C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

81 Defroster Switch

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 23, 2008 | 05:07 PM
  #1  
Ben Taylor's Avatar
Ben Taylor
Thread Starter
Pro
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
Default 81 Defroster Switch

The defroster switch on my 81 works, but turns itself off after about 2 minutes. When I turn it on again it only lasts about 30 seconds. I remember seeing something about replacing a resistor a few years ago, and was wondering if anyone has a schematic or any info on repairing the switch.
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2008 | 06:16 PM
  #2  
Ben Taylor's Avatar
Ben Taylor
Thread Starter
Pro
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
Default

http://iotech.no/corvette/projects/r...efogger-timing
I found this for 80, I know the switch was changed in 81, but does anyone know if the internals are the same?
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2008 | 07:06 PM
  #3  
Jon S's Avatar
Jon S
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Ben Taylor
The defroster switch on my 81 works, but turns itself off after about 2 minutes. When I turn it on again it only lasts about 30 seconds. I remember seeing something about replacing a resistor a few years ago, and was wondering if anyone has a schematic or any info on repairing the switch.

It's designed to shut off once the ice /snow (you use your vette in snow?) is melted. If you are just testing it with no snow/ice on window, then it should shut off within 2 minutes so as not to burn the heater wires in the glass. I think it is operating as designed.
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2008 | 07:20 PM
  #4  
thegazman's Avatar
thegazman
Drifting
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
Default thegazman

I think it gets cold where Ben lives. Ben...Aren't you up aorund Pollock Pines?
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2008 | 07:36 PM
  #5  
Ben Taylor's Avatar
Ben Taylor
Thread Starter
Pro
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
Default

Originally Posted by Jon S
It's designed to shut off once the ice /snow (you use your vette in snow?) is melted. If you are just testing it with no snow/ice on window, then it should shut off within 2 minutes so as not to burn the heater wires in the glass. I think it is operating as designed.
Right now I've been using the defroster when it's 50 degrees and the windows are fogged up. When I got the car I had no problems defrosting the windows, because it stayed on much longer than it does now. The defroster still does it's job, but I have to constantly flip the switch for it to work, and after about 20 times it won't turn on unless I leave it off for a while. As long as you know how to drive in the snow, the vette does pretty good.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2008 | 06:46 PM
  #6  
Sean82's Avatar
Sean82
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
Default

check your fuse. all 80-82 have the problem where the defrost draws too many amps. The fuse will melt in the fuse panel.
For some reason (I have yet to find out why) the fuse melts and does not blow out.
The switch may be the problem. They are discontinued and can not be purchased.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 81 Defroster Switch





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:04 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE