2001 Accent rear defroster problem

Don't discount the alternator just yet. The electronic timer module
(ETACM) monitors system voltage. If it's too low, it won't turn on the
defogger because it presumes the car isn't running. I don't recall ever
seeing this issue, but it's a possibility.

--
Message posted using http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.hyundai/
More information at http://www.talkaboutautos.com/faq.html
 >> Stay informed about: 2001 Accent rear defroster problem 

hyundaitech wrote:
> Don't discount the alternator just yet. The electronic timer module
> (ETACM) monitors system voltage. If it's too low, it won't turn on the
> defogger because it presumes the car isn't running. I don't recall ever
> seeing this issue, but it's a possibility.

Thank you, HT and Mike. I downloaded the info on the defroster.
Unfortunately, it got cold and dark by the time I finished with
the oil change. I have ascertained:

1. the alternator seems to be putting out 13.5 volts +-

2. The defroster switch illuminates when the tail lights are
turned on.

3. There is a click from under the dashboard when the switch is
depressed, and a slightly different click when it is depressed again.

4. What I presume is an "on" indicator light built into the
switch does NOT illuminate.

I'll have to see if I can find the whole wiring diagram online
at work tomorrow, since I'm using Firefox on a Mac here. I'm
guessing the switch and defroster are OK, and the fault is in
whatever powers the defroster and the indicator light.

Sorry, I'm not usually this half-assed, but everything is going
to heck right now!

PB
 >> Stay informed about: 2001 Accent rear defroster problem 

We're probably safe to presume that the indicator is out for the same
reason the defogger isn't working. The click indicates that the relay
inside the timer is opening and closing (although not necessarily making
electrical contact).

Check first fuse #9 (20A, left side bottom of interior fuse box). It's
the most likely culprit. If okay, then you'll need to check the wiring
between the fuse and the timer or relay, and then whether there's power
coming out of the timer or relay.

Looking at the schematic, I see there are two different systems-- one with
a defogger timer with a built-in relay, and another with an ETACM with an
external relay. If my suspicions are correct, all U.S. models have the
ETACM.

--
Message posted using http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.hyundai/
More information at http://www.talkaboutautos.com/faq.html
 >> Stay informed about: 2001 Accent rear defroster problem 

hyundaitech wrote:

<snip>

> Looking at the schematic, I see there are two different systems-- one with
> a defogger timer with a built-in relay, and another with an ETACM with an
> external relay. If my suspicions are correct, all U.S. models have the
> ETACM.

Thanks. I'll see if I can get him to bring it back. I just
destroyed the distributor in my Nissan (waah!) so I'll be staying
home when I'm not at work

PB
 >> Stay informed about: 2001 Accent rear defroster problem