voltmeter did not deflect, go to
SYSTEM TESTS.

Fig. 1: Identifying Data Link Connector (DLC) Terminals


Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

SYSTEM TESTS
NOTE: The following information only applies to Eclipse and Galant.

NOTE: Perform INPUT SIGNAL INSPECTION before proceeding with


SYSTEM TESTS. To identify circuit connector terminals, see
WIRING DIAGRAMS.

Communication With All Systems Not Possible (Eclipse &


Galant)
1) Check voltage between ground and Data Link Connector (DLC)
terminal No. 16 (Red/Black wire on Eclipse or Brown/Red wire on
Galant). See Fig. 1. If battery voltage is present, go to step 3). If
battery voltage is not present, go to next step.
2) Check junction block connectors between DLC and power
supply. See WIRING DIAGRAMS. If connectors are okay, check circuit
between power supply and DLC. See WIRING DIAGRAMS. Repair as
necessary.
3) Check continuity between ground and DLC terminals No. 4
and 5. If continuity is present, replace scan tool and retest. If
continuity is not present, check circuit between ground and DLC. See
WIRING DIAGRAMS. Repair as necessary.

Communication With One-Shot Pulse Input Signal Only Is Not


Possible (Eclipse & Galant)
Check circuit between DLC and junction block No. 1. See
WIRING DIAGRAMS. Repair as necessary. If circuit is okay, check
harness connectors to ETACS-ECU, DLC and junction/joint connectors.
Repair as necessary. If connectors are okay, replace ECU.

Defogger Does Not Operate With Defogger Switch ON (Eclipse &


Galant)
1) Check defogger switch input signal. See
INPUT SIGNAL INSPECTION. If switch input signal is okay, check
defogger circuit and relay. See DEFOGGER RELAY TEST under COMPONENT
TESTS. Repair or replace as necessary. If switch input signal is not
okay, go to next step.
2) Check defogger switch. See DEFOGGER SWITCH TEST under
COMPONENT TESTS. Replace as necessary. If defogger switch is okay,
turn ignition on. Check voltage between ground and defogger switch
harness-side connector terminal No. 4 (Eclipse) or terminal No. 2
(Galant). See WIRING DIAGRAMS. If voltage reading is 5 volts (Eclipse)
or battery voltage (Galant), go to next step. If voltage reading is
not as specified, go to step 4).
3) Check joint/junction connectors between switch, instrument
panel cluster and ETACS-ECU. See WIRING DIAGRAMS. Repair as necessary.
If connectors are okay, check circuit between defogger switch and
ground. Repair as necessary. If circuit is okay, replace ECU.
4) Check harness connectors to ETACS-ECU and instrument panel
cluster. Repair as necessary. If connectors are okay, check circuit
between ECU and defogger switch. Repair as necessary.

Defogger Relay Circuit System Check (Eclipse & Galant)


1) Check defogger relay. See DEFOGGER RELAY TEST under
COMPONENT TESTS. Replace as necessary. If relay is okay, go to next
step.
2) Check voltage between ground and relay harness-side
connector terminals No. 3 and 5. See WIRING DIAGRAMS. If battery
voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not
present, go to step 4).
3) Check harness connectors to relay, ETACS-ECU, junction
block and rear wiring/liftgate. See WIRING DIAGRAMS. Repair as
necessary. If connectors are okay, check circuit between defogger
relay and rear defogger, defogger and ground, or defogger relay and
ECU. See WIRING DIAGRAMS. Repair as necessary. If circuits are okay,
replace ECU.
4) Check harness connectors to junction block and ignition
switch. Repair as necessary. If connectors are okay, check circuit
between ignition switch and junction block, and between fusible link
No. 2 and junction block. See WIRING DIAGRAMS. Repair as necessary.

COMPONENT TESTS

DEFOGGER RELAY TEST


Diamante & Eclipse
1) Remove defogger relay. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS. Ground
relay terminal No. 1, and apply battery voltage to terminal No. 3. See
Fig. 2. Check relay continuity using ohmmeter.
2) Continuity should exist between terminals No. 2 and 5.
With voltage disconnected, continuity should not exist between
terminals No. 2 and 5. Ensure continuity exists between terminals No.
1 and 3. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.

Galant, Mirage & Montero Sport


1) Remove defogger relay. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS. Ground
relay terminal No. 3, and apply battery voltage to terminal No. 1. See
Fig. 2. Check relay continuity using ohmmeter.
2) Continuity should exist between terminals No. 2 and 5.
With voltage disconnected, continuity should not exist between
terminals No. 2and 5. Ensure continuity exists between terminals No. 1
and 3. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.

Montero
1) Remove defogger relay. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS. Ground
relay terminal No. 3 and apply battery voltage to terminal No. 1. See
Fig. 3. Check relay continuity using ohmmeter.
2) Continuity should exist between terminals No. 4 and 5.
With voltage disconnected, continuity should not exist between
terminals No. 4and 5. Ensure continuity exists between terminals No. 1
and 3. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.

3000GT
1) Remove defogger relay. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS. Ground
relay terminal No. 3, and apply battery voltage to terminal No. 5. See
Fig. 4. Check relay continuity using ohmmeter.
2) Continuity should exist between terminals No. 1 and 2.
With voltage disconnected, continuity should not exist between
terminals No. 1and 2. Ensure continuity exists between terminals No. 3
and 5. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.

Fig. 2: Identifying Defogger Relay Terminals (Diamante, Eclipse,


Galant, Mirage & Montero Sport)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Fig. 3: Identifying Defogger Relay Terminals (Montero)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

Fig. 4: Identifying Defogger Relay Terminals (3000GT)


Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

DEFOGGER SWITCH TEST


NOTE: Remove window defogger switch and disconnect switch
connector for the following test.

Diamante
Rear window defogger is integral with and controlled by A/C
system ECU. To diagnose system, refer to AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
SERVICE & REPAIR article.

Eclipse
Turn defogger switch to OFF position. Using ohmmeter, check
switch continuity. Continuity should be present between terminals No.
1 and 3, and terminals No. 2 and 6. Turn defogger switch to ON
position. Continuity should be present between terminals No. 1, 3 and
4, and between terminals No. 2 and 6. See Fig. 5. If continuity is not
as specified, replace switch.

Galant
Turn defogger switch to OFF position. Using ohmmeter, check
switch continuity. Continuity should be present between terminals No.
1 and 3. Turn defogger switch to ON position. Continuity should exist
between terminals No. 2, 4 and 6, and between terminals No. 1 and 3.
See Fig. 5. If continuity is not as specified, replace switch.

Mirage
Turn defogger switch to OFF position. Using ohmmeter, check
switch continuity. Continuity should be present between terminals No.
1 and 3, and terminals No. 2 and 6. Turn defogger switch to ON
position. Continuity should exist between terminals No. 1 and 3, and
terminals No. 2, 4, 5 and 6. See Fig. 5. If continuity is not as
specified, replace switch.

Montero
Turn defogger switch to OFF position. Using ohmmeter, check
switch continuity. Continuity should be present between terminals No.
1 and 3, and terminals No. 4 and 5. Turn defogger switch to ON
position. Continuity should exist between terminals No. 1 and 3,
terminals No. 4 and 5, and between terminals No. 2 and 6. See Fig. 5.
If continuity is not as specified, replace switch.

Montero Sport
Turn defogger switch to OFF position. Using ohmmeter, check
switch continuity. Continuity should be present between terminals No.
1 and 5, and terminals No. 2 and 6. Turn defogger switch to ON
position. Continuity should be present between terminals No. 3 and 4,
terminals No. 1 and 5, and between terminals No. 2 and 6. See Fig. 5.
If continuity is not as specified, replace switch.

3000GT
1) Remove defogger switch assembly from instrument cluster
bezel. With defogger switch in OFF position, check switch continuity
using ohmmeter.
2) Continuity should exist between terminals No. 3 and 4.
With defogger switch in ON position, continuity should exist between
terminals No. 1 and 2, terminals No. 1 and 6, and between terminals
No. 3 and 4. See Fig. 6. If continuity is not as specified, replace
switch.

Fig. 5: Identifying Defogger Switch Terminals (Eclipse, Galant,


Mirage, Montero & Montero Sport)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Fig. 6: Identifying Defogger Switch Terminals (3000GT)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

DEFOGGER TIMER TEST


Montero
Remove defogger timer from interior relay block. Connect test
battery and test light to timer. See Fig. 7. Ensure test light
illuminates for about 11 seconds when battery voltage is applied to
terminal No. 3. Reapply battery voltage to terminal No. 3 and observe
test light. Test light should go off. If timer does not test as
specified, replace timer.

Fig. 7: Identifying Defogger Timer Terminals (Montero)


Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

GRID TEST
1) Start and run engine at 2000 RPM. Ensure battery is fully
charged. Turn defogger switch to ON position. Using a voltmeter, check
voltage at center section of each defogger grid filament.
2) If voltage is about 6 volts, grid filament is okay. If
voltage is about 12 volts, an open is present in negative circuit.
Move probe slowly toward negative terminal to determine location of
open circuit.
3) If voltage is zero volts, an open is present in positive
circuit. Move probe slowly toward positive terminal to determine
location of open circuit. Repair grid as necessary. See
GRID FILAMENT REPAIR under ON-VEHICLE SERVICE.

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE

GRID FILAMENT REPAIR


Clean broken wire tips thoroughly. Place masking tape along
both sides of broken wire. See Fig. 8. Apply Repair Paste (DuPont
4817) to broken section of grid. Remove masking tape after paste has
dried. Wait 24 hours before using defogger.

Fig. 8: Repairing Rear Defogger Grid Element

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

DEFOGGER SWITCH
Removal & Installation (Diamante)
Defogger switch is integral with A/C system ECU. To remove
A/C ECU, remove center console. Remove audio panel. Remove radio.
Remove A/C ECU. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Eclipse)


Remove upper stoppers from glove compartment. Drop down glove
compartment. From glove compartment opening, reach behind center air
outlet assembly and disconnect harness connectors to switches. Release
metal clips from center air outlet assembly. Remove center air outlet.
Remove defogger switch from center air outlet. To install, reverse
removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Galant)


At heater unit, remove center air outlet cool air by-pass
lever cable from damper lever. To remove center air outlet, push
springs at bottom of center air outlet upward. Outlet is located above
radio. Remove switch from center air outlet. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Turn cool air by-pass lever on outlet fully upward.
Pull air by-pass lever fully downward and install cool air by-pass
lever cable to damper lever.

Removal & Installation (Mirage)


Remove driver-side lower dash panel. Remove center console
assembly and foot distribution duct. Disconnect rear window defogger
switch harness connector. Remove switch. To install, reverse removal
procedure.

Removal & Installation (Montero)


Remove defogger switch by prying switch off instrument
cluster bezel. Disconnect wiring harness from defogger switch. Remove
switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Montero Sport)


Remove instrument cluster bezel. Bezel is held in by metal
clips. Disconnect wiring harness from defogger switch. Remove switch
from behind bezel. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (3000GT)


Remove knee protector. Remove steering column upper and lower
covers. Remove instrument cluster bezel. Disconnect wiring harness
from defogger switch. Remove defogger switch. To install, reverse
removal procedure.

WIRING DIAGRAMS
Fig. 9: Rear Window & Mirror Defogger System Wiring Diagram
(Diamante)
Fig. 10: Rear Window Defogger System Wiring Diagram (Eclipse)
Fig. 11: Rear Window Defogger System Wiring Diagram (Galant With
ETACS-ECU)
Fig. 12: Rear Window Defogger System Wiring Diagram (Galant Without
ETACS-ECU)
Fig. 13: Rear Window Defogger System Wiring Diagram (Mirage)
Fig. 14: Rear Window & Mirror Defogger System Wiring Diagram
(Montero)
Fig. 15: Rear Window Defogger System Wiring Diagram (Montero Sport)
Fig. 16: Rear Window & Mirror Defogger System Wiring Diagram (3000GT)

Common questions

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Defogger relay removal and installation processes differ significantly among Mitsubishi models, reflecting variations in vehicle design and engineering approaches. For instance, the Montero requires removing the relay from a specific under-dash location, whereas the Eclipse involves a more extensive disassembly like accessing through the glove compartment. Such differences suggest that design priorities may include ease of access for repair in some models versus more integrated or compact system designs in others. These variations require technicians to be familiar with model-specific designs to efficiently perform repairs and maintenance .

The ETACS-ECU in the Mitsubishi Galant plays a central role in managing and coordinating various electronic systems, including the rear window defogger. It integrates the defogger's timer circuit, ensuring the defogger operates for 11 minutes maximum before shutting off, regardless of the switch state. This setup emphasizes energy conservation and prevents the defogger from being left on indefinitely. The ETACS-ECU communicates with circuit components like the defogger relay and switch, receiving input signals, controlling timer operations, and ensuring safety conditions are met by automatically regulating electrical processes .

To diagnose a non-functional defogger relay in a Mitsubishi Montero Sport, follow a step-by-step testing procedure: First, physically inspect the relay location and remove it for testing. Ground relay terminal No. 3 and apply battery voltage to terminal No. 1. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity; it should exist between terminals No. 2 and 5. Without voltage, continuity between these terminals should not exist, confirming relay functionality. If continuity tests fail, replacement of the relay is necessary. This process ensures the relay is effectively allowing current to pass through and engage the defogger system .

The grid filament continuity test is an effective diagnostic tool for identifying specific issues within the rear window defogger system. By checking the voltage at the center of each defogger grid filament while the engine runs and the defogger is activated, technicians can deduce the health of grid filaments. A voltage around 6 volts indicates normal function, while a reading at 12 volts suggests an open in the negative circuit. Conversely, if the voltage is zero, an open in the positive circuit is indicated. This test guides repairs by pinpointing exact locations of failures along the grid filaments .

The systematic inspection processes for the Mitsubishi Galant significantly enhance troubleshooting effectiveness for defogger issues by ensuring a logical, step-by-step approach. This begins with input signal inspections using tools like scan tools or voltmeters to establish ECU communications. Following signal confirmations, system tests are conducted to assess overall defogger functionality. This systematic order reduces error likelihood, efficiently isolates failures, and directs corrective measures. Each phase builds on the previous, ultimately providing a comprehensive assessment of system integrity and identifying precise maintenance needs .

The relationship between defogger component locations in Mitsubishi vehicles and maintenance procedures is closely tied to ease and efficiency of repair access. Components like the ETACS-ECU or defogger relays are strategically positioned within different interior sections—such as under dashboards or near glove compartments—to facilitate troubleshooting and replacements without extensive disassembly. This designed accessibility influences maintenance procedures by reducing time and complexity, allowing more straightforward, less invasive diagnostic efforts, thus minimizing potential damage to surrounding vehicle systems .

The timer relay in the rear window defogger system functions differently across Mitsubishi models, affecting the user experience regarding convenience and energy efficiency. In the Mitsubishi Montero, the timer relay controls the defogger operation for 9-11 minutes before turning it off. The Eclipse and Galant models have the timer circuit integrated with the ETACS ECU, operating for 11 minutes despite the defogger switch position. The Diamante's timer functions for 20 minutes before shutting off. These differences mean longer or shorter defogging durations, which could impact the effectiveness during extremely foggy conditions or increase energy usage if unnecessarily long times are chosen .

Continuity testing is crucial for diagnosing rear window defogger switch issues in Mitsubishi vehicles, as it helps identify breaks or failures within the switch or associated circuitry. For the Mitsubishi Eclipse model, continuity is tested by using an ohmmeter to ensure electrical paths are complete when the switch is in both OFF and ON positions. For example, in the OFF position, continuity should exist between specific terminals (e.g., No. 1 and 3), while in the ON position, different continuity paths are expected (e.g., No. 1, 3, and 4). If continuity is outside expected parameters, it indicates a faulty switch, warranting replacement .

Using different wiring diagram types when troubleshooting rear window defogger issues across various Mitsubishi models is crucial for correctly identifying system architecture, component location, and circuit paths. Each model, such as the Diamante, Eclipse, or Galant, has unique system layouts and electronic configurations. Accurate diagrams guide technicians in tracing electrical flows and diagnosing faults specific to each model's defogger setup. Misinterpretation or applying incorrect diagrams could lead to improper repairs, inefficiencies, or even component damage, emphasizing the importance of model-specific documentation .

If the rear window defogger does not operate when the switch is turned on in a Mitsubishi Galant, potential causes could include a faulty defogger switch input signal, issues with the defogger circuit and relay, or problems with connectors and the ETACS-ECU. Diagnostic steps include first checking the defogger switch input signal. If it's correct, proceed to test the defogger circuit and relay and repair or replace as necessary. If the switch input signal is incorrect, further steps involve checking the defogger switch continuity and the electrical circuit between the switch and the ECU, repairing connectors as needed or replacing the ECU if required .

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