The button (if like my 06 with auto HVAC) is the button to the right of the defrost button. It not only controls the rear window defrost, but also the heated mirrors. Refer to your owners manual if you have one and it should tell you the same thing.

 

Also, if it's anything like mine was, the console was replaced and was replaced with the wrong one. I found out on my own that the controller (switch box thing) was replaced with one of the wrong kind - and I had to buy a replacement with the defrost button on it. Not saying that's the case for you, but just what happened to me.

 

Thanks for the responses. I did check the owners manual which is clear in describing what the button for the rear defrost looks like but this button is not on my dash. The button next to the front defrost is for the heated mirrors and marked correctly and does not activate the rear defrost. The truck looks stock including the mirrors, but I guess if the control panel was replaced I wouldn't be able to tell since it's just a plug in unit. Strange. I guess I could always take a trip to a stealership to see what options there are.

Mike

 

If I can I will take a picture of mine and post it.

 

Here's a picture of mine. The lower right button that is on controls the rear window defrost as well as the heated mirrors.

 

As with Darcy's truck, the button on mine controls the rear window and the side view mirrors. Chek to see if that is the same for you. As I am aware, only dodge has seperate buttons for the side view and rear window defroster.

 

Darcy , thanks for the picture. The far right button on your truck is the defrost button that I don't have. In it's place I have the button for the mirror defrost. It's similar, but shows the mirror icon and definately only operates the mirrors. After some snow storms here recently this became very apparent when it thawed the mirrors quite nicely, but the rear window was fogged and iced and I had no idea how to turn it on. It's hard to believe a rear defrost window would have been installed on this truck with no way to turn it on. The other senerio is that heated mirrors were added after production, and the control panel switched, although the mirrors look stock.

 

Can you send us a picture of your dash controls?

 

Ok, here are the pictures. I didn't take one of the rear window, but believe me the defroster lines are there.

(Whew, talk about taking an up close picture of your dash to show you when it's time to clean! Time to get busy....)

 

Mike, it looks to me like the controller has been replaced with one that doesn't have the rear defrost. The previous owner(s) (it sounds like you bought it used) may have replaced it - but bought the wrong one. Either because they didn't pay attention or just didn't care as long as it got changed out.

I had the same thing happen when I bought mine. Same type of controller, but with the wrong accessories. I think the controller in mine got switched out with a controller meant for a truck with a liftgate/no rear defrost.

Good luck with your issue!

 

on my 2007 the rear window defrost and heated mirrors are the same switch

 

wrong AC controls

Just noticed that the stereo looks like one from a lower trim level like mine which usually means you would have the non digital controls. I have heard they will still plug in but that some functions will not work might be your problem

 

side mirror defrost?

I have the opposite problem with my '00 Silverado... there is a button for the rear defrost, but it doesn't defrost the side mirrors. They are supposed to be defrosting mirrors, (they have the defrost icon engraved on the mirrors), but there doesn't seem to be a button for it. Should the rear defrost button operate the mirror defrost as well?

 

I have the opposite problem with my '00 Silverado... there is a button for the rear defrost, but it doesn't defrost the side mirrors. They are supposed to be defrosting mirrors, (they have the defrost icon engraved on the mirrors), but there doesn't seem to be a button for it. Should the rear defrost button operate the mirror defrost as well?

That's the way it works on my 06, and my wifes 2001 Suburban (both controlled but the rear defrost button).

 

Well there is always the possibility that maybe that truck did not have the rear defogger harness to plug into, and they got a really good deal on a rear window for it and just put it in without actually hooking it up. I have never seen a setup like that either, that is so strange it's definately a new one on me! :gasp:

 

on my 2007 the rear window defrost and heated mirrors are the same switch

Same thing on my 02 Suburban. The rear defrost is on the same button as the heated mirrors even though it doesn't say that on the dash.

 

Did the fuse get checked??? Im gonna assume that the mirrors and the rear window are on separated fuses even if they are on the same switch!?!

 

Thats weird as the mirrors and rear are tied into eachother all the time, so i would get the VIN and talk to the dealership and see what was actually from the factory and maybe they can tell you if anything was ordered separate and dealer installed, like a rear defrosting window and for some reason now it isnt functioning