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

Switch next to the AC fan speed switch function?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 26, 2023 | 09:41 PM
  #1  
Opaco's Avatar
Opaco
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
Default Switch next to the AC fan speed switch function?

So I just bought a 79 vette 5 days ago and I’m new to it and messed with just about every button and switch on it but can’t find out what the switch does on the left of the AC fan speed switch it stays in the middle and can go up and down but automatically goes back to the middle and makes a slight tick sound near the e-break

if anyone knows what it does please let me know

-thank you
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2023 | 09:54 PM
  #2  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,385
Likes: 24,790
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Moved to C3 Tech.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2023 | 09:59 PM
  #3  
Mooser's Avatar
Mooser
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Default

Probably the rear window defroster switch by the sounds of it
M
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2023 | 10:00 PM
  #4  
Mooser's Avatar
Mooser
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Default

This one ?



https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-controls.html

M
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2023 | 11:59 PM
  #5  
Opaco's Avatar
Opaco
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 23
Likes: 2
Default Yes

Originally Posted by Mooser
I think that would be it what does it do tho?
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2023 | 01:58 AM
  #6  
Mooser's Avatar
Mooser
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Default

Rear window defroster. Check that link I posted
M
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2023 | 08:36 PM
  #7  
kkupec02's Avatar
kkupec02
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Photogenic
 
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 5,140
Likes: 208
From: Bristol, Connecticut
Default

welcome
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2023 | 11:54 PM
  #8  
C3Highway's Avatar
C3Highway
Racer
Supporting Lifetime
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 319
Likes: 125
From: Midwest
Default

A 1979 Corvette Owners Manual answers all such fundamental questions and it ony has a few errors in it. Below is some info not found in the manual that some may find interesting.

As previousy mentioned, it is your rear window defogger switch. RWD was actually an extra cost option in 1979 that never did become standard C3 equipment even though it was both safety related and quite popular.

Your rear window glass should have wire filiments running its length as the C3 RWD system was changed from a forced air type to an electrical unit starting in 1976.

The switch lever became self-centering in 1978 to work with the new idea of having a timer automatically turn the unit off after a period of time. That auto shut-off feature was important since the RWD places a considerable draw on the alternator, especially with the large rear window of the 1978-1982 C3. Some owners would activate the RWD and then forget it, not really concerned with the green light. It might run for hours when it was only needed for perhaps 10 minutes?! GM found a solution that didn't require anything from the owner.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 29, 2023 | 02:16 AM
  #9  
hunt4cleanair's Avatar
hunt4cleanair
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Default

Originally Posted by C3Highway
GM found a solution that didn't require anything from the owner.
By any chance, does your 79 have the 70 amp alternator?
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2023 | 08:35 PM
  #10  
C3Highway's Avatar
C3Highway
Racer
Supporting Lifetime
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 319
Likes: 125
From: Midwest
Default

No, I have a 63-amp Delco-Remy alternator, 1102908, 1 Jun 1979.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Switch next to the AC fan speed switch function?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:06 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE